Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, has been named Sportsman of the Year at the 2025 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards.
The 26-year-old received the prestigious award at an elaborate ceremony on Wednesday night.

He earned the award for his standout impact at Galatasaray last season, where he scored 37 goals and provided seven assists in 41 matches, leading the club to the league title and prompting Galatasaray to break the Turkish transfer record with a €75 million permanent deal from Napoli.

Osimhen has maintained his impressive form this season, already netting 11 goals in 14 games for the Istanbul giants.

Victor Osimhen scored twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, as Galatasaray held off a late Samsunspor fightback to secure a 3-2 victory in the Turkish Super Lig on Friday night.
The home side started strong, with Germany international Leroy Sané opening the scoring in the eighth minute.

Osimhen then doubled Galatasaray’s lead just before the half-hour mark, finishing off a fine setup from Sané.

Samsunspor came roaring back in the second half, with Anthony Musaba pulling one back in the 56th minute.

The visitors thought they had salvaged a point when Emre Kilinç leveled the score two minutes from time.

However, Osimhen had the final word, brilliantly converting a bicycle kick deep into stoppage time to hand Galatasaray all three points.

The victory keeps Galatasaray atop the table with 36 points from 15 games, while Samsunspor remain fifth with 25 points.

Andre Onana’s troubled spell at Manchester United looks set to end after the goalkeeper reportedly agreed to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan.

According to The Athletic, the Super Lig club will cover his full salary while also offering bonuses that could see him nearly double the wages he earned at Old Trafford.

The agreement does not include a transfer fee or an option for Trabzonspor to make the move permanent.

The Cameroon international, signed from Inter Milan in 2023 for £48 million, arrived with high expectations but endured a nightmare period in goal, marked by a string of costly mistakes.

His struggles eventually saw him dropped from Ruben Amorim’s plans, leaving him with no suitors for a permanent transfer.

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A loan move has now become his only escape route to rebuild his career away from the intense scrutiny at United.

Onana departs under difficult circumstances, having been blamed for both goals in United’s shock Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.

To compound matters, he conceded 12 out of 13 penalties in the shootout loss, a low point that symbolized his disastrous time at the club.

With Onana gone, Amorim has turned to Senne Lammens as his new number one.

The 23-year-old Belgian joined United from Royal Antwerp on deadline day in an £18m deal, but with the team’s recent record of goalkeeper recruitment, many fans remain skeptical about whether the position has finally been secured.

Galatasaray have reached a final agreement with Napoli for the permanent transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in a deal worth €75 million.

According to Nigerian journalist, Buchi Laba, the Turkish giants met all the conditions set by Napoli, ending weeks of negotiations between both clubs.

As part of the deal, Napoli will retain 10% of any future sale involving the player.

It is understood that Osimhen played a key role in pushing the move through, with the forward reportedly urging Napoli to accept Galatasaray’s fifth offer.

With the agreement now sealed, the next step is for Osimhen to undergo medical examinations ahead of the official unveiling at Galatasaray.

One of Nigeria’s most gifted strikers Victor Osimhen has suddenly become a perennial transfer talking point that never really materialises. In the past two seasons since his acrimonious fallout with Napoli, the Super Eagles striker has been linked with numerous top European clubs but none has come in handy.

A last minute move by Chelsea last season could not sail through as the player did not agree with what Chelsea brought to the table. Osimhen ended up in a loan deal at Galatasaray in the Turkish Superliga. Putting all the problems behind him, the Nigeria international led Galatasaray to a domestic double. They won the league and the country’s cup competition.This summer, the transfer window opened with speculators linking the striker again to clubs like PSG, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Galatasaray.

Surprisingly, the crowd of suitors has grown thin, Of all the clubs only Galatasaray and Al-Ahli have demonstrated genuine interest in the Nigerian after agreeing to pay the 75 million euros buy out clause Napoli set. Despite Galatasaray’s resolve to meet the terms Napoli put forward, the Italian club are creating more hurdles, inventing new clauses to make the transfer of Osimhen almost impossible. One of the clauses states that Osimhen must not be resold to any Serie A club until after three seasons.

While Napoli favour Osimhen moving to Al-Ahli, the player has declared his preference for the Turkish champions. The question on the lips of many Nigerians is, what could be responsible for Osimhen’s transfer ordeal? Is it a grand conspiracy to frustrate the gifted Nigerian or could it be linked to the player’s character?

Victor Osimhen is one of the best strikers in world football yet no big team want to sign him. Could he have suffered the same ordeal if he was from another clime? Does it have to do with his infamous clash with former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George? Could it be his brush with Napoli and their fans? Could the lack of interest from top European clubs be traced to his injury record? So many questions.

Before his loan to Galatasaray, Osimhen was banished from Napoli’s squad following his failed transfers to Chelsea and Al-Ahli. Osimhen did not even make it into Napoli’s Serie A registration for the season after the club revealed that Osimhen expressed his desire to leave Napoli, and that he no longer wanted to play for Napoli. This marked the end of a long series of twists and turns between Osimhen and Napoli, and a sad, sour end to the relationship between club and player.

