Victor Osimhen celebrating a goal for Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League
Victor Osimhen’s impact at Galatasaray has sparked endless comparisons with some of the greatest strikers ever to play for the Turkish giants — and one name that always surfaces is Didier Drogba.
Drogba, the Ivorian legend and one of Africa’s most respected football icons, joined Galatasaray in 2013 at 34 years old. Despite being at the twilight of his career, he scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists in just 37 games, helping the club secure the league title, Turkish Cup, and Turkish Super Cup. His short but impactful stay cemented his hero status among Cim-Bom fans.
However, as Ugur Karakullukcu, a respected Turkish football analyst, explained, Osimhen’s level at Galatasaray has already eclipsed Drogba’s — and for good reason.
According to Karakullukcu, Osimhen brings a relentless energy and consistency that Drogba lacked in his Galatasaray days.
“There’s a real Osimhen at Galatasaray. He’s a man who single-handedly wreaks havoc on everyone,” Karakullukcu told GsGazette.
“He’s excellent in aerial balls and duels. Jardel didn’t have that much power. He was just a very good finisher. Osimhen isn’t even at his 100% yet. Even in a good match, Drogba would play well for about half an hour — sometimes he’d disappear. Even with Galatasaray’s money, there’s no other player in the world who can contribute as much as Osimhen.”
Osimhen’s high-pressing style, agility, and aerial dominance have transformed Galatasaray’s attack into one of the most feared in Europe. His ability to stay fully engaged throughout 90 minutes, constantly pressuring defenders and creating scoring chances, sets him apart.
It’s worth noting that Drogba was a mentor to Osimhen early in his career, with the Nigerian often citing the Chelsea legend as one of his biggest inspirations. The irony isn’t lost on fans — the student is now surpassing the master at one of Europe’s most passionate clubs.
Drogba’s leadership and legacy remain untouchable, but Karakullukcu’s comments highlight a new reality: Osimhen’s version of dominance fits modern football perfectly — youthful, explosive, and unrelenting.
With players like Victor Osimhen and rumored targets such as Calvin Bassey, Galatasaray’s connection to Nigerian football continues to grow stronger. The club has found in Osimhen not just a striker but a symbol of ambition and transformation — one capable of rewriting the club’s modern history.
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