Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has become the first Nigerian to win the Sportsman of the Year award at the 2025 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards, held on Wednesday night in Istanbul.
The honour recognises Osimhen’s impact since joining Galatasaray, where his performances on and off the pitch have elevated the Turkish club.
He follows in the footsteps of footballers Wesley Sneijder (2016) and Mauro Icardi (2023), becoming only the third footballer in the past decade to receive the accolade.
Osimhen’s rise in Istanbul has been closely tied to his influence at Galatasaray. During his loan spell last season, he scored 37 goals and registered eight assists, helping the club secure the Super Lig title and Turkish Cup. His performances led to a permanent transfer this summer, reflecting his importance to the team.
Victor Osimhen wins GQ Türkiye’s Man of the Year award for 2025. Photo Credit: X
Speaking after receiving the award, Osimhen said:
“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.”
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This latest award adds to a career already filled with milestones. In 2023, Osimhen was named African Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Nigerian to win the prize since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999. He also finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings that year, the first Nigerian to reach the top ten.
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He has won multiple Golden Boot awards, league titles in Italy and Turkey, and is Nigeria’s second all-time leading goalscorer, cementing his place as a global football figure.
