Remembering When Victor Osimhen Visited Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, Received His Jersey

• In 2021, Victor Osimhen found his way into the Juventus dressing room to get Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt
• The Nigerian was star-struck at seeing the star despite Napoli beating their opponents in a close game
• Osimhen would lead the Partenopei to the Serie A trophy two years later as a superstar in his own right

When discussing the greatest footballers of the modern era, the name 'Victor Osimhen' has certainly worked its way into the wider consciousness of the sport.

Yet even the Nigerian international, who led Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades in 2022/23, was left starstruck at meeting football royalty.

In 2021, Osimhen - barely one season with the Italian giants at the time - had to find his way to the Juventus dressing room to get Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey.

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Osimhen was only 22 at the time, having moved to the Italian outfit from Ligue 1 side, Lille OSC.

Lorenzo Insigne had scored the game's only goal from the penalty spot to give Napoli all three points, with the Nigerian youngster summoning the courage to meet Ronaldo after the match.

He received the Portuguese star's shirt and a photo of the two went viral on the internet at the time, leaving Italian football pundit, Umberto Chiariello outspokenly disappointed.

Clearly upset at Osimhen 'fraternising' with an opposition star, he questioned Napoli’s reason for signing the striker, claiming he was not an established player, per Area Napoli as reported by Daily Post:

"Did Osimhen understand that he is in Italian football and that he plays for Napoli? Why is he taking pictures with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gigi Buffon? Napoli has bet on him even though he is not an established player. Inter has gone to Romelu Lukaku, who is a safe use, while Aurelio De Laurentiis has invested in bets."

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Chiariello was proven wrong as the Nigerian international led the Partenopei to the Serie A title in 2022/23, scoring 26 league goals in the process and claiming Africa's first-ever Golden Boot.

While the current season has been far quieter, the striker has been potent for both his club and his country, with the Super Eagles preparing to face South Africa in the AFCON 2023 semi-finals.

He is also said to be on the radar of numerous Premier League clubs. It is fair to say that the investment made by Napoli was well worth it as Osimhen went on to become a star in his own right.

PSG planning 'back-up' bid for Osimhen

Sports Brief also recently reported on Paris Saint-Germain reportedly monitoring Osimhen amid claims that he will be leaving the Serie A champions.

With Kylian Mbappe set to exit the Ligue 1 champions, Napoli is said to be preparing to launch a bid for the Nigerian striker as his new replacement.

The French captain is expected to make a decision on joining Real Madrid soon, which could open the door for the Super Eagles star to move on.