Ex-Chelsea man Morata names Osimhen among world’s three best strikers

Former Chelsea striker Álvaro Morata has placed Victor Osimhen among the three best strikers in world football, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Spain international praised the Nigerian forward's goalscoring ability, personality and impact during their time together at Galatasaray.

Morata made the comments in an interview with Spanish channel Sporty TV while reflecting on his former Galatasaray teammate. The Spain international did not hesitate when asked about Osimhen, naming him alongside Erling Haaland and Harry Kane as his three leading strikers.

“Victor Osimhen is one of the top 3 strikers in the world,” Morata said, as per Fanatik.

He later gave a more detailed explanation of his choice.

“Victor is a legend. He’s so funny. He’s always helping everyone. What a guy! He’s a truly wonderful person and, for me, one of the top three strikers in the world. I really enjoyed playing with him. I remember sometimes playing behind Victor. It was like, ‘Just pass the ball into the open space, and I’ll score.' I think he’s one of the best in the world.”

Morata wants Osimhen to stay at Galatasaray

Morata's praise carries extra weight because he shared the Galatasaray dressing room with Osimhen during the 2024-25 season.

Osimhen, who was linked to Chelsea this summer, joined Galatasaray from Napoli on loan in September 2024 after a difficult summer in Italy. Galatasaray confirmed that the Nigerian striker arrived on a season-long loan with a net salary of €6 million for the campaign.

Morata arrived in Istanbul several months later, joining Galatasaray from AC Milan in February 2025. The Spanish striker had already built a long career at Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid and Milan before his move to Turkey. Morata had also won two Champions League titles with Real Madrid and captained Spain to the Euro 2024 title.

The two forwards quickly developed an understanding. Morata said playing behind Osimhen could be simple because the Nigerian's movement gave him a clear target.

His description of Osimhen was not limited to football.

“I don't want him to leave. Galatasaray is a great club. I hope he's enjoying himself there,” Morata said.

Osimhen has produced some of the strongest seasons of his career in Turkey. The former Napoli striker netted 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell in Istanbul. He scored 26 goals in the Süper Lig, won the league's scoring title and added five goals and one assist in four Turkish Cup matches.

Osimhen also smashed in six goals in seven Europa League appearances during that campaign, helping Galatasaray compete deep into the season.

Galatasaray eventually made Osimhen's move permanent in July 2025. The club agreed a €75 million transfer fee with Napoli and gave the Nigerian a four-year contract. The deal included a €15 million net guaranteed annual salary, a €1 million loyalty bonus and €5 million per season for image rights.

Osimhen then followed his record-breaking 2024-25 season with another productive campaign. The 27-year-old registered 22 goals and eight assists in 33 official matches during the 2025-26 season, including 15 league goals.

Osimhen has started this campaign in stunning form, netting six goals and adding two assists in only four league games. However, injury kept him out of Galatasaray's first Champions League match of the season, a match the Turkish champions lost 3-1 at Sporting Lisbon.