Victor Osimhen is one of the most exciting and prolific strikers in the world right now. The 24-year-old Nigerian has been sensational for Napoli in the Serie A, scoring 22 goals in 27 games and leading them to their first league title in 33 years. He has also been a key player for the Super Eagles, scoring 20 goals in 27 appearances and becoming the fourth-all-time highest goal scorer on the national team. But who is Victor Osimhen, and how did he rise to stardom? in this post, you’ll find out everything you need to know about Osimhen
Profile : Victor Osimhen
| Full Name | Victor James Osimhen, MFR |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 29 December 1998 |
| Age | 25 years old (as of 2023) |
| Zodiac | Capricorn |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Current Residence | Naples, Italy |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 78 kg (172 lbs) |
| Position | Centre-Forward |
| Current Club | SSC Napoli |
| Jersey Number | 9 |
| International Team | Nigeria |
| Caps/Goals | 27 / 20 |
| Net Worth | €120 million |
| @victorosimhen9 | |
| @victorosimhen9 |
Biography
Osimhen was born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a poor family. His mother died when he was young, and his father, Elder Patrick Osimhen, worked as a truck driver to support the family. Osimhen started playing football on the streets of Lagos and joined the Ultimate Strikers Academy, where he was spotted by coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
Amuneke invited Osimhen to join the Nigeria U-17 team for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. Osimhen was the star of the tournament, scoring 10 goals in seven games and winning the Golden Boot and the Silver Ball awards. He also helped Nigeria win the trophy for the fifth time. His performance attracted the attention of several European clubs, but he chose to sign with German side Wolfsburg in January 2017.
However, Osimhen’s career at Wolfsburg was hampered by injuries and a lack of playing time. He only made 16 appearances and scored no goals for the club. He was loaned out to Belgian club Charleroi in 2018, where he rediscovered his form and scored 20 goals in 36 games. He then moved to French club Lille in 2019, where he continued his impressive scoring record with 18 goals in 38 games. He also made his debut in the UEFA Champions League and was named the Ligue 1 Best African Player of the Year.
Career At Napoli and Serie A Success
In 2020, Osimhen joined Italian club Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million, making him the most expensive African player of all time. He quickly adapted to Serie A and became a fan favorite with his pace, power, and finishing. He formed a lethal partnership with Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens and helped Napoli challenge for the title.
Victor Osimhen scored crucial goals against Juventus, Inter Milan, and Roma and broke the record for the most goals scored by an African in a single Serie A season with 22. He also equaled the all-time record of 46 goals set by George Weah.
On May 15, 2023, Osimhen scored the decisive goal against Udinese, which secured Napoli’s third Scudetto and their first since 1990. He celebrated by wearing a mask with the words “King of Naples” and was mobbed by his teammates and fans. He also won the Serie A Best Young Player award and was ranked eighth in the Ballon d’Or voting. He dedicated his achievements to his late father, who died in 2020, and to his country, Nigeria.
Super Eagles Career
Victor Osimhen made his senior debut for Nigeria in June 2017, but health concerns led to his omission from the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad. Following a successful loan spell at Charleroi, he returned to the national team in November 2018.
In March 2019, Osimhen joined the U23 squad, scoring three goals against Libya. He featured in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, playing a role in Nigeria’s third-place victory. Despite a club-related absence, he returned to the Super Eagles, recently scoring four goals in a 10-0 AFCON 2023 qualifiers win, marking his 15th goal in 22 appearances.
Osimhen is closing in on Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, Rasheed Yekini, by 12 goals.
International Career
Osimhen made his senior debut for Nigeria in June 2017 in a friendly match against Togo. He scored his first goal in September 2019 in a friendly match against Ukraine. He has since become a regular starter for the Super Eagles and has scored 20 goals in 27 games, making him the fourth all-time highest goalscorer of the national team behind Rashidi Yekini, Segun Odegbami, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni. He has also played at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished third, and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria topped their group.
About Victor Osimhen’s performance in different teams and tournaments, check out the table below.
| Team | Tournament | M | P | G | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolfsburg | Bundesliga | 55 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| SSC Napoli | Serie A | 954 | 12 | 7 | 2 |
| Lille | Ligue 1 | 2408 | 27 | 13 | 4 |
| SSC Napoli | Serie A | 2667 | 32 | 26 | 4 |
| Sporting Charleroi | First Division A | 2825 | 34 | 19 | 4 |
| SSC Napoli | Serie A | 2058 | 27 | 14 | 2 |
| Wolfsburg | Bundesliga | 325 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| SSC Napoli | Serie A | 1657 | 24 | 10 | 2 |
Salary and Contract 2023
As of March 2023, Victor Osimhen, a 24-year-old forward, holds the title of the second highest-paid Nigerian footballer globally. He has solidified his reputation as a lethal striker in the Italian league, earning recognition as the Serie A Most Valuable Young Player.
Osimhen’s considerable success is reflected in his weekly salary of £92,539 and an annual income of £4,812,020, making him the second highest-paid player at Napoli. Additionally, he boasts a significant Instagram following, placing him among the most followed Nigerian footballers on the platform.
Despite his Napoli contract until 2025, Victor Osimhen is heavily linked to a summer transfer, possibly doubling his annual earnings.
What is Victor Osimhen’s Net Worth in 2023?
As of 2023, Victor Osimhen, a prominent Super Eagles player, stands among the wealthiest, with a net worth of $2 million. The 24-year-old striker, seasoned in top-flight European football for over a decade, holds a market value of €100 million according to Transfermrkt. Osimhen’s income is primarily derived from his football career and brand ambassadorship deals.
How old is Victor Osimhen?
In April 2023, Victor Osimhen will be 24 years old.
Who is Victor Osimhen’s Girlfriend?
Victor Osimhen is romantically involved with Stefanie Kim Ladewig, a German woman he met during his time at Bundesliga club VFL Wolfsburg where she was a cheerleader.
The couple, together since then, reportedly has a daughter named Hailey. They prefer to keep their relationship private, with limited details available about Stefanie, who is followed by Osimhen’s siblings and family members on social media, including his sister Blessing Ngozi Osimhen.
Charitable Acts
Osimhen is also very charitable and supports various causes in Nigeria. He has donated money and equipment to his former academy, Ultimate Strikers, and to hospitals and orphanages in Lagos. He has also spoken out against police brutality and racism and has participated in campaigns to end malaria and promote education. He is an ambassador for the FIFA Foundation and the Common Goal initiative.
Wrapping up
Victor Osimhen is a remarkable footballer and a role model for many young Nigerians. He has overcome poverty, tragedy, and adversity to become one of the best strikers in the world and a hero for Napoli and Nigeria. He has also shown his humility, generosity, and faith in his journey. He is a true Nigerian star and deserves all the accolades and recognition he has received. He is Victor Osimhen, the King of Naples.
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