Victor Osimhen’s growing authority at Galatasaray is becoming impossible to ignore, with head coach Okan Buruk suggesting the Nigerian striker already acts as one of the team’s leaders, even without the armband, Footynaija reports.
The 27-year-old forward returned from injury in style, scoring the opening goal in a commanding 3-0 derby win over Fenerbahçe at Rams Park on Sunday night. It was a performance that showed not only his quality in front of goal but also his wider importance to the team’s structure and spirit.
Galatasaray had struggled during his absence, winning just two of five matches, and his immediate impact on return highlighted how central he is to their ambitions. Alongside goals from Lucas Torreira and Baris Alper Yilmaz, Osimhen helped push the club to the brink of a fourth consecutive league title.
See Victor Osimhen New style of Goal🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/wTJZVkACes
— ÁKOTÈ (@BarcAkotee) April 26, 2026
Buruk stopped short of confirming a formal captaincy role for next season, but his words painted a clear picture of a player already leading from within.
“Osimhen is very important as a player. However, his performance in matches and training sessions elevates his teammates,” the Galatasaray tactician told TRT Spor.
“Osimhen is very important and valuable to us. He is very valuable not only as a footballer but also as a person. He is a leader. He is one of the unsung captains within the team.”
With several players, including Mauro Icardi, having worn the armband this season, there appears to be room for Osimhen to step into a more official leadership role, especially with changes expected in the squad.
The former Napoli star is not new to taking up leadership role as he is now one of the vice-captains for the Super Eagles.
In captain Wilfred Ndidi’s absence, Osimhen led the team out for a couple of games at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where Nigeria claimed a bronze medal.
