Welcome to brutserp.com.ng, where we explore the journeys of Africa’s most inspiring sports icons. Today, we shine the spotlight on Victor Osimhen, a dynamic Nigerian striker whose meteoric rise from the bustling streets of Lagos to the grand stages of European football has captivated fans worldwide. Renowned for his explosive pace, raw power, and clinical finishing, Osimhen’s record-breaking feats on the pitch, from his early days at Wolfsburg and Charleroi to his transformative impact at Napoli, embody the spirit of determination and excellence. Join us as we delve into the story of a footballer who not only sets new benchmarks in Serie A but also carries the hopes and pride of Nigeria on his shoulders.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Full Name | Victor James Osimhen |
Date of Birth | 29 December 1998 |
Place of Birth | Lagos State, Nigeria |
Height | 1.85 m (6’1″) |
Position | Striker |
Current Club | Galatasaray (on loan from Napoli) |
Club Number | 45 |
Youth Academy | Ultimate Strikers Academy |
National Team | Nigeria |
Profile:
Victor James Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Galatasaray on loan from Napoli and represents the Nigeria national team. Renowned for his explosive pace, physical strength, and clinical finishing, he has quickly risen to prominence in European football.
Wikipedia, Age, Early Life and Background
Victor Osimhen grew up in Lagos as the youngest of six siblings. He was born on 29 December 1998, which makes him 26 years old. His parents, hailing from Edo State and of Esan heritage, raised him with a blend of traditional Nigerian values and modern ambitions. He identifies with the Yoruba culture and grew up in the Olusosun area of Lagos. From a young age, Osimhen idolized football legends like Didier Drogba, which inspired his passion for the game.
Origin and Heritage (Tribe):
- State of Origin: Born in Lagos State, Nigeria.
- Tribe: Although his parents are from Edo State and belong to the Esan ethnic group, Osimhen identifies with the Yoruba culture.
Club Career
Early Steps in Europe: Wolfsburg and Charleroi
Osimhen began his senior career at VfL Wolfsburg in January 2017 after impressing at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He made his Bundesliga debut in May 2017 and featured in key relegation matches. Despite limited playing time and a shoulder injury that led to surgery, he gained valuable experience. In August 2018, he joined Belgian side Charleroi on a season-long loan. There, he rediscovered his form by scoring his first professional goal with a clever backheel, eventually tallying 20 goals in 36 appearances. His strong performance led Charleroi to secure his permanent transfer.
Victor Osimhen Breakthrough in France with Lille
Lille signed Osimhen on 1 August 2019 on a five-year deal, with a transfer fee of around €12 million plus bonuses. He made an immediate impact by scoring a brace on his Ligue 1 debut against Nantes and repeated the feat against Saint-Étienne. His pace and finishing ability earned him the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award for September 2019. Osimhen finished his sole season at Lille as the club’s top scorer, netting 13 goals in 25 league matches and 18 in all competitions.
Record-Breaking Move to Napoli
In 2020, Napoli acquired Osimhen for a club-record fee of approximately €70–80 million, making him the most expensive African transfer at the time. He quickly became a key figure at Napoli. He scored his first goal in October 2020 and, after overcoming injuries and a brief COVID-19 setback, he helped Napoli secure crucial victories.
During the 2022–23 season, Osimhen scored his first Champions League goal against Ajax, recorded his first Serie A hat-trick against Sassuolo, and broke records by becoming Nigeria’s highest Serie A scorer. He led the league with 26 goals and helped Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. His performances earned him the Capocannoniere award, Best Striker, and Serie A Footballer of the Year honors.
Recent Chapter: Loan to Galatasaray
Rumors of transfers to Chelsea and Al-Ahli circulated in 2024, but those moves fell through. Napoli later excluded him from the squad, prompting a loan move to Galatasaray on 3–4 September 2024. Osimhen quickly made his mark by scoring a brace in a 3–3 draw with Kasımpaşa and later contributed with goals in Europa League matches against Tottenham.
International Career
Osimhen burst onto the international scene with Nigeria’s youth teams. He won the Golden Boot at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup by scoring 10 goals in 7 games, a feat that propelled Nigeria to the title and earned him the CAF Youth Player of the Year award. He made his senior debut in June 2017 and has since become a crucial part of the Super Eagles. He played in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and 2023, helping the team reach the final in 2023. Osimhen now stands as the joint-second all-time highest goalscorer for Nigeria.
