Victor Osimhen Set to Become Galatasaray Captain After Icardi Exit
Turkish reports have the Nigerian striker as favourite to take over the armband, capping a rapid rise that has already seen him break multiple club scoring records.
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Victor Osimhen is expected to become the new captain of Turkish champions Galatasaray following the departure of Mauro Icardi, whose contract with the club has now expired.
Icardi’s exit brings a successful four year spell in Istanbul to a close, during which the Argentine helped Galatasaray win four Turkish Super Lig titles and became one of the club’s most respected dressing-room figures. Galatasaray have yet to make an official announcement on a successor, but reports in Turkey have named Osimhen the clear favourite to take over the armband after serving as vice captain last season.
The Super Eagles forward has quickly become one of Galatasaray’s most important players since joining from Napoli in 2025, helping the club win two straight Turkish Super Lig titles, lift the Turkish Cup, and make a strong impact in the UEFA Champions League.
Osimhen also became the fastest player in Galatasaray’s history to reach 50 goals for the club, and is the first foreign player in Galatasaray’s history to score a Champions League hat trick, a feat he achieved against Ajax.
Last season, the 27 year old played a central role as Galatasaray defended their league title under coach Okan Buruk, scoring in a key derby win over Fenerbahce and adding two more against Antalyaspor as the club secured a record 26th Turkish Super Lig title. If the captaincy is confirmed, Osimhen would become one of only a handful of Nigerian footballers to captain one of Europe’s major clubs.
Did You Know?
- Mauro Icardi helped Galatasaray win four Turkish Super Lig titles during his four year spell at the club.
- Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Napoli in 2025.
- He is the fastest player in Galatasaray’s history to score 50 goals for the club.
- Osimhen is the first foreign player in Galatasaray’s history to score a Champions League hat-trick, achieved against Ajax.
- Galatasaray won a record 26th Turkish Super Lig title last season under coach Okan Buruk.
- Osimhen served as Galatasaray’s vice captain last season before this expected promotion.
- He would become one of only a small number of Nigerian footballers to captain one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
