The latest Transfermarkt data revealed that Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has dropped to fifth on the list of Africa’s most valuable footballers, having stayed first position in 2023 before dropping to second in 2025 and then third ahead of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
According to Transfermarkt, globally, the dark gangling front man is ranked the 20th most valuable forward in world football, which calculates player market values based on factors including age, performances and statistics.
According to the data, Osimhen, valued at €75million, now sits behind Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande (€90m), Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi (€80million), Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo (€80 million) and Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi (€80million) on the continental list.
The data, which added that the 27 year –old 2024 African Player of the Year is level on value with Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo, who completes the top six, said the decline in ranking has come despite a stunning start to the 2026/27 season for the Nigerian at Turkish champions Galatasaray, where he has scored four goals and provided one assist in just two matches, continuing the form that has established him as one of Europe’s most sought-after marksmen.
The mercurial Nigerian striker recently raced into third place on Galatasaray’s all-time foreign goalscorers list, Arsenal have emerged as the most likely destination for now, while Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are also monitoring his situation.
According to the data, Super Eagles talisman ranks eighth in the world, with seven players ahead of him.
The Super Eagles forward has built his reputation as one of the game’s most prolific goalscorers, and has further strengthened that standing with 63 goals in 76 appearances for Galatasaray since his move from Napoli.
The golden boy of Galatasaray will return to Super Lig action against Goztepe on Saturday, 29 August, 2026.
Osimhen, whose continued high valuation also reflects his standing in the wider history of African transfers, moved from from Lille to Napoli in 2023 was valued at $91million, while his subsequent permanent transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray was reportedly worth $87millionmeaning he features twice among the ten most expensive African players in history.
Osimhen was also among the standout performers at the last African Cup Nations tournament.
