Nigerian · Lagos, Nigeria · Born 29 December 1998Nigerian striker who won the 2023 Serie A title with Napoli, becoming the league's top scorer and earning African Player of the Year honors
Victor James Osimhen was born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1998, one of six children raised by a widowed father who sold goods on Lagos streets. Napoli paid £70 million for him in 2020 — a club record. His four Napoli seasons produced 65 goals and the 2022-23 Serie A title — Napoli's first in 33 years, ending a drought since Diego Maradona's era. He won the Serie A Golden Boot (Capocannoniere) with 26 goals. He was named Africa's Player of the Year in 2023. His combination of explosive pace, aerial ability — his vertical leap is exceptional — and finishing composure in one-on-one situations make him the most physically complete modern centre-forward in Serie A since Ronaldo's time at Juventus. He suffered a severe facial fracture in 2021 and returned wearing a protective mask — continuing to score in that condition. His transfer to Chelsea in 2024 — a loan arrangement connected to a complex deal structure — was one of the most discussed transfers of that window.
Leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years
How They Played
Pacey striker with excellent finishing and aerial ability
Lasting Impact
Osimhen helped break Juventus' dominance in Serie A by leading Napoli to their historic 2022-23 title triumph after three decades.
Career Honours
- Serie A (2023)
- African Player of Year (2023)
- Capocannoniere (2023)
- Serie A 2023
- FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolfsburg | 2017–2019 | €3.5M | 16 | 76 | #9 |
| Charleroi | 2018–2019 | Loan | 36 | 20 | — |
| Galatasaray | 2024–2025 | Loan | — | — | — |
| Ultimate Strikers Academy | 2015–2017 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Lille | 2019–2020 | €12m | 38 | 18 | — |
| Napoli | 2020–2024 | €70m | 133 | 76 | — |
 Nigeria | — | — | 52 | 24 | — |
Nigerian Athletes