Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has placed Victor Osimhen in elite company, boldly comparing the Nigerian’s influence to that of Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, Soccernet.ng reports.
Buruk’s appreciation of Osimhen’s impact comes even as the Turkish champions push for more silverware this season.
Osimhen has been one of Galatasaray’s standout performers during the 2025/26 campaign, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. His sharp movement, pace, and clinical finishing have made him a key figure in both the Süper Lig and in Europe, where he has delivered important goals, including a memorable hat-trick against Ajax.
While Mbappé continues to shine for Real Madrid and Kane leads the line for Bayern Munich with remarkable consistency, Buruk believes Osimhen’s importance to Galatasaray is just as significant.
“This is Osimhen’s third injury. It’s his third since the start of the season,” Buruk said as per Habersarikirmizi.
“It’s been mentioned a lot lately, but some players are crucial for certain teams. Osimhen trained with the team for a long period yesterday. His participation is having a very positive impact.
“Osimhen is one of the driving forces of this team. We’ll see if he goes to Ankara. Just as Mbappe is for Real Madrid, and Harry Kane is for Bayern Munich, Osimhen is for us. You play these kinds of matches with strong players.”
Ahead of Galatasaray’s clash with Gençlerbirliği this weekend, the Nigerian striker returned to training after recovering from a forearm injury that required surgery.
Osimhen’s availability has given the team a timely boost as they prepare for a crucial run of fixtures. His presence, even after injury setbacks, has lifted both performance levels and confidence within the squad.
Galatasaray: Title charge and cup ambition
Galatasaray are no strangers to success in recent years. Under Buruk, the club has built a strong winning culture, claiming three consecutive Süper Lig titles from 2023 to 2025. They are now firmly on course for a fourth straight crown, sitting at the top of the table with a narrow lead over rivals.
Beyond the league, Galatasaray are also chasing success in the Turkish Cup, where they have already reached the quarter-finals and remain strong contenders to lift the trophy once again.
Buruk has made it clear that his side will not hold back as they aim to secure both domestic prizes before the season ends.
“We will sacrifice everything in these four weeks and win both trophies. The players promised the fans a championship when they signed for Galatasaray. They will fulfill that promise.”
That determination reflects a team that has grown used to winning. Last season, Galatasaray secured a domestic double, winning both the league and the Turkish Cup, with Osimhen playing a central role, including a standout performance in the final.
Now, with just weeks remaining in the current campaign, the focus is clearly to maintain their lead, deliver in the decisive matches, and continue their dominance in Turkish football.