Osimhen won the Golden Boot award at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which Nigeria won. He made his senior international debut in June 2017, and played at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and 2023, reaching the final of the latter competition. He is currently the second all-time highest goalscorer of the Nigeria national team. On 29 May 2023, Osimhen was honoured with the award of a Member of the Federal Republic by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Osimhen finished in eighth place at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, becoming the first Nigerian to make the top ten of the French award. He was also named the African Footballer of the Year at the 2023 CAF Awards, the first Nigerian to receive this honour since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

With such a rich resume, he should have been one of the most wanted players on the planet if not for reasons that remain unknown to many Nigerians.

As a player, Osimhen’s work rate is high and his thirst for victory puts him far and above his peers. On the field, he is relentless and confronts defenders with energy and grit. In the two seasons at Napoli he scored a total of 76 goals and won the Best Player in Serie A after leading the club to win the Scudetto in his second season. In Turkey, he continued with his rich vein of form at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals in forty appearances in all competitions for the club last season.

He is one of the best strikers in the world but some issues have seen him fallout with different interest groups on and off the pitch.

In 2024, Osimhen had a brush with erstwhile national team coach, George Finidi. His reaction to an allegation that Finidi accused him of selecting matches he wanted to play was not in good taste and many Nigerians didn’t like his response as he poured unprintable invective on Finidi. The news spread everywhere . Some Nigerians demanded a public apology before he could be invited to play for Nigeria again. Although that was swept under the carpet, many never forgot. Writing on Facebook in 2924, a concerned Nigerian football fan Baridam Ben submits: “There is no doubt the guy is a huge talent, and one of the best strikers in a world that is lacking quality strikers.

“However, when I saw the headlines that he was responding to the allegations in the news against him, I thought it was the right thing to do. But after watching him spew juvenile vituperations, he cleared every doubt that he was such a poor character and bad influence on the Super Eagles. He left the football world with the impression that he thinks himself too big to play for Nigeria, or that he was doing us a favour.”

Continuing, Baridam Ben wrote: “I have never seen such a crude and primitive character in my entire lifetime. I wish he doesn’t ever play for the Super Eagles again, and I wish my dear Arsenal never ever touch him with a ten-foot pole.”

As if that was not enough curse, the writer said, “You insult your coach, insult your country’s legend, insult your fans who have always stood by you and insult your country on the back of a mere rumour that you didn’t even make any effort to confirm? Even if the rumours were true, which trusted Nigerian journalists have confirmed isn’t true, it still doesn’t give Osimhen the right to insult anyone. His lack of emotional intelligence is a ticking timebomb for teamplay.”

Indeed in Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Uyo, last October, Osimhen stunned a teammate who ran to him at the end of the match for normal end-of-match formalities. Tried as the player did to give Osimhen a hug, the former Lille player ignored him to the surprise of millions of viewers across the world. “He was bitter that the Eagles allowed in a late equalizer,” a close pal tried to explain afterwards. “But he played the match, why couldn’t he rescue the situstion,” another spectator asked.

Osimhen’s temperament was on display again when he deleted pictures of him in a Napoli jersey after Napoli posted on their TikTok account to mock his penalty miss against Bologna. An Italian journalist Marika Fruscio criticised the Nigeria striker and advised him to ‘be professional’ . She criticised Osimhen for deleting the Napoli-related posts on his Instagram page.

“You’re a champion, but it takes humility. What’s the use of deleting the photos of the team that worshipped and supported you,” Fruscio wrote on Instagram. “Be the professional. Head down and work.”

More critical of Osimhen was Benevento coach Floro Flores who called him names. Flores said Osimhen has been most ungrateful to Napoli. He told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli that “He’s a troublemaker.”

Piecing all this together has broadened my inquisition. It has forced me to ask yet another question: Is Osimhen’s transfer ordeal a grand conspiracy by the football Mafia to frustrate him or a self-inflicted ordeal?

It is clear that Osimhen’s transfer troubles have nothing to do with his ability to deliver. In the modern game where younger coaches have taken over the dugouts, very few of them can be patient with players who will give them problems on and off the training grounds. The current transfer window will close soon and Nigerians are worried that their high scoring forward is yet to secure a deal. Some have even advised that he takes up the lucrative Saudi option, praying that their hugely talented international gets a good deal and settle for business before the new season begins. He must avoid controversies, remain humble and continue doing what he knows best to do – scoring goals.

Osimhen has a duty for himself, his teeming fans and country. He should take a decision now regarding his transfer.

Above all, he must recognise the fact that talent alone is not enough. It must be blended with a positive character and lead by example.

Galatasaray and Napoli have reached an agreement on bank guarantees and payment plans regarding striker Victor Osimhen’s transfer.

This was revealed by Turkish football pundit, Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, in a tweet via his X account on Thursday evening.

According to Sabuncuoglu, Galatasaray will pay Napoli 40 million euros upfront for Osimhen’s signature, while the remaining amount will be paid in installments.

