Former SSC Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso has rejected accusations of racism raised by Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen following the forward’s difficult final months at the Serie A side.
Osimhen, now with Galatasaray S.K., recently said he felt he was treated “like a dog” during his time in Naples and suggested racist undertones surrounded a controversial TikTok video posted by the club after he missed a penalty.
The video was widely criticised at the time and became a flashpoint in the breakdown of relations between player and club before his eventual departure in 2024.
Osimhen. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Speaking to Radio Napoli Centrale, Meluso said the club moved quickly to calm tensions once the video began circulating and denied any discriminatory intent.
“Regarding the TikTok video case, I remember that Nicola Lombardo and I calmed Osimhen down,” Meluso said.
“We were accused of racism, but there was nothing wrong with that; it was just a bit of irony.”
Mauro Meluso. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Meluso stressed that Napoli stands firmly against discrimination and argued that the episode had been misunderstood.
“He took it very badly, but woe betide anyone who dared to use racist language Napoli abhors any form of racism. And so do the people of the city.”
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Despite the controversy, Osimhen remains one of Napoli’s most influential modern players. His goals helped deliver the club’s first Serie A title in more than three decades during the 2022-23 campaign.
Osimhen led Napoli to their first Serie Title in over 30 years. Photo Credit: Getty Images
However, relations deteriorated following the TikTok incident, with Osimhen later suggesting broken promises and poor handling of the situation contributed to his exit.
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The striker initially joined Galatasaray on loan in 2024 before completing a permanent move after an impressive spell in Turkey, bringing an end to a partnership that combined historic success with a tense conclusion.
