Victor Osimhen Set to Become Galatasaray Captain After Icardi Exit

• Victor Osimhen is reportedly set to become new Galatasaray captain following Mauro Icardi’s departure.

Victor Osimhen is set to become Galatasaray’s new captain following the departure of Mauro Icardi, with the Nigerian striker emerging as the leading candidate to inherit the armband after serving as the club’s vice-captain.

Galatasaray recently confirmed Icardi’s exit after the expiration of his contract, ending the Argentine’s successful four-year spell at the Turkish club, where he won four Turkish Super Lig titles and established himself as one of the team’s most influential captains.

Although the club has yet to make an official announcement, reports in Turkey indicate Osimhen is expected to take over the captaincy.

Since joining Galatasaray from Napoli in 2025, the Super Eagles striker has become one of the club’s most important players, helping the team win back-to-back Turkish Super Lig titles, lift the Turkish Cup and make a strong UEFA Champions League campaign.

Osimhen has also broken several club records, becoming the fastest player in Galatasaray’s history to score 50 goals and the first foreign player to register a Champions League hat-trick for the club.

Last season, the Nigerian combined leadership with outstanding performances, returning from injury to score in the decisive derby victory over Fenerbahce before netting twice against Antalyaspor as Galatasaray secured a record-extending 26th league title.

Having already served as assistant captain, Osimhen is widely regarded as the natural successor to Icardi and is expected to lead the Turkish champions into a new era.

If confirmed, he will become one of the few Nigerian footballers to captain one of Europe’s biggest clubs.