Victor Osimhen Makes History with Record-Breaking Brace as Galatasaray Clinch Turkish Cup

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has smashed a two-decade-old Turkish football record, scoring twice to power Galatasaray to a commanding 3–0 victory over Trabzonspor in the Turkish Cup final.

On Wednesday night, Osimhen entered the final with 33 goals this season and needed just two more to surpass Mario Jardel’s long-standing 34-goal tally set in the 2000/01 season.

He delivered in style — netting twice in the 46th and 63rd minutes — to take his season tally to 35 goals in all competitions, setting a new record for the most goals by a foreign player in a single Turkish football season.

Galatasaray’s Night of Glory

The final, played at a packed stadium, saw Baris Yilmaz open the scoring for Galatasaray in the 5th minute following a slick pass from Yunus Akgun. But the night ultimately belonged to Osimhen.

• First Goal (46') – A thunderous low drive from the edge of the area, nestling in the bottom right corner.

• Second Goal (63') – A sharp turn and a sensational curling finish into the top corner.

With these goals, Galatasaray claimed their 19th Turkish Cup title, extending their record as the most successful club in the competition’s history.

Osimhen’s Record-Breaking Season

• Goals Scored: 35

• Appearances: 38

• Record Broken: Most goals by a foreign player in a Turkish season (previously 34 by Mario Jardel)

• Ranking in Galatasaray’s Foreign Scorer List: Now 8th, surpassing Jardel

• Leader: Gheorghe Hagi (72 goals)

Osimhen’s impact has been nothing short of phenomenal, and he is now being celebrated not just as a star striker, but a club legend in the making.

Domestic Double in Sight

Galatasaray can crown an incredible season by sealing the Turkish Super Lig title with a win over Kayserispor on Sunday. A victory would:

• Secure their 25th league title

• Complete a historic domestic double (last achieved in the 1998–99 season)

• Mark their fourth-ever league and cup double

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Osimhen’s success further underscores the growing influence of Nigerian players in European football, with the Super Eagles forward now writing his name into Turkish football folklore.