Victor Osimhen finished 2025 as Nigeria’s highest goalscorer, capping a remarkable year that placed him among the world’s most prolific forwards.
The Galatasaray striker netted 46 goals in 52 matches across club and international football, a haul that saw him finish joint fifth on the global goalscoring rankings, level with Argentina icon Lionel Messi.
Osimhen scored nine times in 10 appearances for the Super Eagles and added 37 goals in 42 games for Galatasaray, maintaining his impressive scoring form following a strong 2024/25 season and an excellent start to the current campaign.
Only Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kevin Hernández finished ahead of the Nigerian international on the global list. Although Osimhen matched Messi’s total, he reached the figure in fewer matches.
His first goal of the year came in January during Galatasaray’s league win over Göztepe, while his final strike arrived in December against Antalyaspor, shortly before linking up with Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Osimhen’s outstanding form also earned him the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot, as Galatasaray secured a domestic league and cup double.
Elsewhere among Nigerian forwards, Cyriel Dessers registered 22 goals in 44 appearances, Paul Onuachu scored 15 times following his return to Turkish football, Tolu Arokodare netted 14 goals, while Ademola Lookman completed the list with 13 goals in a season affected by injuries and transfer issues.
