Victor Osimhen’s journey is one of relentless determination and undeniable talent. His rise was no stroke of luck—those who followed his early career saw greatness in the making.
At just 16, he announced himself on the world stage by firing Nigeria to victory at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup. His astonishing tally of 10 goals in seven matches earned him the Golden Boot and Silver Ball, cementing his status as a generational talent.
Months later, he was named CAF Youth Player of the Year—an accolade that felt less like a reward and more like a prophecy. It wasn’t just recognition; it was the first step on the path to one day claiming Africa’s ultimate individual honour—the CAF Footballer of the Year award.
In December 2023, Victor Osimhen etched his name in African football history, beating Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi to claim the continent’s top individual honour.
This accolade was the culmination of a breathtaking season with Napoli, where his goals powered the club to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Beyond lifting the Scudetto, Osimhen shattered records, becoming the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot with 26 goals and securing an impressive eighth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Yet, the road from his U17 World Cup heroics to his crowning moment in Naples was far from smooth—marked by hurdles that tested his resilience at every turn.
Osimhen club career
After his U17 triumph, Osimhen’s dream move to Wolfsburg seemed like the perfect launchpad for his career. However, the leap to top-flight football proved daunting for the young striker, as injuries and limited opportunities stalled his progress. A loan spell at Belgium’s Royal Charleroi Sporting Club became the turning point he desperately needed.
Seizing the opportunity, he rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 19 goals across all competitions—an impressive resurgence that earned him a €15 million transfer to Lille and set him firmly back on the path to stardom.
Osimhen’s lone season in France was nothing short of spectacular. His 18-goal haul for Lille not only cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young strikers but also caught the attention of Napoli, who secured his services for a club-record €70 million.
Over the next four years, he endeared himself to the Partenopei faithful, delivering consistent goal-scoring performances and firmly establishing himself as one of the most formidable forwards in Serie A.
Now, as his journey in Italy comes to an end, the former Wolfsburg striker embarks on a new challenge with reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray. On loan and eager to make an impact, he continues to add to his remarkable story, determined to leave his mark on yet another European league.
While he has swiftly endeared himself to the fans in Istanbul, Galatasaray is widely seen as a temporary stop. Many expect that by the 2025/26 season, he will be back competing in one of Europe’s elite leagues, continuing his ascent on the grand stage.
Victor Osimhen background
Victor Osimhen was born in Lagos as the youngest of six siblings, growing up with two brothers and four sisters. His father, Patrick Osimhen, was a devout man of faith, while his mother, Christiana Osimhen, shared her name with his deep-rooted Christian upbringing.
Both of Osimhen’s parents have passed away. His mother tragically died when he was still a child, while his father lived long enough to witness his rise to professional football before passing away in 2020.
Osimhen hails from a modest background, where his eldest brother, Andrew, sold newspapers by the roadside to support the family. His sister, Blessing, was a petty trader who used her limited earnings to buy him jerseys and boots, nurturing his football dreams.
When Napoli clinched the Serie A title, Osimhen ensured his family was part of the celebration, flying some of his relatives to the club’s coronation to share in the historic moment.
Victor Osimhen state of origin
Victor Osimhen’s roots trace back to Esan Local Government Area in Edo State, but he was born and raised in Lagos, specifically in Olusosun. This area, known for housing one of Africa’s largest dumpsites spanning nearly 100 acres, shaped much of his early life.
The landfill is reported to receive up to 10,000 tons of waste daily, yet it serves as home to around 500 households. Many of its residents make a living by working at the dumpsite, scavenging for scraps to sell.
This is the very community where Osimhen first laced up his boots and began his football journey. He later joined the Ultimate Strikers Academy, where his raw talent was refined, ultimately catching the eye of Nigeria’s U17 national team coaches.
How old is Victor Osimhen?
Victor Osimhen is currently 26 years old. He was born on December 19, 1998.
What is Victor Osimhen religion?
Victor Osimhen was raised in a Christian household and remains a devout believer. While he didn’t follow his father’s path to becoming a man of God, the striker actively practises his faith. Whenever he returns to Nigeria, he makes time for church services and was even seen attending a New Year crossover service in Lagos last December.
He has also previously confessed to praying and listening to gospel music as part of his pre-match ritual, saying: “I have a few [pre-match rituals]. Before each game, immediately we get to the hotel, I first of all say my prayers, which is important because I’m really big on God. Say my prayers and listen to some kind of motivational songs.”
Osimhen is also fond of referencing God in his public speeches and recently revealed that he had to “put everything in God's hands” when he received a mouthwatering offer from a Saudi Pro League club some months ago before turning it down.
