Why Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen won’t win the Ballon d’Or despite being Turkey’s greatest football import

Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen is the greatest foreign footballer to have ever played in the Turkish Super Lig but his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or is next to nothing, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The Nigerian striker has become a symbol of excellence in the Süper Lig, a league once graced by the likes of Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Wesley Sneijder, and Didier Drogba.

Yet, according to two former Turkish internationals, Volkan Demirel and Necati Ateş, Osimhen’s brilliance may never translate into football’s ultimate individual honour: the Ballon d’Or.

When Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli last summer after a last-minute move to Chelsea collapsed, many thought it was a temporary stop.

Instead, he set Istanbul ablaze. His goals, assists, and relentless drive carried Galatasaray to a league and cup double as he confirmed his place as one of the most electrifying players in Europe.

This summer, the 26-year-old returned to Istanbul, not on loan, but permanently. Galatasaray’s €75 million deal made him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. And once again, he’s repaying every euro with goals, charisma, and leadership.

Former Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Volkan Demirel has no doubt about Osimhen’s place in Turkish football history.

“Victor Osimhen is the best footballer to ever come to the Süper Lig,” Demirel said. “I said this on the first day he arrived, and I’m saying the same thing again.”

Coming from a man who shared the pitch with legends, that’s high praise. But it reflects the sheer dominance Osimhen has displayed since arriving, a force of personality and power rarely seen in the Turkish top flight.

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Victor Osimhen: The Ballon d’Or barrier

Despite his exploits in Turkey, Osimhen remains on the fringes of global award conversations. His name was absent from the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist, a surprising omission given he finished as Turkey’s top scorer and guided Galatasaray to a domestic double.

It’s a far cry from 2023, when Osimhen made history by finishing eighth in the Ballon d’Or voting, the highest ever placement for a Nigerian male footballer. That recognition followed his heroics at Napoli, where he fired the Italian club to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Former Galatasaray forward Necati Ateş believes Osimhen is a worthy contender for the world’s most prestigious football prize, but fears systemic factors work against him.

“In my opinion, Osimhen is a candidate for the Ballon d'Or, but it’s hard for him to win because Turkey’s country coefficient is low. There isn’t a player like Osimhen in many big teams in Europe,” Ateş said.

That coefficient, a UEFA metric ranking leagues by strength and competitiveness, indirectly shapes perceptions among voters, often overshadowing players in leagues deemed ‘less elite'.

Yet, Osimhen’s story is far from over. Should he lead Nigeria to AFCON glory, guide the Super Eagles to World Cup qualification, shine on the world stage in 2026, and inspire Galatasaray in Europe, even the staunchest traditionalists may have to take notice.