Galatasaray VP: Osimhen Has Boosted Our Worldwide Popularity

Galatasaray have been quietly building a global brand. And according to the club’s vice-president, Victor Osimhen is one of the main reasons it is working.

Abdullah Kavukcu spoke to German newspaper Bild this week, laying out ambitious plans to take the club’s merchandising company public and launch a café franchise chain. Then came the credit where it is due.

“All of this is largely thanks to players like Leroy, Mauro Icardi, and Victor Osimhen, who have significantly boosted our popularity,” Kavukcu said.

Osimhen’s impact goes beyond goals. His arrival drew a surge of Nigerian fan interest to Galatasaray’s social media platforms, opening the club to African markets in ways they had never previously accessed. He is among the top jersey sellers at the club and has become one of their most bankable brand assets.

The football numbers back it up. Before his fractured forearm injury this month, Osimhen had scored 19 goals and registered 7 assists in 29 competitive appearances this season.

Kavukcu says the club aims to become one of the top 10 in the world. With Osimhen — once he recovers from surgery — as their front man, Galatasaray clearly believe they have found the face to take them there.