Turkish football expert and commentator Reha Kapsal has singled out Victor Osimhen as the heartbeat of Galatasaray’s impressive season, insisting the Nigerian striker is the main reason the club remains hopeful of progressing in the UEFA Champions League.

With the final day of the league phase approaching, Galatasaray currently sit 17th with 10 points from seven matches. A win against Manchester City on Wednesday would guarantee them a place in the playoff round, while even a draw—or defeat—could still be enough depending on results elsewhere.

Osimhen’s Impact Speaks Loudly

Although Osimhen has gone without a goal in his last two Champions League outings, his overall contribution to the competition has been immense. The former African Footballer of the Year scored six goals in his first three matches, including a memorable hat-trick against Ajax Amsterdam, and was once the tournament’s leading scorer this season.

Domestically, his influence has been just as clear. Osimhen has found the net seven times in 13 Turkish Super Lig matches, helping Galatasaray maintain their place at the top of the league table.

Speaking on Spor, Kapsal did not hold back in his assessment of the striker’s importance.

“Osimhen has officially become the key player for Galatasaray; he’s the one who helped take the club to where it is now,” Kapsal was quoted as saying by habersarikirmiz.
“I haven’t seen another player recently who changed a team’s environment as much on their own.
“Osimhen is the player who helped Galatasaray take the lead and keep going in the Champions League.”

Osimhen capped his latest outing by scoring the final goal in Galatasaray’s 3–1 win over Fatih Karagümrük, once again underlining his value in big moments.

Opinion: One Player, One Belief System

There’s something special about a striker who doesn’t just score goals, but lifts an entire club’s belief—and that’s exactly what Osimhen has done at Galatasaray. His presence alone changes how opponents defend, how teammates play, and how fans dream.

Even in matches where the goals don’t come, Osimhen’s movement, intensity, and confidence keep Galatasaray competitive at the highest level. Facing a giant like Manchester City, it’s no surprise that fans and pundits alike are looking to him for inspiration.

If Galatasaray do make it into the Champions League playoffs, history may record it as a team achievement—but everyone watching knows the truth: Victor Osimhen is the spark powering the fire.