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Turkish football analyst Serdar Ali Çelikler has claimed that Victor Osimhen now carries the same level of influence at Galatasaray once enjoyed by Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona, Footynaija reports.
Osimhen joined the Istanbul club permanently in the summer of 2025 after an impressive loan spell that helped deliver a domestic double. The Super Eagles striker arrived from SSC Napoli following the activation of his €75 million release clause, instantly becoming the focal point of Galatasaray’s attack.
A powerful quote from Victor Osimhen in The @PlayersTribune 🗣️
— LiveScore (@livescore) February 20, 2026
Legend of the game 🌍⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Ihqd6r8TGr
This season, however, the forward has missed 14 matches through injury concerns and international commitments. During that period, Galatasaray recorded only nine wins, with just five coming in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Recent performances have reflected his importance, as the champions failed to win their last two league fixtures without him; drawing 1-1 against Gaziantep FK before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Konyaspor.
Çelikler believes those results demonstrate how central Osimhen has become to the team’s structure and attacking identity.
Speaking on the Neo Spor YouTube channel, via habersarikirmizi.com, the sports commentator said: “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.”
Osimhen’s numbers support the argument. In 23 appearances across all competitions this campaign, the Super Eagles striker has produced 15 goals and five assists, combining sharp movement, aerial strength and relentless pressing to drive Galatasaray’s title challenge.
