By Adegboyega Adeleye
Victor Osimhen is set to become Galatasaray’s new captain following the departure of Mauro Icardi, with the Nigerian striker emerging as the frontrunner to inherit the armband after serving as the club’s vice-captain during another trophy-laden campaign.
Galatasaray confirmed this week that Icardi has left the Turkish champions following the expiration of his contract, bringing an end to a successful four-year spell in Istanbul during which the Argentine won four Turkish Super Lig titles and established himself as one of the club’s most influential captains. Reports in Turkey indicate Osimhen is now next in line to assume the leadership role, although the club is yet to make an official announcement.
The Super Eagles forward has grown into one of Galatasaray’s biggest stars since joining from Napoli in 2025. Beyond his goalscoring exploits, Osimhen has helped the Yellow and Reds win back-to-back Turkish Super Lig titles and lift the Turkish Cup, while also playing a leading role in the club’s UEFA Champions League campaign.
He has become the fastest player in Galatasaray’s history to reach 50 goals and also etched his name into the record books as the first foreign Galatasaray player to score a Champions League hat-trick, achieving the feat against Ajax.
