‘It would be a problem for Serie A if he returned’ — Ex-Napoli star says Osimhen can shine anywhere

Former Napoli defender Mario Rui has showered praise on Victor Osimhen, insisting the Nigerian striker is a rare talent capable of dominating at any elite club in world football.

Reflecting on their time together during Napoli’s historic Scudetto triumph, Rui said Osimhen’s quality is so immense that bringing him back to Italy would immediately tip the balance of the league.

Speaking to Tutto Sport, Rui described his on-field partnership with Osimhen as crucial to Napoli’s title run, saying: “It was decisive. Look, Victor is someone who can play for any top club in the world. It would be a problem for Serie A if he returned.”

The Portuguese defender believes the Super Eagles star would drastically elevate any Serie A side, adding, “I’m thinking of Juve: with someone like that up front, the value of the squad would change drastically.”

Osimhen’s influence on Italian football is well documented. His 26 goals in the 2022–23 season earned him the Capocannoniere award, making him the first African player in the league’s 125-year history to finish as top scorer.

He also surpassed George Weah as Serie A’s all-time highest-scoring African and was revered as one of the league’s most dominant forwards.

Beyond individual accolades, Osimhen was central to Napoli’s first league title in 33 years, lifting the team with his relentless scoring and consistency.

Over four Serie A seasons with the club, he delivered 65 Serie A goals in 108 appearances, before moving to Turkey to make more history.

His final campaign with Napoli, spent on loan at Galatasaray, was equally explosive. Osimhen scored 37 goals and registered eight assists in 41 matches, leading the Turkish giants to a league title and reminding Europe of his extraordinary finishing ability.

With such pedigree, Rui’s belief that Osimhen can thrive “anywhere in the world” rings truer than ever.