Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been named the winner of the 2026 Milliyet Footballer of the Year award at the 72nd Annual Milliyet Sports Awards, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the prestigious Turkish honour.
The award recognises the 27-year-old forward’s pivotal role in Galatasaray’s historic domestic double last season, during which he scored 37 goals and provided seven assists to help the club dominate both the Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup.
Osimhen also became only the fifth foreign player to win the award, joining former recipients Alex de Souza, Fernando Muslera, Enner Valencia, and Mauro Icardi.
Since joining Galatasaray permanently from Napoli, Osimhen has netted 56 goals and provided 12 assists in 70 appearances. He also became the fastest player in Galatasaray history to reach 50 goals, achieving the milestone in just 59 games, and the first Nigerian to score ten career goals in the UEFA Champions League.
Uğurcan Çakır received the award on Osimhen’s behalf as the striker is recovering from arm surgery. “Osimhen is a valuable footballer, a good person. Next year, I’ll try to win this award myself,” Çakır said.
In a video message played at the ceremony, Osimhen expressed gratitude. “Thank you for the award. Using this opportunity, I would like to thank my club Galatasaray, my fans, my teammates, my president, and my coach. I hope to return soon. Thank you.”
Last season, Osimhen was also named both Süper Lig Player of the Season and Galatasaray’s Player of the Season, while his bicycle kick against Antalyaspor was voted Goal of the Season.
