Turkish Pundit Compares Super Eagles' Victor Osimhen to Football Legends Ronaldo and Messi
Turkish football analyst Serdar Ali Çelikler has made a bold comparison, likening Victor Osimhen's influence at Galatasaray to the monumental impacts of Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and Lionel Messi at Barcelona. This assessment highlights the Nigerian striker's pivotal role in the Turkish club's success, with his absence this season revealing significant vulnerabilities in the team's performance.
Osimhen's Absence Exposes Galatasaray's Dependence
This season, Galatasaray has faced notable challenges in matches where Osimhen was unavailable due to fitness issues and international duties. The 27-year-old forward missed 14 games, during which the team managed only nine victories, including five in the Süper Lig. Recent fixtures without Osimhen resulted in a 1-1 draw against Gaziantep FK and a 2-0 loss to Konyaspor, underscoring his critical importance to the squad.
Çelikler emphasized this point on the Neo Spor YouTube channel, stating, "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." This analogy underscores how Osimhen's presence transcends mere goal-scoring, influencing the team's overall dynamics and strategy.
Statistical Evidence of Osimhen's Impact
Osimhen's contributions are backed by impressive statistics. In 23 appearances across all competitions this season, he has recorded 15 goals and five assists, according to Transfermarkt. These numbers solidify his status as Galatasaray's primary offensive threat and a key reference point in their attack. His performance last season was instrumental in securing a domestic double for the club, leading to the activation of his €75 million release clause and his permanent transfer in the summer of 2025.
Beyond statistics, Osimhen's influence extends to his movement, physicality, and work rate, which stretch defences and create opportunities for teammates. This multifaceted impact has earned him recognition from football legends, including Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, who has named Osimhen among the top three strikers globally, alongside Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
Osimhen's Commitment to Galatasaray's Future
In related developments, Osimhen has expressed his dedication to Galatasaray's objectives in both domestic and European competitions. The Super Eagles star is focused on aiding the team's advancement in the UEFA Champions League, with a crucial second-leg match against Juventus in Turin on the horizon. His commitment underscores his role as a cornerstone of the club's ambitions, reinforcing the comparisons to football greats like Ronaldo and Messi.
As Galatasaray continues to navigate the season, Osimhen's availability remains a decisive factor in their success. His ability to elevate the team's performance mirrors the legendary impacts of Ronaldo and Messi, cementing his reputation as one of football's most influential strikers today.
