Victor Osimhen, the star striker for the Super Eagles and Galatasaray, has been named Sportsman of the Year at the prestigious 2025 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Turkish football. The 26-year-old Nigerian forward received the accolade during a glamorous black-tie ceremony held in Istanbul on Wednesday night, joining an elite group of achievers celebrated across sports, entertainment and culture.
Osimhen’s award caps a remarkable season with Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and provided seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. His prolific scoring helped the Istanbul club secure a domestic double, winning both the Turkish Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup, performances that underpinned his selection for the honour.
Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Italian side Napoli ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Osimhen’s impact has been transformative. His exceptional form persuaded the club to complete a record-breaking permanent transfer in the summer, with Galatasaray paying a reported €75 million to secure the striker’s services.
The forward has continued his rich vein of form into the current season, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions for the Turkish giants, further cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers.
In his acceptance speech, Osimhen expressed gratitude to the organisers, his club and supporters. “I want to say a big thank you to GQ. I can’t forget my Galatasaray family. This means so much to my family and me. I appreciate everyone who has supported me up to this hour,” he said, underlining the personal significance of the award.
Osimhen’s landmark achievement also carries historic significance, as he became the first Nigerian and one of the few African players to win the Sportsman of the Year title at the GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards, highlighting his growing influence both on and off the pitch.
