Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has seen a decline in his market value, though he remains Nigeria’s most valuable footballer and one of Africa’s brightest exports to Europe.
According to data from Transfermarkt, Osimhen’s current valuation stands at €75 million, down from his career-high of €120 million reached during his prolific spell at Napoli in Italy.
A review of his career chart shows a remarkable rise — from his early struggles in Germany to his eventual rise to global recognition.
Osimhen’s European journey began at Wolfsburg, where his value was barely over €1 million. After limited opportunities in the Bundesliga, he made a move to Charleroi in Belgium, where his breakthrough performances saw his stock double.
His switch to Lille in France marked a major turning point. Within one season, his impact in Ligue 1 and the Europa League pushed his value to around €50 million, earning attention from several top clubs across Europe.
In 2020, Osimhen joined Napoli, where he became one of Europe’s most feared strikers. Over three seasons, he helped the club secure their first Serie A title in more than 30 years, sending his market value soaring to €120 million in 2023 — the highest ever recorded for a Nigerian player.
However, by 2024, the numbers began to slide. Injuries, reduced playing time, and uncertainty surrounding his transfer situation contributed to a decline in value, alongside Napoli’s inconsistent performances that season.
After an initial loan, Osimhen made a permanent move to Galatasaray earlier this year, which coincided with a market adjustment that placed his value at around €75 million.
Despite the drop, the 26-year-old remains among Africa’s most valuable footballers, ranking just behind Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. His valuation still puts him ahead of Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmous.
Osimhen’s story — from humble beginnings to a €120 million valuation — continues to serve as an inspiring symbol of Nigerian talent thriving on the global stage.
