Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian international striker, has been honoured as the 2026 Milliyet Footballer of the Year in Turkey, capping a remarkable chapter in a season that saw him dominate goalscoring charts and shatter records both domestically and in European competition. The award, presented at the 72nd AXA Sigorta Milliyet Sports Awards—widely regarded as one of Turkish sport’s most prestigious accolades—recognises the forward’s outstanding contributions to his club and his status as one of the world’s premier football talents.
The ceremony, often referred to in Turkey as the “Oscars of Sport,” took place on Thursday night. Osimhen was unable to attend in person due to ongoing recovery from a recent arm injury, but his presence was felt through a heartfelt video message in which he thanked his club, supporters and teammates for their unwavering support throughout a demanding campaign.
At the event, Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır accepted the award on Osimhen’s behalf, highlighting both the esteem in which the striker is held by his peers and the deep respect he has earned within Turkish football.
Osimhen’s 2025 season with Galatasaray was nothing short of exceptional. Since joining the Istanbul giants on a permanent transfer after a loan spell, the 27‑year‑old has become the focal point of the club’s attack, thrilling fans with his pace, power and clinical finishing. During the 2024–25 season, he played a pivotal role in guiding Galatasaray to a domestic double, helping the team secure both the Turkish Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup. In that campaign, he scored 37 goals and provided seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, earning him the Süper Lig Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer and setting a new record for most goals by a foreign player in a single season in Turkey.
His influence has extended into the 2025–26 season as well. By early 2026, Osimhen had already reached double figures in goals, despite managing his workload carefully while returning from injury. He also continued to leave his mark on the continental stage, becoming the fastest player in Galatasaray history to reach 50 club goals, achieving the milestone in just 59 appearances. Additionally, he became the first Nigerian to score 10 career goals in the UEFA Champions League, highlighting his consistent effectiveness at the highest level of European competition.
The Milliyet honour places Osimhen in elite company: he becomes only the fifth non‑Turkish player to ever receive the Footballer of the Year award in the competition’s long history, a testament to his impact in Turkish football and his standing among elite international professionals.
Osimhen’s journey to this moment has been marked by a series of career milestones. He began his European career at VfL Wolfsburg before moving to Charleroi, where his performances earned him a transfer to Lille in France. A standout season there led to a big‑money move to Napoli in Italy, where he enjoyed remarkable success, including winning the Serie A title and becoming one of the league’s leading scorers. His prolific scoring in Serie A also made him the highest‑scoring African player in the league’s history.
Off the pitch, Osimhen’s influence continues to grow. He has become a symbol of Nigerian football excellence, admired for both his athletic prowess and his work ethic. Fans from Nigeria, Turkey and around the world took to social media to celebrate his latest accolade, praising not only his statistical achievements but also his leadership and resilience in overcoming challenges, including injury setbacks during the season.
Osimhen’s excellence is also evident on the international stage with the Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles. He delivered key performances during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, including Man‑of‑the‑Match displays as Nigeria advanced deep into the tournament. His contributions helped solidify his reputation as a leader and a talisman for his country’s ambitions in major competitions.
While Nigeria narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—an outcome that was deeply disappointing for both Osimhen and the nation—the striker’s individual form remained a beacon of pride for Nigerian supporters around the world. His continued excellence at club level underscores his enduring value to the Super Eagles going forward.
Earlier in his career, Osimhen also received recognition as Sportsman of the Year at the 2025 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards, further solidifying his profile as one of the most influential athletes in Turkish sport.
Analysts and pundits have lauded Osimhen’s achievement as Milliyet Footballer of the Year as more than just a personal milestone. They see it as a landmark moment for African players in European leagues, particularly in Turkey, where Osimhen’s consistent performance has raised the profile of the Süper Lig internationally. Observers note that his combination of goalscoring, athleticism and leadership have helped galvanise his club’s ambitions and inspired a generation of young African players dreaming of success on the global stage.
As Osimhen continues his recovery and prepares for the remainder of the season, expectations remain high. Supporters at Galatasaray and with the Super Eagles will be hoping that his return to full fitness brings further decisive goals and leadership on the pitch, while clubs in Europe’s top leagues may once again monitor his progress with interest.
Victor Osimhen’s recognition as the Milliyet Footballer of the Year is a celebration of his extraordinary talent and impact, and a milestone that reflects both his achievements and his growing legacy in world football.
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