Victor Osimhen biography

Victor Osimhen biography. African footballers. Victor Osimhen, born December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, has risen to global prominence as one of the most talented footballers of his generation. From his humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming a key player in European football, Osimhen’s journey reflects hard work, resilience, and unmatched talent.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Growing up in the Olusosun area of Lagos, Osimhen developed his passion for football by playing in the streets. His talent was evident from a young age, and he joined the Ultimate Strikers Academy, where his abilities began to flourish.

In 2015, Osimhen made a global impact by finishing as the top scorer in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he scored 10 goals to help Nigeria win the tournament. His stellar performance earned him the Golden Boot and opened doors to a professional career.
Read also: Victor Osimhen Dismisses January Transfer Rumors, Committed to Galatasaray This Season

Professional Breakthrough

In 2017, Osimhen signed with German club VfL Wolfsburg but struggled with injuries and limited playing time. A loan move to Belgian side Charleroi in 2018 revitalized his career, with 20 goals in 36 appearances. This success earned him a move to Lille OSC in 2019, where he scored 18 goals in his debut season, solidifying his reputation.

In 2020, Osimhen joined Napoli in a record €70 million transfer, becoming one of the most expensive African players ever. Over three seasons, he became a fan favorite, scoring crucial goals and helping Napoli secure their first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022–23 season.

Loan to Galatasaray

In the summer of 2024, Osimhen’s future at Napoli was uncertain. Speculation linked him to clubs such as Al-Ahli, Chelsea, and PSG. A potential move to Al-Ahli fell through when Napoli changed their asking price, and Chelsea’s negotiations also collapsed due to contract disagreements.

On August 31, 2024, Osimhen was excluded from Napoli’s Serie A squad for the season, and his number was reassigned to new signing Romelu Lukaku. Days later, Turkish club Galatasaray initiated talks, completing a loan deal for the Nigerian striker on September 4, 2024.

Osimhen made an immediate impact at Galatasaray, scoring twice in a thrilling 3–3 league match against Kasımpaşa. He also shone in the Europa League, netting a first-half brace in a 3–2 victory over Tottenham. Despite an injury during his league debut, Osimhen’s contributions have been crucial for the Turkish club.
Read more: Victor Osimhen agrees to surprise Galatasaray loan deal

International Career

Victor Osimhen’s career has been defined by key moments, starting with his success in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball after scoring 10 goals in 7 matches. His form earned him the CAF Youth Player of the Year award that year.

He made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2017, but it was in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that he helped the Super Eagles to a third-place finish. Although he missed the 2021 AFCON due to COVID-19, Osimhen’s career continued to rise, scoring two hat-tricks during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers and finishing as the top scorer.

In December 2023, he was part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, scoring in their opening match against Equatorial Guinea.

Family

Before he was born, his parents reloacted to Lagos and hil ein lagos they faced economic hardships to the extent that Victor’s elder brother Andrew quit going to school so he could be a newspaper vendor.

As a child, Victor Osimhen would hawk sachet water and other things he could sell in traffic under the scorching sun to help supplement his mother’s meagre income.

The star attended Olusosun Primary School where his passion started by him playing with other boys in the local team matches in a nearby field. He says his elder brother played an important role in cementing his passions for football.

He used to visit the public viewing centre to watch his favourite teams pay. His love for the game grew form the support he would get from his parents and his siblings which made him have a great desire to become a footballer.

Net-worth

As of 2024, Victor Osimhen’s estimated net worth is approximately €9 million to €10 million. This wealth comes from his lucrative football contracts, including his time at Napoli and his recent loan move to Galatasaray. Additionally, Osimhen benefits from endorsements and smart investments, particularly in real estate in both Italy and Nigeria. This figure positions Osimhen as one of the wealthiest Nigerian footballers, driven by his success on the pitch and strategic financial ventures off it.