Icardi is a pure striker but Osimhen is the greatest — Fenerbahce icon declares
Osimhen, who returned to Galatasaray on a permanent deal last summer for a league-record €75 million fee, has been praised for his overall impact, which Akın believes surpasses even other elite attackers.
The Super Eagles star has been in stellar form since his loan spell last season, registering 45 goal involvements in 41 appearances and inspiring Galatasaray to a domestic double.
His strong performances have continued this season with six goals, including crucial strikes in the UEFA Champions League. Osimhen also made history by becoming Galatasaray's fastest Champions League goalscorer and the first player to net in seven consecutive European matches for the club.
Victor Osimhen hailed as greatest ever striker
Akın, who featured in the league in the early 2000s, expressed deep admiration for Osimhen’s quality and all-around ability, which he feels gives the Nigerian an edge over others.
Akin stated via habersarikirmizi "Osimhen is an extraordinary man. I think he's the greatest centre-forward to ever grace this league."
Victor Osimhen is the first ever Galatasaray player to score in seven consecutive games in major European competitions, breaking Burak Yilmaz's record.
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 22, 2025
⚽⚽ vs. Tottenham
⚽ vs. AZ Alkmaar
⚽ vs. Dynamo Kyiv
⚽ vs. Ajax
⚽ vs. AZ Alkmaar
⚽ vs. Lverpool
⚽⚽ vs. Bodø /… pic.twitter.com/VCT11zYnTs
He then contrasted the Nigerian with Galatasaray's other big name striker Mauro Icardi.
"Icardi is a pure striker, he did amazing things for two years and became top scorer. Icardi is a completely different player.
"If I were a manager, I'd be incredibly happy to have Osimhen on my team. He's my dream centre-forward."
Osimhen has been in fantastic form over the past month, scoring a hat-trick to lead Nigeria to the World Cup Playoffs, and earning a nomination for the African Footballer of the Year award.