Uğur Meleke Hails Victor Osimhen as World Top-Five Striker, Says He Is Better Than Viktor Gyökeres

Turkish football pundit Uğur Meleke has boldly declared that Victor Osimhen is currently superior to Viktor Gyökeres, following the Nigerian striker’s latest standout performance for Galatasaray S.K..

Osimhen was instrumental in Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory over Alanyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig at the weekend, once again underlining his importance to the Istanbul giants.

Speaking via Habersarikirmizi, Meleke did not hold back in his praise.

“In my opinion, Victor Osimhen is one of the top five strikers in the world,” Meleke said.

“He is ranked alongside Haaland, Lewandowski, and Lautaro Martinez.

“Right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if Osimhen went from Galatasaray to Real Madrid, Manchester City, or Liverpool. I think he is better than Gyökeres.”

By placing Osimhen in the same bracket as elite forwards like Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, and Lautaro Martínez, Meleke has reignited debates about who truly belongs among the world’s striking elite.

Opinion: Is Osimhen Truly Ahead of Gyökeres?

Meleke’s assessment will undoubtedly spark conversation across Europe. Viktor Gyökeres has been prolific and physically dominant in recent seasons, earning admiration for his consistency and versatility. However, Osimhen offers a different profile — explosive pace, relentless pressing, aerial dominance, and big-game mentality.

One key difference lies in pedigree. Osimhen has proven himself in multiple top leagues and European competitions, while Gyökeres is still building his résumé at the highest level. Osimhen’s performances in title races and continental fixtures give weight to Meleke’s argument.

That said, football debates are rarely settled by bold statements alone. Form, system, and team dynamics often shape how strikers are perceived. A move to a global powerhouse like Real Madrid or Manchester City, as suggested, would provide the ultimate test of Osimhen’s standing among the very best.

For now, what is undeniable is this: Victor Osimhen continues to command global attention. And if his current trajectory continues, discussions comparing him to Europe’s elite may soon turn into consensus rather than opinion.