Victor Osimhen has once again been placed among the world’s best centre-forwards, with the Super Eagles striker ranking ahead of Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres in a latest latest FC 100 list after another strong season for club and country, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian was ranked ninth among the 20 centre-forwards selected by ESPN, while Gyökeres came in at No. 19. Arsenal’s Kai Havertz was ranked higher at No. 7, making the comparison with Gyökeres the more accurate one.
In its assessment, ESPN pointed to Osimhen’s ability to create dangerous shooting chances as one of the main reasons he remains so highly rated.
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“Almost no one in the world is as capable of creating high-quality shot after high-quality shot,” the publication wrote.
That assessment reflects the Nigerian’s biggest strength. Osimhen does not need many touches to become a threat inside the penalty area. His movement, physical strength and awareness of space allow him to find shooting positions even when defenders are close to him.
His numbers also support the argument.
Osimhen scored seven goals in the 2025-26 Champions League, his best return in a single edition of the competition. He also averaged 4.5 shots per 90 minutes in Europe as Galatasaray produced impressive results against Liverpool and Juventus.
ESPN also noted that Osimhen has averaged at least 1.05 combined league goals and assists per 90 minutes in three of his last four seasons. He has also recorded at least four shots per 90 in five consecutive years.
The report compared his style to one of the greatest African strikers, Didier Drogba, whom Osimhen has previously named as an idol.
“Osimhen claims to have idolized Didier Drogba growing up, and damned if he doesn’t play like it,” ESPN wrote.
The ranking comes as Osimhen continues to attract major transfer interest, with Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid among the clubs currently linked with him this summer.
