LAGOS, Nigeria (FN) — Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has seen a significant drop in his market value, falling from a peak of 120 million Euro to 75 million Euro, according to a new update from Transfermarkt. Despite the decline, the 26-year-old remains Nigeria’s most valuable footballer and one of Africa’s highest-rated players.
Osimhen, who recently completed a permanent move to Turkish club Galatasaray after an initial loan spell, had previously enjoyed a meteoric rise in value during his time at Napoli, where he led the Italian side to their first Serie A title in over three decades.
His market value peaked in 2023 following a prolific season in which he finished as the league’s top scorer. That valuation — the highest ever for a Nigerian player — placed him among the most sought-after strikers in world football.
However, the 2024 season marked a turning point. A combination of injuries, transfer speculation, and Napoli’s inconsistent form contributed to a decline in his playing time and overall market worth.
Osimhen’s career trajectory began in Germany with Wolfsburg, where his initial market value was just over 1 million Euro. A breakthrough spell at Charleroi in Belgium led to a move to Lille, where his performances in Ligue 1 and the Europa League boosted his profile. By the time he joined Napoli in 2020, he was already valued at around 50 million Euro.
Although his move to Galatasaray represents a shift away from Europe’s top five leagues, Osimhen remains a key figure in African football. His current valuation places him behind only Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, but ahead of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and fellow Nigerian talents.
Osimhen’s rise from relative obscurity to a nine-figure valuation is still regarded as a symbol of promise for Nigerian football. His journey underscores the increasing visibility and influence of African players on the global stage.
Transfermarkt’s valuation data is widely used within the football industry to assess player worth, though it does not always reflect actual transfer fees paid by clubs.
