Victor Osimhen Biography: Victor James Osimhen born 29 December 1998 is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team. Widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, he is known for his exceptional pace, physical strength, and athleticism.
Victor Osimhen Biography
Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the top centre-forwards and footballers in European football. He is often compared to fellow young stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. Opta Analyst remarked that among players in their early prime, Osimhen ranks near the very top. Napoli’s coach Luciano Spalletti praised him as “such a great striker” and described him as “the complete package.”
Victor Osimhen Biography 2025 Details
| Full name | Victor James Osimhen | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 29 December 1998 | ||
| Place of birth | Lagos State, Nigeria | ||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Striker | ||
|
Current team
|
Napoli | ||
| Category | Football Biographies | ||
See More:
Victor Osimhen Famous Roles
In December 2022, Francesco Totti called Osimhen “the best striker in Serie A,” and in January 2023, Romelu Lukaku echoed that sentiment by describing him as “the best striker.” Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo hailed Osimhen as “the future of Nigerian football.” After Osimhen scored in Napoli’s 2–1 win over Roma in January 2023, former Brazil and Napoli striker Careca likened the goal to something reminiscent of Pelé.
About Victor Osimhen
Victor James Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team. Regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, he is known for his pace, strength and athleticism.
Victor Osimhen Achievements
Osimhen began his professional career in Germany with VfL Wolfsburg in 2017. After a season and a half, he joined Belgian club Charleroi on loan for the 2018–19 season. His impressive performances earned him a move to French side Lille, where he scored 18 goals in his only season with the club. he signed for Serie A team Napoli for a club-record fee of €80 million. He was named Serie A’s Best Young Player for the 2021–22 season.
Victor Osimhen Wiki
- Born: 29 December 1998 (age 26 years), Lagos, Nigeria
- Current teams: Galatasaray S.K. (#45 / Forward), Nigeria national football team (Forward)
- Salary: 1 crore EUR (2025)
- Height: 1.85 m
- Dates joined: 2024 (Galatasaray S.K.), 2020 (SSC Napoli) ·
- Parents: Patrick Osimhen
Early Life
Victor Osimhen was born on 29 December 1998 in Lagos, Nigeria, as the youngest of six children. His father, Patrick, hailed from the Esan ethnic group in Edo State, while his mother, Christiana, was Igbo from Obiaruku in the Ukwuani region of Delta State. He was raised in the Olusosun area of Oregun/Ojota in Lagos State. During his childhood, Osimhen looked up to Didier Drogba as his footballing idol.
Club Career
Victor Osimhen began his football journey at the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. After catching attention with his performances at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, he signed a pre-contract agreement with VfL Wolfsburg in January 2016, with the official move set for January 2017. On 5 January 2017, Osimhen officially signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Wolfsburg, lasting until June 2020. Arriving with an injury, he made his Bundesliga debut on 13 May 2017 as a substitute in a 1–1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The following week, he appeared again in a crucial relegation match against Hamburger SV, coming on as a substitute when the score was tied 1–1. Hamburg scored a late winner, pushing Wolfsburg into a relegation playoff against Eintracht Braunschweig. Osimhen featured briefly in the second leg, with Wolfsburg securing their Bundesliga status by winning 2–0 on aggregate. During the first half of the 2017–18 season, Osimhen was included in 12 out of 17 matchday squads and played in five games.
International Career
Victor Osimhen was part of the Nigeria under-17 team that won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. He scored an impressive 10 goals in seven matches during the tournament, earning both the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards. His outstanding performances also led to him receiving the CAF Youth Player of the Year award in 2015. Osimhen made his senior debut for Nigeria on 10 June 2017, in a 2–0 loss to South Africa. He missed out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad due to an inconsistent season at Wolfsburg.
However, after a strong start to his loan at Charleroi, he was recalled by coach Gernot Rohr for the November 2018 international break, starting in Nigeria’s friendly win over Uganda. Osimhen was released from the senior Super Eagles squad to join the Nigerian U23 team, who were trailing by two goals against Libya. He responded by scoring a hat-trick in the return leg in Asaba.
Player Profile
Victor Osimhen is a right-footed centre-forward known for his physicality, athleticism, and strength. He excels through his direct style, intelligent runs into space, keen eye for goal, and effective link-up play. Standing 185 cm tall, his broad frame and ability to hold up the ball make him a strong target man, capable of involving teammates and helping build attacking moves. He is also recognized for his close ball control inside the penalty area. Although sometimes criticized for lacking flashy dribbling skills, Osimhen compensates with excellent positioning and off-the-ball movement, enhancing the efficiency of his game. His composure in front of goal and versatility in finishing from various positions make him a valuable asset. Additionally, his stamina, high work rate, and pressing intensity contribute significantly to his team’s defensive efforts.
Media and Sponsorship
In April 2025, Osimhen starred in a television commercial for Ülker Çizi, a popular Turkish snack brand, marking his first major endorsement following his loan move to Galatasaray. The campaign, which celebrate his impact in the Turkish Süper Lig, gain significant attention on social media. While Osimhen featured prominently, the partnership was not officially confirm as a long-term brand ambassadorship. Previously sponsored by Nike, Osimhen switched to Adidas in 2024.
Personal Life
Osimhen is a Christian. He has spoken about drawing inspiration from Sadio Mané, particularly Mané’s efforts to support his community in Senegal. Osimhen himself has express a desire to help disabled people across Africa. In October 2022, he announced the birth of his first child, a daughter named Haly.
Victor Osimhen Net Worth 2025
Victor Osimhen’s net worth in 2025 is estimate to be approximately ₹560 crore (₹560,000,000). During his time at Galatasaray, he earned an annual salary of KHR 43,221,076,240.00. Additionally, according to Punch Newspapers, he received a weekly after-tax salary of €115,000 throughout his one-year loan spell in Turkey. Transfermarkt.co.in values his market worth at €67 million.
Victor Osimhen – Salary, Contract
Victor Osimhen earns £256,000 per week, which amounts to £13,312,000 annually, playing as a striker (ST) for S.S.C. Napoli. His net worth is estimate at £45,058,000. Osimhen is 25 years old and was born in Nigeria. His current contract with Napoli runs until June 30, 2026.
FAQs
What are Victor Osimhen’s key strengths as a footballer?
Victor Osimhen is known for his explosive pace, physical strength, aerial ability, and intelligent movement off the ball. His ability to hold up play and link with teammates makes him an effective target man, while his composure and versatility in front of goal add to his value.
How do coaches and experts describe Victor Osimhen’s playing style?
Coaches and analysts praise Osimhen as a complete striker, highlighting his work rate, pressing, and all-around contribution to the team. Luciano Spalletti called him “the complete package,” and football experts often compare him to top young strikers like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
Which famous footballer has influenced Victor Osimhen the most?
Didier Drogba is one of Osimhen’s biggest inspirations and idols. He has cited Drogba as a significant influence on his development and playing style.
What endorsements and sponsorships does Victor Osimhen have?
Osimhen has been sponsored by major sports brands like Nike and switche to Adidas in 2024. In 2025, he appeared in a prominent TV commercial for Ülker Çizi, a Turkish snack brand, following his loan move to Galatasaray.
What is known about Victor Osimhen’s personal values and charitable interests?
Osimhen is a Christian and has expressed admiration for players like Sadio Mané, who give back to their communities. He has also stated his desire to support disabled people throughout Africa.
When did Victor Osimhen become a father?
Victor Osimhen announced the birth of his first child, a daughter named Haly, in October 2022.