Osimhen Finishes 2025 as Nigeria’s Top Scorer, Matches Messi’s Global Tally

Victor Osimhen ended the year 2025 as Nigeria’s leading goalscorer, finding the net 46 times in 52 appearances for club and country. His outstanding performance places him among the top five scorers worldwide, with a goal total equal to that of Lionel Messi in the same period.

During the year, Osimhen scored nine goals in 10 matches for the Super Eagles and added 37 goals in 42 outings for his club, Galatasaray, where his prolific form helped the team secure both the Turkish league and cup titles.

His year began with a goal against Göztepe in January and concluded with a strike in a strong win over Antalyaspor in December, before heading off to join Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

On the global scoring chart, Osimhen’s 46 goals saw him level with Messi, trailing only behind players like Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland.

While Osimhen led Nigeria’s scoring for 2025, other Nigerians also made notable contributions, including Cyriel Dessers, Paul Onuachu, and Tolu Arokodare with double‑digit goal tallies in the year.