Victor Osimhen is a renowned name not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the global football scene. He played a pivotal role in Napoli’s triumph in the 2022-23 Italian Serie A season, emerging as the league’s top scorer with an impressive 26 goals in 32 matches. Newsbreak Nigeria delves into the life of Victor Osimhen, encompassing his early years, career journey, family background, net worth, and his meteoric rise to fame.
Early Life and Family
Born as Victor James Osimhen on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, to parents Patrick Osimhen and his late wife, Victor hails from the Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. He is the youngest of six children in the family. Life was not always easy for the Osimhen family, as Victor and his elder brother, Andrew, had to hustle and sell items like sachet water to support their household. Football became a means of escape and recreation for them in their neighbourhood.
Victor Osimhen’s Early Career
Victor Osimhen’s football journey began at the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos, where he underwent a successful trial. Newsbreak Nigeria gathered that this led to an invitation to represent Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, under the guidance of coach Emmanuel Amuneke. Osimhen made his debut in a 2014 friendly match and went on to shine in the 2015 African U-17 Championship in Niger, where he scored two goals. His dedication to accuracy over power in his training paid off, and Nigeria’s U-17 team qualified for the World Cup in Chile later that year.
Rise to Fame
Victor Osimhen catapulted to global recognition after his extraordinary performance in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he scored a record-breaking 10 goals, helping Nigeria secure the championship. His exceptional talent attracted interest from English clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. However, he opted for a professional career at Germany’s Wolfsburg, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal. Despite facing injuries and fitness issues at Wolfsburg, he eventually found success at Sporting Charleroi in Belgium before joining Lille. His remarkable stint at Lille convinced Napoli to secure his services for €50 million in 2020.
2023 Ballon d’Or Nomination
In recognition of his outstanding performances during Napoli’s memorable 2022/23 campaign, Victor Osimhen has been nominated for the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or award. He played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph, becoming the league’s top scorer with 25 goals, a feat that earned him a place in football history as the first African player to achieve such a milestone.
Net Worth and Market Value
Newsbreak Nigeria gathered that Victor Osimhen’s estimated net worth stands at $2 million, making him one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers abroad. Napoli is reportedly offering him a record-breaking salary to keep him at the club, which would significantly boost his net worth. Additionally, his market value is currently estimated at €120 million, reflecting his rising stature in the football world.
Cars and Lifestyle
While Victor Osimhen maintains a private personal life, he has been spotted with several luxurious cars, including a Mercedes G-Wagen and a Rolls-Royce, showcasing his taste for high-end vehicles.
Salary at Napoli
As of now, Osimhen is the second-highest earner at Napoli, earning a weekly salary of €104,808 (approximately N51 million) and a monthly income of €419,232 (approximately N204 million). His annual earnings with the Italian champions amount to €5 million (approximately N2.5 billion).
Market Value
At just 24 years old, Victor Osimhen has established himself as one of the world’s most formidable strikers. In 2023, he was awarded the Serie A Best Striker, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier talent in the footballing world.
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