By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has dropped to fifth among Africa’s most valuable footballers, according to Transfermarkt data released in August 2026. The 27-year-old Galatasaray forward now carries a €75 million market value after ranking first in 2023, second in 2025 and third before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His latest ranking reflects changing market values across Africa despite his impressive form in Turkey.
Osimhen Ranked Fifth in Africa
Osimhen now trails several highly valued African players on the continental ranking.
Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande leads the list at €90 million. Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi follows with a €80 million valuation.
Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo also carries an €80 million market value. Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi completes the group at the same valuation.
Meanwhile, Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo shares Osimhen’s €75 million valuation.
The ranking marks a major change for Osimhen. He previously held the top spot among Africa’s most valuable players in 2023.
Osimhen Enjoys Strong Start at Galatasaray
Despite his ranking decline, Osimhen continues to deliver impressive performances for Galatasaray.
The Nigerian has scored four goals and provided one assist in two matches this season. His strong start has further strengthened his reputation as an elite goalscorer.
Since joining Galatasaray from Napoli, Osimhen has scored 63 goals in 76 appearances. He also recently moved into third place on Galatasaray’s all-time foreign goalscorers list.
Moreover, his performances continue to attract interest from major European and Saudi clubs.
Arsenal currently appear to be the most likely destination. However, Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal also continue to monitor his situation.
Osimhen Remains Nigeria’s Most Valuable Player
Osimhen remains Nigeria’s most valuable footballer despite his continental ranking decline.
He also shares Nigeria’s flag-bearing role with Atletico Madrid winger Ademola Lookman. Transfermarkt values Lookman at €35 million.
Lookman has continued to increase his influence since joining Atletico Madrid. He has also shown strong creativity and attacking quality from wide positions.
The winger played a key role for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He emerged as one of the Super Eagles’ most creative attacking players.
Osimhen also impressed during the tournament as Nigeria finished third.
Osimhen Eighth Among World Centre Forwards
When the ranking focuses strictly on centre forwards, Osimhen occupies eighth place globally.
Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland leads the list. His current market value stands at €220 million.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe ranks second at €200 million. Argentine striker Julian Alvarez follows in third place at €120 million.
Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak ranks fourth at €85 million. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez shares the same valuation.
Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro complete the top seven. Both forwards carry market values of €80 million.
Osimhen follows them with his €75 million valuation.
Osimhen Ranks 20th Among Global Forwards
Transfermarkt ranks Osimhen as the 20th most valuable forward in world football.
The platform considers several factors when calculating player market values. These include age, performances, statistics and other market influences.
Therefore, his lower ranking does not necessarily reflect his goalscoring impact.
Osimhen remains one of the most productive Nigerian attackers in European football.
Osimhen Features Among Africa’s Most Expensive Transfers
The Nigerian forward also has a strong place in African transfer history.
His move from Lille to Napoli reportedly cost around $91 million in 2023. His subsequent permanent transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray reportedly reached $87 million.
As a result, Osimhen appears twice among Africa’s ten most expensive players.
However, Real Madrid defender Yan Diomande now tops the all-time African transfer list. His reported $144 million move from RB Leipzig places him above former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe.
Pepe’s 2019 transfer from Lille to Arsenal reportedly cost $92 million.
Galatasaray Await Osimhen’s Next Performance
Osimhen will aim to maintain his excellent form when Galatasaray return to Super Lig action.
The Turkish champions face Goztepe on Saturday.
Consequently, another strong performance could strengthen Osimhen’s position ahead of the transfer window deadline.
For now, several clubs continue to watch his situation closely. Yet no major move has materialised.
Osimhen remains one of the world’s most sought-after strikers despite his latest market-value ranking.