He added that both clubs agreed on a 75 million euro transfer fee for the Nigeria international.

“Galatasaray and Napoli have reached an agreement on bank guarantees and payment plans,” Sabuncuoglu wrote on X.

“Of the 75 million euro transfer fee, 40 million euros will be paid upfront. The remaining amount will be paid in installments.

“Galatasaray is very close to signing Victor Osimhen!”

This is coming less than a few days after Napoli rejected the offer Galatasaray made for Osimhen.

Osimhen spent of last season on loan at the Turkish champions and netted 37 goals across competitions for them.

Negotiations between Napoli and Galatasaray over the transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen have hit a stumbling block, following Galatasaray’s rejection of fresh demands laid out by the Italian club.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli proposed a new payment structure for the potential deal: €40 million to be paid upfront, an additional €35 million by 2026, and the inclusion of a sell-on clause — a provision that would entitle Napoli to a percentage of any future sale of the player.

However, Galatasaray pushed back against the terms. The Turkish giants instead offered to pay €35 million spread out until 2027 and firmly refused the inclusion of a sell-on clause.

The disagreement over the financial framework and long-term conditions of the deal has stalled progress, although both sides are expected to revisit discussions if either party shows flexibility in the coming days.

Osimhen, who has been a key figure at Napoli since joining from Lille in 2020, is reportedly open to a new challenge amid interest from several top European clubs.

While Galatasaray remain keen, the impasse over financial terms could open the door for other suitors.

The German goalkeeper’s future with Barça remains unclear, and in Turkey he’s already being considered as Muslera’s replacement for the upcoming Champions League.

Ter Stegen's case is especially complicated. Although his contract runs through 2028, neither the board nor manager Hansi Flick seem convinced about his continuity in the squad. The German keeper is currently in Barcelona, awaiting a decision on his contract after returning from the UEFA Nations League, where he lifted the trophy with his national team.

At FC Barcelona, major changes are underway in the goalkeeping department. With Joan García close to signing and Wojciech Szczęsny set to extend his deal, the club is now focused on moving Marc-André ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña.

Meanwhile, the transfer market is already reacting. In recent days, Galatasaray, champions of Turkey and qualified for the next Champions League, have shown interest in the veteran goalkeeper. According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, the club is looking for a high-profile replacement for Fernando Muslera, who said goodbye to the team after 14 seasons and 19 titles.

Although AC Milan was also linked to the German, it's the Turkish giants who have stepped up their pursuit. Still, sources close to Ter Stegen insist the player is not entertaining offers at the moment. His top priority remains resolving his situation with Barcelona, and only if he becomes a free agent would he begin to consider other projects.

While the final decision is still pending, one thing is clear: Ter Stegen will be a hot topic throughout the summer transfer window.

Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has revealed Victor Osimhen will stay with the Yellow and Reds next season.

The 26-year-old spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli.

The Nigeria international helped Okan Buruk’s side win the League and Cup double.

He registered 37 goals and seven assists across all competitions for Galatasaray.

The powerful striker rejected a €75m move to Al-Hilal on Sunday.

“Victor Osimhen is staying at Galatasaray his affection will be the most important factor. Negotiations are ongoing,” Ozbek told Hurriyet.

“We hope to give you good news next week.”

Victor Osimhen has turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, keeping the door open for a potential move to Manchester United.

The Nigerian striker, who is still contracted to Napoli but spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, was offered a staggering £25.3 million per year by Al-Hilal after the club agreed to trigger his €75 million (£63.2 million) release clause, which is valid for non-Serie A teams.

However, Osimhen declined the proposal, reportedly preferring to continue his career in Europe, according to Football Italia.

The 26-year-old was a standout performer during his loan spell in Turkey, netting an impressive 37 goals in 41 appearances, and is now attracting serious interest from several top clubs.

Among the suitors is Manchester United, now managed by Ruben Amorim, who are reportedly monitoring his situation closely.

Al-Hilal, managed by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, had hoped to sign Osimhen ahead of their Club World Cup campaign.

But their initial bid was rejected before they returned with an improved offer that the striker still chose to turn down.

Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera scored from the penalty spot to help his club to a crucial 3-0 win over Kayserispor on Sunday, clinching the Turkish Super Lig title in the process.

Muslera performed the rare sight of a goalkeeper stepping up to the opposition area in the 89th minute. However, he stroked the penalty home and started the side's title celebrations.

Per ESPN Global Research, it is just the second time this season that a goalkeeper has scored a penalty outside of a shootout in Europe this season. The other instance came in December when Dynamo Moscu's Igor Leshchuk netted from the spot vs. Akhmat Grozny in Russian Premier League.

The result moved Galatsaray to 89 points after 34 games, enough for an unassailable eight-point lead over Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce side with two games remaining.

Incredibly, Sunday's goal was not Muslera's first for the club. He scored a penalty in 2012 against Manisaspor in the final game of his debut season at the club.

He is expected to call time on his 14-year stay at the club with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.