ISTANBUL — Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is on the cusp of rewriting Galatasaray’s history books, as he edges closer to the club’s long-standing record for most goals scored in a single season by a foreign player.
Currently on a season-long loan from Italian champions Napoli, Osimhen has electrified Turkish football, quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite at Rams Park. His prolific form has been instrumental in Galatasaray’s bid for consecutive Süper Lig titles.
In 35 appearances across all competitions, the Super Eagles forward has netted 30 goals and contributed seven assists. Of those, 21 goals have come in league play, making him the current top scorer in the Turkish top flight.
Osimhen has also found the net three times in the Turkish Cup and scored six goals in seven Europa League appearances before Galatasaray’s elimination by Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. His impressive tally places him fourth on the club’s all-time list of single-season foreign scorers.
The 25-year-old now stands just four goals shy of the record held by Brazilian legend Mario Jardel, who scored 34 goals during the 2000–01 season. Mauro Icardi and Bafétimbi Gomis are joint second with 32 goals apiece.
Should Osimhen find the back of the net five more times before the end of the campaign, he would surpass Jardel’s mark – setting a new record not only for Galatasaray but also for the highest number of goals scored by a foreign player in a single season in the entire history of the Turkish Süper Lig.
Osimhen’s dominance has extended beyond home comforts. He has scored 11 of his league goals away from Rams Park – more than any other player this season – leading Rizespor’s Ali Sowe by three in that category. He will have another opportunity to add to his tally when Galatasaray visit Eyüpspor on Sunday.
With six matches remaining and Galatasaray holding a five-point advantage over rivals Fenerbahçe, Osimhen’s firepower could prove decisive as Okan Buruk’s side aims to secure a record-extending 24th Turkish league title.
