Striker Victor Osimhen has been declared as the winner of Footballer of the Year at the 72nd Annual Milliyet Sports Awards, one of Turkey’s most prestigious sporting honours.
The award honours Osimhen’s vital role in Galatasaray’s historic domestic double last season, during which the 27-year-old forward’s 37 goals and seven assists helped the club dominate both the Süper Lig and Turkish Cup.
The 72nd AXA Sigorta Milliyet Sports Awards held on Thursday night, often described as the “Oscars of sports” in Turkey, celebrated Osimhen as the first Nigerian to receive the accolade.
He also became only the fifth foreign player to win the award, joining former recipients Alex de Souza, Fernando Muslera, Enner Valencia and Mauro Icardi.
Since joining Galatasaray permanently from Napoli, Osimhen has transformed the club’s attack and quickly established himself as a fan favourite in Istanbul.
Overall, he netted 56 goals and provided 12 assists in 70 appearance.
Uğurcan Çakır, who received the award on Osimhen’s behalf due to the striker recovering from arm surgery, praised his teammate’s qualities.
“Osimhen is a valuable footballer, a good person. Next year, I’ll try to win this award myself.” Osimhen, via a video message played at the ceremony, expressed gratitude.
“Thank you for the award. Using this opportunity, I would like to thank my club Galatasaray, my fans, my teammates, my president, and my coach. I hope to return soon. Thank you.”
Last season he was also named both Süper Lig Player of the Season and Galatasaray’s Player of the Season, while his bicycle kick against Antalyaspor was voted Goal of the Season.
He also became the fastest player in Galatasaray history to reach 50 goals, achieving the milestone in just 59 appearances, and the first Nigerian to score ten career goals in the UEFA Champions League.
