Nigeria’s star forward Victor Osimhen has added another honour to his growing list of accolades, clinching the 2025 GQ Sportsman of the Year award in Turkey.
The Super Eagles striker received the distinction on Wednesday night during a glamorous black-tie gala in Istanbul hosted by GQ Magazine’s Turkish edition, which annually celebrates exceptional figures in sports, entertainment and the arts.
The award caps off a breathtaking debut season in Turkey for the 26-year-old. Osimhen has become an instant hero among Galatasaray supporters after delivering an explosive campaign in which he scored 37 goals and registered seven assists in 41 matches, powering the Istanbul giants to both the Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
His performances were so influential that Galatasaray moved swiftly to make his stay permanent, activating a €75 million clause—setting a new transfer record in Turkish football.
Though injuries have interrupted parts of his current season, Osimhen has still maintained an impressive return, netting 11 goals in 14 games across all competitions.
The striker’s impact extends far beyond club football. For Nigeria, he returned to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in blistering form, scoring six goals in five matches to help drive the Super Eagles into the play-off stage.
He added a brace in the semi-final victory over Gabon, but a late injury forced him to miss the final showdown against DR Congo—where Nigeria narrowly lost on penalties.
Looking ahead, Osimhen is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled from 21 December to 18 January 2026, as the team aims for a historic fourth continental title.
In his acceptance speech, the forward expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“A big thank you to GQ. And to my Galatasaray family—this means so much to me and my loved ones. I appreciate everyone who has supported me up to this moment. I will continue to give my best for my family, for Galatasaray, and for fans around the world,” he said.
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Osimhen was one of 11 honourees celebrated during the ceremony. Among the other award recipients were actor Aras Aydın, who won International Achiever of the Year; actress Sinem Ünsal, named Woman of the Year; British-Turkish artist Edis, awarded Music Person of the Year; and acclaimed chef Bahtiyar Büyükduman, who earned the Chef of the Year title.
