Victor Osimhen Recognized as Only African Player in Top 50 Marketable Athletes

Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen has made history by being the sole African player featured in the top 50 marketable athletes worldwide. Discover the factors contributing to his rising profile and commercial appeal.

Victor Osimhen is the sole African athlete to feature in Sports Pro’s Top 50 Most Marketable Athletes list for 2024, securing the 44th spot ahead of Erling Haaland from Manchester City.

The US website evaluated rankings based on three criteria: brand strength, total addressable market, and economics. Osimhen scored higher than the Norwegian striker, who is positioned at 45th place.

The Nigerian international achieved a brand strength score of 24.18, a total addressable market score of 26.94, and an economics score of 13.03, leading to an overall marketability score of 64.15. In comparison, Haaland scored 22.8 for brand strength, 17.73 in the total addressable market category and had an economics rating of 23.49, culminating in a combined marketability score totaling at [other person]’s aggregate was slightly higher with scores across these categories adding up to precisely”,” while alongside his counterpart whereas,” than____; however amenity performance surpasses.”

American gymnast Simone Biles leads the list, while Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. stands out as the highest-ranked footballer in second place with 91.52 points.

Lionel Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, secures a spot in the top five with 89.67 points.

The rankings also featured PSG’s Neymar, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal. Notably missing from the list was Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

READ ALOS: VIDEO: Galatasaray Fans Give Victor Osimhen a Hero’s Welcome

Osimhen remains highly ranked even though his market value is set to decrease by €35 million in 2024. Additionally, Napoli reduced his release clause from £113 million to £63 million after being unable to arrange a permanent transfer away from the club during the summer.

The 25-year-old is experiencing a remarkable period at Galatasaray, the prominent Turkish club where he is on loan for the season. He has recently surpassed a seven-year club record by registering six goal contributions in his first five league matches—a milestone previously reached by Bafetimbi Gomis in 2014.

His outstanding performances in Istanbul have caught the attention of numerous clubs. According to Turkish media outlet Sozcu, Galatasaray is planning a €50 million bid to sign him permanently in January; however, this offer does not meet his €75 million release clause.

The striker had been rumored to transfer to Chelsea in August, but ultimately joined Galatasaray. Since then, he has scored four goals and made four assists across seven appearances.

Saudi Pro League team Al Ahly is keeping an eye on his situation; however, Osimhen has expressed publicly that he intends to stay with Galatasaray until the season concludes.