Victor Osimhen has been named the 2026 Milliyet Footballer of the Year, capping off an outstanding year in Turkey with Galatasaray.
The Milliyet Sports Awards, one of Turkey’s most prestigious sporting honours, see Osimhen become the first Nigerian to win the prize and only the fifth non-Turkish player to be recognised, joining the likes of Alex de Souza, Fernando Muslera, Enner Valencia and Mauro Icardi.
Since joining Galatasaray, the Super Eagles striker has made an immediate impact, emerging as a key figure in the club’s attack and a fan favourite in Istanbul. His influence was most evident during the 2024–25 season, where he led the team to a domestic double, winning both the Turkish Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
Osimhen delivered a remarkable individual campaign, scoring 37 goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. He also claimed the Süper Lig Golden Boot with 26 goals, becoming the first Nigerian to finish as the league’s top scorer.
His achievements extended beyond goal scoring, as he broke a long-standing record set by Mário Jardel for the most goals by a foreign player in a single Turkish season.
Recognition for his performances has continued to grow. In December 2025, he was named Sportsman of the Year at the GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards, further cementing his status as one of the country’s leading sports figures.
Osimhen’s impressive form has carried into the 2025–26 season following his permanent move from Napoli, with the striker already reaching double figures in goals despite minor injury setbacks.
In European competitions, he has also made history, becoming the first Nigerian to score 10 career goals in the UEFA Champions League. In January 2026, he set another milestone by becoming the fastest player in Galatasaray’s history to reach 50 goals, achieving the feat in just 59 appearances.
On the international stage, Osimhen has remained a vital figure for the Nigeria Super Eagles, delivering key performances during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, including standout displays in crucial knockout matches.
The award highlights a year of exceptional achievements, underlining Osimhen’s growing influence in both Turkish and international football.
