Nigerian Striker Victor Osimhen Breaks Records with 35 Goals, Powers Galatasaray to Turkish Cup Glory

By Emmanuel Kwada

Nigerian Striker Victor Osimhen has stormed into the annals of Turkish football history, shattering the record for the most goals scored by a foreign player in a single season with a staggering 35 goals.

Victor Osimhen has scored the most goals by a foreign player in a single Turkish season (35).

He netted a brace in the Turkish Cup final to help Galatasaray lift the trophy.

He’s also the Super Lig’s top scorer as Galatasaray sit top of the table.

What a season 🤯 pic.twitter.com/La1Z2b05XG

— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) May 14, 2025

The 26-year-old striker capped his extraordinary campaign by netting a brace in the Turkish Cup final, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Galatasaray over rivals Fenerbahçe and lifting the prestigious trophy in front of a rapturous crowd at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium.

Osimhen’s goals in the final—a clinical 18th-minute strike and a stunning 76th-minute header—proved decisive, overturning a one-goal deficit and sparking wild celebrations among Galatasaray’s faithful.

He leads the scoring charts with 28 goals in 32 matches

The Turkish Cup triumph marked the club’s 19th title in the competition, further cementing their dominance in Turkish football. The trophy, a gleaming silver cup standing 60 centimeters tall and adorned with intricate engravings, was hoisted by Osimhen alongside captain Fernando Muslera, a moment that symbolized the Nigerian’s meteoric rise as the team’s talisman.

The former Napoli star’s record-breaking season has seen him dominate the Super Lig, where he leads the scoring charts with 28 goals in 32 matches, propelling Galatasaray to a commanding five-point lead at the top of the table with three games remaining.

His 35-goal haul across all competitions surpassed the previous record of 34 set by Fenerbahçe legend Alex de Souza in the 2010-11 season, a milestone that has sent shockwaves through Turkish football.

His 35-goal haul across all competitions surpassed the previous record of 34 set by Fenerbahçe legend Alex de Souza

Osimhen’s relentless work rate, aerial prowess, and lethal finishing have earned him comparisons to global icons, with ESPN describing his campaign as “nothing short of extraordinary.”

“Osimhen is a phenomenon,” said Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk. “He’s not just breaking records; he’s rewriting history. His hunger and leadership have transformed this team.”

The striker’s impact extends beyond goals, with seven assists and countless moments of brilliance that have galvanized his teammates and electrified fans.

Victor Osimhen celebrating with his teammates. Photo credit: B/R Football 

Osimhen’s journey to this historic season began when he joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in August 2024, a move initially met with skepticism due to the intense pressure of Turkish football’s spotlight.

Yet, the Lagos-born forward silenced doubters from the outset, scoring on his debut and maintaining a blistering pace that saw him net hat-tricks against Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor.

This is for the fans, the club, and my family back in Nigeria

His ability to deliver in high-stakes matches, including a crucial equalizer in a 2-2 draw against champions Fenerbahçe in the Super Lig, has endeared him to Galatasaray’s passionate supporters.

Reflecting on his record-breaking feat, Osimhen remained characteristically humble. “This is for the fans, the club, and my family back in Nigeria,” he said in a post-match interview, his match-worn jersey still soaked with sweat. “I came here to make a difference, and we’re just getting started.” He dedicated the Turkish Cup triumph to the people of Lagos, where he honed his craft on the streets before rising to global stardom.

Victor Osimhen. Credit: Galatasaray EN

The Turkish Cup final showcased Osimhen’s full repertoire: speed, strength, and an uncanny knack for finding the net. His first goal came from a perfectly timed run to latch onto a through ball from Mauro Icardi, slotting past Fenerbahçe’s goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.

The second, a towering header from a Kerem Aktürkoğlu cross, left the Fenerbahçe defense helpless and sent the stadium into a frenzy. “He’s unstoppable,” Aktürkoğlu said. “Victor makes the impossible look easy.”

I came here to make a difference, and we’re just getting started

Osimhen’s record-breaking season has not only redefined excellence in Turkish football but also sparked a wave of pride in Nigeria, where fans have flooded social media with praise.

Galatasaray’s remaining fixtures include a crucial clash against second-placed Başakşehir, where another Osimhen masterclass could all but seal the championship. Off the pitch, speculation is rife about his future, with Europe’s top clubs reportedly monitoring his performances.

Credit: ESPN Africa 

As ESPN aptly summed it up, “What a season!” Victor Osimhen’s 35 goals, Turkish Cup heroics, and record-shattering exploits have not only cemented his legacy in Turkish football but also established him as one of the world’s elite strikers.

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