Nigerian international and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has achieved a remarkable personal milestone, solidifying his status as a cultural phenomenon in Turkey. The Super Eagles forward has been crowned the most-searched name on Google in Turkey for the year 2025, a testament to his massive impact both on and off the pitch.
From Napoli to Turkish Stardom
Osimhen's journey to becoming Turkey's top online search began with a loan move from Napoli during the 2024-2025 season, where he netted an impressive 37 goals in 41 matches across all competitions for Galatasaray. His explosive performances convinced the Turkish giants to make the move permanent this past summer, shattering the domestic transfer record with a fee of €75 million. Since his record-breaking transfer, Osimhen has continued his scoring form, adding 9 goals in his first 13 matches of the new campaign.
According to reports from Zspor, football dominates the search trends in Turkey, and Osimhen's name sits at the very pinnacle for the second year running. He leads a chart that includes his Galatasaray teammates Mario Lemina and Leroy Sané, as well as Fenerbahçe stars like Talisca and Diego Carlos.
European Giants Circle as Super Eagles Form Dips
While Osimhen shines brightly in club colours, his form with the Nigerian national team has faced challenges. The striker remains hopeful of leading the Super Eagles to AFCON glory in Morocco, aiming to improve on their runner-up finish in the last edition. Despite the international struggles, his club exploits have kept him in the spotlight of Europe's elite.
Real Madrid have emerged as serious suitors, with reports indicating the La Liga champions are preparing a staggering €100 million bid to secure his services. The Spanish club's hierarchy views the 26-year-old's aggressive and instinctive style as the perfect solution for their long-term attacking needs. A potential move to the Bernabéu could see Kylian Mbappé shifted to his preferred left-wing role, with Osimhen taking command through the centre.
A Marketable Star on the Global Stage
Osimhen's influence extends beyond the football pitch, as evidenced by his ranking on the global marketability scale. In a 2024 list compiled by Sports Pro, the Nigerian was surprisingly rated above Manchester City's Erling Haaland, coming in at 44th place globally compared to the Norwegian's 45th. This recognition underscores his growing brand power alongside his athletic prowess.
Victor Osimhen's story in Turkey is one of record-breaking transfers, consistent goal-scoring, and now, unprecedented digital fame. As he continues to dominate searches and attract interest from clubs like Real Madrid, his status as one of Africa's premier football exports remains firmly intact.
