Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has dropped to fifth on the ranking of Africa’s most valuable footballers, according to the latest Transfermarkt market-value data.
The Nigerian forward, who was ranked Africa’s most valuable player in 2023, fell to second in 2025 and third ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He is now valued at €75m.
Osimhen sits behind Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, valued at €90m, while Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo and Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi are all valued at €80m.
Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, also valued at €75m, shares sixth place with Osimhen.
Strong Start Despite Drop in Ranking
Osimhen’s decline in the continental ranking comes despite an impressive beginning to the 2026/27 season with Turkish champions Galatasaray.
The 27-year-old has scored four goals and provided one assist in his first two matches, continuing the prolific form that has made him one of Europe’s most highly regarded strikers.
He has also recently moved into third place on Galatasaray’s all-time list of foreign goalscorers.
Despite his strong performances, Osimhen remains the subject of transfer interest ahead of the close of the transfer window. Arsenal have reportedly emerged as a potential destination, while Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal are also monitoring his situation.
No deal, however, had materialised at the time of the latest ranking.
Osimhen Remains Among World’s Elite Strikers
Transfermarkt ranks Osimhen as the 20th most valuable forward in world football, with its market valuations based on factors including age, performance and statistical output.
His position improves when the ranking is limited specifically to centre-forwards. Osimhen is currently eighth in the world among traditional No. 9s.
Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland leads the ranking with a market value of €220m, followed by Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappé at €200m.
Argentina and Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez is third at €120m, while Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak and Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martínez are valued at €85m each.
Hugo Ekitike and João Pedro complete the top seven at €80m apiece.
Osimhen’s €75m valuation puts him eighth, while he remains the most valuable Nigerian footballer and the most valuable player in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Galatasaray Form Continues
Since joining Galatasaray from Napoli, Osimhen has continued to establish himself as one of the club’s most important attacking players.
He has scored 63 goals in 76 appearances for the Turkish champions, further strengthening his reputation as one of the most prolific strikers in European football.
He will be hoping to extend that record when Galatasaray return to Süper Lig action against Göztepe on Saturday.
Osimhen Among Africa’s Most Expensive Transfers
The Nigerian striker also remains a significant figure in the history of African football transfers.
His move from Lille to Napoli in 2020 was valued at approximately $91m, while his permanent transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray was reportedly worth around $87m.
As a result, Osimhen appears twice among the 10 most expensive African transfers of all time.
Ivory Coast star Yan Diomande’s reported $144m transfer from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid currently tops the list, followed by former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé’s $92m move from Lille to Arsenal in 2019.
Lookman Also Among Africa’s Valuable Stars
Osimhen is not the only Nigerian featuring prominently among Africa’s top footballers.
Atlético Madrid winger Ademola Lookman is valued at approximately €35m, making him another of Nigeria’s most valuable players on the international market.
Lookman has continued to establish himself as an important attacking player since moving to Atlético Madrid, particularly through his ability to create chances and influence matches from wide positions.
He was also one of Nigeria’s key attacking players as the Super Eagles finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Osimhen also playing a major role in the team’s campaign.
Despite dropping three places in the latest continental valuation, Osimhen remains firmly among Africa’s elite footballers and continues to command significant interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
