Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina has delivered a striking endorsement of his club teammate Victor Osimhen, declaring the 27-year-old Nigerian forward the finest striker in world football — ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.
Speaking on The 360 Experience with Onan Khosi, Lemina was unequivocal in his assessment. “Victor Osimhen is the world’s best striker,” he said. “He is the most complete striker I have seen in my life. I think he is the best I have seen in my life. He is a special one.”
Lemina also spoke about the dynamic between himself and Osimhen within the Galatasaray dressing room, emphasising the forward’s competitive drive as a defining characteristic. “We love each other with Osimhen. We always want to win. When someone shouts, it is a positive thing for the team. I love that. Osimhen is a warrior. His best quality is his competitiveness. He always wants to win.”
Osimhen’s performances this season have provided ample backing for Lemina’s claims. The Super Eagles striker scored a brace in Galatasaray’s recent 4-2 win over Antalyaspor, a result that contributed to the club clinching back-to-back Turkish Süper Lig titles. Across 22 league appearances this season, Osimhen has recorded 15 goals and five assists, reinforcing his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous centre-forwards.
The Nigerian international joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in the 2024-25 season after his move away from Serie A stalled due to a protracted transfer dispute. His impact in Turkey was immediate, and his continued form this campaign has further elevated his standing on the continent and beyond.
Despite the success in Istanbul, Osimhen’s future at the club remains uncertain. According to reports, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal have all been credited with an interest in securing the forward during the upcoming summer transfer window. Galatasaray and their supporters will nonetheless be hoping the striker remains at RAMS Park beyond the current season.
At 27, Osimhen is entering what is typically considered the peak years for a centre-forward. His combination of physicality, movement, and finishing ability has drawn consistent comparisons with the elite forwards in European football, and Lemina’s comments reflect a widely held view within the game that the Nigerian is operating at the very highest level.
