Victor Osimhen Makes History as Turkey’s Footballer of the Year

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been named Footballer of the Year at the 72nd Annual Milliyet Sports Awards, one of Turkey’s most prestigious sporting honours.

The award celebrates Osimhen’s key role in Galatasaray’s historic domestic double last season. The 27-year-old forward scored 37 goals and provided seven assists, helping the club dominate both the Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup.

Held on Thursday night, the 72nd AXA Sigorta Milliyet Sports Awards, often described as the “Oscars of sports” in Turkey, marked Osimhen as the first Nigerian to receive the accolade. He also became only the fifth foreign player to win the award, joining former recipients Alex de Souza, Fernando Muslera, Enner Valencia, and Mauro Icardi.

Since joining Galatasaray permanently from Napoli, Osimhen has transformed the club’s attack and quickly become a fan favourite in Istanbul. Overall, he scored 56 goals and provided 12 assists in 70 appearances.

Osimhen Receives Award via Teammate While Recovering

Due to his recovering from arm surgery, Uğurcan Çakır received the award on his behalf and praised his teammate’s qualities.

“Osimhen is a valuable footballer, a good person. Next year, I’ll try to win this award myself,” Çakır said.

Osimhen, through a video message played at the ceremony, expressed his gratitude. “Thank you for the award. Using this opportunity, I would like to thank my club Galatasaray, my fans, my teammates, my president, and my coach. I hope to return soon. Thank you.”

Last season, he also earned both the Süper Lig Player of the Season and Galatasaray’s Player of the Season awards. His bicycle kick against Antalyaspor was voted Goal of the Season.

Additionally, Osimhen became the fastest player in Galatasaray history to reach 50 goals, achieving the milestone in just 59 appearances. He also became the first Nigerian to score ten career goals in the UEFA Champions League.