Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has added another milestone to his glittering career after being crowned Sportsman of the Year at the 2025 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards held in Istanbul on Wednesday night.
The honour marks a historic moment for the forward, who becomes the first Nigerian ever to win any category at the GQ Türkiye awards.
Osimhen’s latest recognition highlights the immense impact he has made since joining Galatasaray, initially on loan before completing a permanent move in the summer.
His performances—characterised by intensity, leadership and unmatched scoring ability—have placed him among the most influential foreign players in Turkish football.
He also becomes only the third footballer in ten years to win the Sportsman award, joining former Galatasaray icons Wesley Sneijder and Mauro Icardi.
The Nigerian striker’s numbers from last season underline why he remains at the forefront of Turkish football. Osimhen scored an astonishing 37 goals and provided eight assists, spearheading Galatasaray to the Super Lig title and Turkish Cup success.
This season has followed the same trend, with the 26-year-old already on 11 goals in 14 matches, helping the club maintain top spot in the league.
In his acceptance speech, Osimhen thanked GQ Türkiye and paid tribute to the Galatasaray community for their unwavering support
“I want to say a big thank you to GQ. Can’t
forget my Galatasaray family. This means so much to me and my family. I appreciate everyone who has supported me up to this hour. I will continue to do my best for my family, for Galatasaray, for the fans all over the world.”
Osimhen’s rise has been defined by breaking records and redefining Nigerian football excellence on the global stage.
He was crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2023—the first Nigerian winner since Nwankwo Kanu—while also finishing eighth in the Ballon d’Or, another first for the country.
Across his club career, he has won league titles in Italy and Turkey and amassed multiple individual scoring awards.
From his beginnings in Lagos to starring in Wolfsburg, Charleroi, Lille, Napoli, and now Istanbul, Osimhen continues to elevate his legacy as one of Africa’s most influential footballers.
