MILAN (FN) Mercedes-Benz has filed a criminal complaint in Italy against Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen over an alleged unpaid vehicle lease worth about 90,000 Euros (N142 million), according to reports from Milan’s financial services sector. The case involves a Mercedes GLE hybrid SUV acquired during his time at Napoli in 2023, with the company alleging that Osimhen failed to pay installments and did not return the vehicle at the end of the lease.
Osimhen, who recently joined Turkish giants Galatasaray after a successful stint at Napoli, has not publicly responded to the allegations. The 27-year-old forward, celebrated for leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in nearly four decades, earns over 20 million Euros annually in Turkey, making the reported arrears particularly striking.
The complaint, lodged by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Italia S.p.A, has been classified under alleged misappropriation. Legal experts note that while leasing disputes are not uncommon, the scale of the arrears and the involvement of a high-profile athlete have drawn significant attention.
Reactions have been swift. Fans on social media expressed disbelief that a player of Osimhen’s stature could face such a dispute, with some suggesting contractual misunderstandings are common in high-value leases. Critics argued the case highlights the importance of financial discipline among athletes, while supporters defended Osimhen, pointing to his philanthropic reputation in Nigeria.
Opinion leaders in the financial sector emphasized that the lawsuit underscores the strict enforcement of leasing contracts in Europe. Policy analysts added that the case could dent Osimhen’s public image, particularly as he remains a role model for young footballers across Africa.
The development comes as Nigerian football continues to celebrate Osimhen’s achievements on the pitch, even as his off-field dealings face scrutiny. With the case now in the hands of Italian authorities, the outcome could have implications for both his career and his reputation.