Style of Play
Osimhen plays with explosive pace, strength, and technical finesse. He makes direct runs into space and uses his aerial prowess to challenge defenders. He holds up the ball effectively, links up play well, and displays composure in front of goal. His relentless work rate also drives his team’s defensive pressing, making him a complete forward.
Personal Life: (Religion, Girlfriend & child)
- Relationship Status: Osimhen remains single and has not publicly confirmed a wife or steady girlfriend.
- Child: In October 2022, he announced the birth of his first child, a daughter named Haly.
- Religion: He is a devout Christian and often speaks about the influence his faith has on his life and career.
Achievements and Honors
- Club Honors:
- Serie A Champion with Napoli (2022–23)
- International Honors:
- FIFA U-17 World Cup Winner (2015) with Nigeria
- Individual Awards:
- Golden Boot at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup
- Serie A Top Scorer (26 goals in 2022–23)
- CAF African Footballer of the Year (2023)
- Named in the top ten at the 2023 Ballon d’Or
Career Stats:
- Club Career: Osimhen has made over 100 appearances for Napoli, scoring more than 65 goals. He also enjoyed a productive loan spell at Charleroi in Belgium and a standout season with Lille in Ligue 1 before his high-profile move to Italy.
- International: He has earned close to 40 caps for Nigeria and scored over 20 goals, making him one of the key forwards for the Super Eagles. He is the joint-second highest goalscorer in the national team’s history.
Financials: Salary & Net worth
- Salary: At Napoli, his earnings were reported at approximately $2.46 million per year (around $47,361 per week). His current salary while on loan at Galatasaray is in a similar range.
- Net Worth: Estimates place his net worth between $4 million and $7 million, largely accumulated from his high-profile contracts, bonuses, and endorsements.
Social Media: Instagram
Victor Osimhen stays connected with his fans via Instagram. His official account, @Victorosimhen9, has over 800K followers, where he shares insights from his career and personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Victor Osimhen
Q1: Who is Victor Osimhen?
A: Victor James Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Galatasaray (on loan from Napoli) and represents the Nigeria national team.
Q2: How old is Victor Osimhen?
A: He was born on 29 December 1998, making him 26 years old.
Q3: What position does he play and what are his key attributes?
A: Osimhen plays as a striker. He is known for his explosive pace, physical strength, clinical finishing, and excellent aerial ability.
Q4: What are some of his career statistics?
A: At Napoli, Osimhen has made over 100 appearances and scored more than 65 goals. Internationally, he has earned close to 40 caps for Nigeria with over 20 goals, making him one of the Super Eagles’ top forwards.
Q5: Does Victor Osimhen have a wife or a girlfriend?
A: He is currently single and has not publicly confirmed a steady girlfriend or wife.
Q6: Does he have any children?
A: Yes, Osimhen announced the birth of his first child, a daughter named Haly, in October 2022.
Q7: What is his religious affiliation?
A: Victor Osimhen is a devout Christian.
Q8: What is his state of origin and ethnic background?
A: He was born in Lagos State, Nigeria. While his parents are from Edo State and belong to the Esan ethnic group, Osimhen identifies with the Yoruba culture.
Q9: What is his nationality?
A: He is Nigerian.
Q10: What are his reported salary and net worth?
A: At Napoli, he reportedly earns around $2.46 million per year (approximately $47,361 per week). His net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $7 million.
Q11: How can fans follow Victor Osimhen on social media?
A: Fans can follow him on Instagram at @Victorosimhen9, where he shares updates on his career and personal life.
Q12: Who is Victor Osimhen wife?
A.He is currently single
Conclusion
Victor Osimhen’s journey is a testament to the power of talent, resilience, and unwavering ambition. His evolution from a promising young talent in Lagos to a record-breaking striker in European football inspires millions, reaffirming that hard work and passion can transcend boundaries. As Osimhen continues to break records and redefine what it means to be a world-class forward, his story remains a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across Nigeria and beyond. Stay tuned to brutserp.com.ng for more insights into the lives of Africa’s sporting legends and the relentless drive that propels them to greatness.