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Victor Osimhen has revealed that respect and self-reflection, rather than relief, shaped his reaction after scoring a crucial goal during Galatasaray’s dramatic Champions League tie against Juventus, Footynaija reports.
The Nigerian striker delivered the defining moment of the night in Turin, finding the net early in extra time to secure Galatasaray’s passage into the Round of 16 despite a 3-2 defeat at the Allianz Stadium. The Turkish champions advanced 7-5 on aggregate, helped by their commanding first-leg victory in Istanbul.
The match unfolded as one of the competition’s most intense encounters this season. Juventus, even after being reduced to ten men, mounted a spirited comeback and surged into a 3-0 lead on the night, threatening to overturn the deficit. Just when momentum appeared to swing fully toward the Italian side, Osimhen struck to restore Galatasaray’s advantage and ultimately decide the contest.
Victor Osimhen has 6️⃣6️⃣ goal involvements in 65 games for Galatasaray 😱🦅🇹🇷
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 26, 2026
A truly brilliant player 👏 pic.twitter.com/vbkImrNoiC
Yet his restrained response immediately drew attention. Rather than celebrate, the forward calmly acknowledged teammates before walking back toward the halfway line.
Speaking afterwards, Osimhen explained that his decision was rooted in admiration for Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti, under whom he previously flourished at SSC Napoli.
“No, I don’t need to, I don’t need to,” Osimhen said as per Tutto Juve. “I think it’s important to respect a man I love and who has played an important role in my career — I’m obviously talking about Spalletti. I didn’t feel the need to celebrate.”
Victor Osimhen becomes Galatasaray’s all-time top foreign goalscorer in the Champions League 👏 pic.twitter.com/0WCQE0tJQE
— LiveScore (@livescore) February 25, 2026
Despite qualification marking Galatasaray’s first appearance in the Champions League knockout stage in 12 years, Osimhen openly criticised his side’s performance.
“We played very poorly, even when they were a man down, so there was no reason to celebrate,” Osimhen added.
“Even when we had the opportunity to score the decisive goal, the one to make it 3-1, I didn’t feel the need to celebrate. I’m not that kind of player, someone who tries to hide his emotions, or who does things like that. I saw all these people applauding the Juventus players for their performance, and I can say I’m happy…”
Galatasaray will now turn their focus to the knockout draw, where potential meetings with either Liverpool FC or Tottenham Hotspur await as Europe’s elite competition moves into its decisive phase.
