Is Victor Osimhen injured? Everything to know about Galatasaray and Super Eagles star.
Profile Summary
- Full Name: Victor James Osimhen
- Date of Birth: December 29, 1998
- Age:Â 26 years old
- Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position: Striker
- Current Team: Galatasaray (on loan from Napoli)
- Jersey Number: 45
- National Team: Nigeria
- Preferred Foot: Right
- Market Value: €100 million+
- Net Worth: $25 million
- Salary: €115,000 weekly after tax at Galatasaray
- Girlfriend: Stefanie Kim Ladewig
- Instagram: @victorosimhen9
- Twitter: @victorosimhen9
Early Life
Victor James Osimhen was born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, as the youngest of six children. His family hails from Edo State, and they belong to the Esan ethnic group. Osimhen had a humble upbringing in the Olusosun area of Lagos, known for its large landfill, where he sold sachets of water to help support his family. His football idol growing up was the legendary Ivorian striker, Didier Drogba, whose playing style greatly influenced Osimhen’s development.
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Youth Career and Ultimate Strikers Academy
Victor Osimhen’s football journey began in Lagos at the Ultimate Strikers Academy, where his talent was quickly recognized. His breakthrough came during the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals in seven matches, leading Nigeria to victory. This performance earned him international recognition and interest from European clubs.
Victor Osimhen’s Club Career
VfL Wolfsburg (2017–2018)
In January 2017, Osimhen moved to VfL Wolfsburg in Germany, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal. He made his debut on May 13, 2017, as a substitute in a 1–1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, his time at Wolfsburg was marred by injuries and inconsistency. After a season where he failed to score in 16 appearances, he sought new opportunities.
Loan to Charleroi (2018–2019)
In August 2018, Osimhen joined Charleroi in Belgium on loan. His fortunes quickly changed, as he found the net regularly, scoring 20 goals in 36 matches. Charleroi was impressed with his performance and exercised the option to buy him at the end of the season.
Lille (2019–2020)
Osimhen’s move to Lille in 2019 marked his true arrival on the European football stage. In his debut season in Ligue 1, he scored 18 goals in all competitions, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. He earned the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé award for the best African player in Ligue 1 in 2020.
Napoli (2020–2024)
In July 2020, Osimhen made a record-breaking transfer to Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million, making him the most expensive African player at the time. His time at Napoli was initially challenging due to injuries, including a shoulder injury and a fractured skull during a match against Inter Milan in November 2021.
Despite these setbacks, Osimhen had a phenomenal 2022-23 season, finishing as Serie A’s top scorer with 26 goals, helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years. He became the highest-scoring African player in Serie A history, breaking Samuel Eto’o’s record.
Loan to Galatasaray (2024–2025)
In the summer of 2024, after a turbulent period at Napoli, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan. Despite interest from Al-Ahli and Chelsea, both moves fell through, and Galatasaray secured his services for the season. His loan move to the Turkish giants provides an opportunity for Osimhen to continue his career while speculation about his future continues.
International Career
Victor Osimhen’s international journey began in 2015 when he led Nigeria’s U-17 team to victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot with 10 goals. He made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2017 in a 2–0 loss to South Africa. He was excluded from the 2018 World Cup squad due to injury but returned to the national team stronger.
Osimhen has since represented Nigeria at the 2019 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He is currently Nigeria’s third-highest all-time goalscorer, a testament to his consistency on the international stage.
Playing Style
Victor Osimhen is a complete striker known for his:
- Pace: Osimhen’s speed allows him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
- Strength: His physicality makes him a formidable presence in the box.
- Finishing: Whether with his head or feet, Osimhen is a clinical goalscorer.
- Work rate: He is relentless in pressing defenders and often tracks back to support the midfield.
- Aerial Ability: Standing at 6’1″, he excels in winning aerial duels, making him a significant threat during set-pieces.
Victor Osimhen’s Net Worth and Salary
As of 2024, Victor Osimhen’s net worth is estimated at around $25 million, primarily accumulated through football contracts and endorsements. His annual salary at Napoli was approximately €7 million, and his market value continues to rise, with a release clause of €130 million inserted into his latest Napoli contract.
Victor Osimhen’s Girlfriend and Personal Life
Victor Osimhen prefers to keep his personal life private, he is not married and one and only girlfriend is Stefanie Kim Ladewig. Despite being one of the most sought-after footballers in the world, Osimhen remains grounded, focusing primarily on his football career and his family.
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Victor Osimhen’s Injuries
Throughout his career, Osimhen has faced several injuries, including:
- Shoulder injury during the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Fractured skull and eye socket in November 2021 during a match against Inter Milan, which required surgery and forced him to wear a protective mask.
- Hamstring injury in 2023, which sidelined him for several weeks.
FAQs About Victor Osimhen
1. What is Victor Osimhen’s salary at Napoli?
Victor Osimhen earns approximately €7 million per year at Napoli and €115,000 weekly after tax at Galatasaray.
2. Which club does Victor Osimhen play for?
As of 2024, Victor Osimhen is on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli.
3. How many goals did Osimhen score in the 2022–23 Serie A season?
Victor Osimhen scored 26 goals in the 2022–23 Serie A season, making him the league’s top scorer.
4. What is Victor Osimhen’s net worth?
Victor Osimhen’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million.
5. Has Victor Osimhen won any individual awards?
Yes, Osimhen has won numerous individual awards, including the Serie A Best Striker award and African Footballer of the Year.
6. How tall is Victor Osimhen?
Victor Osimhen is 1.85 meters (6 ft 1 in) tall.
7. Is Victor Osimhen married?
No, Victor Osimhen is not married.
8. What is Victor Osimhen’s market value?
Victor Osimhen’s current market value exceeds €100 million.
9. What was Victor Osimhen’s first professional club?
Victor Osimhen’s first professional club was VfL Wolfsburg in Germany.
10. What number does Victor Osimhen wear at Galatasaray?
At Galatasaray, Victor Osimhen wears the number 45 jersey.
Conclusion
Victor Osimhen’s rise from humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming one of the most feared strikers in world football is nothing short of remarkable. His journey has been filled with challenges, including serious injuries, but his resilience, work ethic, and talent have seen him emerge as one of the best African players of his generation. With a bright future ahead, Osimhen continues to inspire fans worldwide both on and off the pitch.
