Osimhen falls to fifth in Africa's MVP ranking

Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker, has dropped to fifth in Africa’s most valuable footballers list. He was number one in 2023, then fell to second in 2025 and then third ahead of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. This information comes from Transfermarkt.

Osimhen is valued at €75 million. He now trails behind Yan Diomande from Ivory Coast, who is valued at €90 million. Other players ahead of him include Achraf Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain at €80 million, Antoine Semenyo from Manchester City at €80 million, and Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille at €80 million.

The 2024 African Player of The Year shares his value with Bryan Mbeumo from Manchester United, who is also in the sixth position.

Despite his drop in ranking, Osimhen has had a fantastic start to the 2026/27 season with Turkish champions Galatasaray. He has scored four goals and provided one assist in just two matches. This performance shows he is still one of Europe’s top strikers.

At 27 years old, Osimhen recently moved into third place on Galatasaray’s all-time foreign goalscorers list. He is still a target for several clubs before the transfer window closes, but nothing has happened yet.

Arsenal looks like the most likely new home for him right now. Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal is also keeping an eye on his situation.

On a global scale, Osimhen ranks as the 20th most valuable forward in the world, according to Transfermarkt. They calculate player values based on age, performance, and statistics.

When it comes to strikers specifically, Osimhen ranks eighth worldwide. There are seven players ahead of him in this category.

Erling Haaland from Manchester City and Norway is the most valuable striker globally, with a value of €220 million. Kylian Mbappe from France and Real Madrid is next at €200 million. Julian Alvarez, an Argentine forward, comes third at €120 million.

Alexander Isak from Newcastle United is fourth at €85 million, tied with Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan and Argentina. Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro round out the top seven, both valued at €80 million. Osimhen's €75 million value puts him at eighth but he remains the most valuable Nigerian footballer and the top player in the Turkish Super Lig.

Osimhen has built a strong reputation as a top goalscorer. He has scored 63 goals in 76 matches for Galatasaray since moving from Napoli.

He aims to keep this form going when Galatasaray plays Goztepe in Super Lig action on Saturday.

Osimhen's high valuation reflects his place in African transfer history. His move from Lille to Napoli in 2023 was worth $91 million. His permanent transfer to Galatasaray was reportedly valued at $87 million. He appears twice on the list of the ten most expensive African players.

Diomande’s transfer from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid holds the record at $144 million, followed by Nicolas Pepe’s $92 million move from Lille to Arsenal in 2019.

Osimhen shares Nigeria's spotlight among Africa's top stars with Ademola Lookman from Atletico Madrid, who is valued at €35 million. Lookman has become more important since joining the Spanish club. He is known for creating chances and influencing matches. He was Nigeria’s most creative player as the Super Eagles finished third in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Osimhen also performed well at that tournament.