Turkish Pundit Compares Victor Osimhen's Impact to Ronaldo and Messi at Galatasaray
Turkish football analyst Serdar Ali Çelikler has made a striking comparison, likening Victor Osimhen's influence at Galatasaray to the legendary impacts of Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and Lionel Messi at Barcelona. This bold statement comes as the Super Eagles striker continues to prove his worth in the Turkish Süper Lig, with his absence highlighting his crucial role in the team's performance.
Osimhen's Absence Exposes Galatasaray's Dependence
The 2025/26 season has underscored Osimhen's importance to Galatasaray, with the team's results noticeably dipping in matches he has missed. The Nigerian forward has been sidelined for 14 games due to fitness issues and international commitments, during which Galatasaray managed only nine victories, five of those in domestic league play.
Recent weeks have particularly demonstrated this reliance, as the Turkish champions struggled to a 1-1 draw against Gaziantep FK and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Konyaspor without their star striker leading the attack.
Çelikler's Powerful Comparison
Speaking on the Neo Spor YouTube channel, Çelikler used strong language to describe Osimhen's impact: "Without Osimhen, Galatasaray is missing 50%. It's like the Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid effect from back in the day. If Ronaldo wasn't there, Real Madrid was missing 50%. If Messi wasn't there, Barcelona was missing 50%. Now, Osimhen has created this effect."
The pundit's comparison extends beyond mere statistics to encompass Osimhen's overall presence on the pitch. The 2023 CAF Men's Player of the Year winner contributes through defensive stretching movements, physicality that creates space for teammates, and a work rate that sets the team's pressing tempo.
Statistical Backing for the Claim
Osimhen's performance numbers provide substantial support for Çelikler's assessment. In 23 appearances across all competitions this season, the 27-year-old forward has recorded 15 goals and five assists, maintaining the form that made him instrumental in Galatasaray's domestic double last season.
His permanent transfer to the Istanbul giants in summer 2025, triggered by a €75 million release clause following his successful loan spell, further emphasizes how central he has become to the club's strategic planning.
Recognition from Football Legends
Osimhen's standing in global football has received validation from prominent figures, with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry naming him among the world's top three strikers alongside Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. This recognition from one of football's most respected forwards adds weight to the comparisons being drawn with the sport's greatest names.
Osimhen's Commitment to Galatasaray
Despite the high-profile comparisons and recognition, Osimhen remains focused on his current club's objectives. Reports indicate the Nigerian striker and his representatives are content at RAMS Park, with Osimhen expressing commitment to Galatasaray's domestic and European ambitions for the foreseeable future.
The forward is currently concentrating on helping his team advance to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, beginning with their crucial second-leg match against Juventus in Turin next week.
