Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen opens up on school dropout, future & education dream
Retold by Oddsrama · 13 July 2026
Victor Osimhen has opened up about one of his personal goals that sits firmly outside the football pitch: returning to university to complete his education. The Galatasaray forward, now 27, acknowledges that despite his extraordinary success as a striker, the career span in football is finite—typically lasting just 20 to 25 years. He wants to prove to himself and others that you can take the risk of dropping out, become a megastar, and still come back to earn that degree.
The Nigerian international's journey reflects the harsh realities many talented young players face. Growing up in Lagos, Osimhen's family struggled financially, and his sisters scraped together money for his school fees. But the pressure at home eventually forced a tough choice: he left school during Senior Secondary School Three to pursue football full-time. It was a gamble, sure, but one that paid off spectacularly. Still, Osimhen is careful to stress that his path was a rare exception—a "make or break" situation—and he doesn't want young people using his story as an excuse to abandon their studies.
His words carry weight because he backs them up. When visiting the Beyond Limits Football Academy, Osimhen has pushed young players to take academics seriously, reminding them that reading, writing, and critical thinking matter just as much as ball control. Not everyone becomes a professional footballer; most won't. It's a reality check that stands out in a sport often obsessed with the next big talent.
On the pitch, Osimhen remains one of Europe's most wanted strikers. His permanent move to Galatasaray last year for €75 million made him Turkish football's record signing, and he's since won back-to-back league titles and claimed the Süper Lig Golden Boot. Chelsea, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid have all circled around him, and reports suggest a European club recently tabled an unofficial €120 million bid that Galatasaray rejected. His contract runs until 2029, but with Osimhen's form and the financial muscle of top European clubs, expect speculation to continue—though an Italian return is blocked for now by his Napoli exit clause.
Related stories
Oddsrama retells the day's football news in our own words, with full credit to the source. 18+. Play responsibly.