Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has turned down the opportunity to inherit Galatasaray’s iconic No. 9 shirt, opting instead to continue wearing his preferred No. 45 ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The famous jersey became available following the departure of club legend Mauro Icardi, and Galatasaray officials reportedly offered it to the Nigerian striker, believing it was the natural choice for the team’s leading forward.
According to Turkish outlet Sabah, club executives even presented Osimhen with a jersey bearing the name “Osimhen 9”, expecting the shirt change to become one of the club’s biggest commercial stories of the summer.
However, the 27-year-old politely declined the offer, insisting that the No. 45 shirt holds special meaning for him.
“I believe you will sell more shirts, but I think you will understand my perspective. The number 45 has been lucky for me at Galatasaray. I want to continue with the same number,” Osimhen reportedly told club officials.
The decision surprised many, as the No. 9 shirt has traditionally been reserved for Galatasaray’s main striker and was most recently worn by Icardi during one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.
Osimhen’s attachment to the No. 45 jersey dates back to his breakthrough season with Belgian side Sporting Charleroi, where he announced himself in European football by scoring 20 goals. Although he later wore the No. 7 shirt at Lille and the famous No. 9 at Napoli, he returned to No. 45 after arriving in Istanbul and has chosen to keep it ever since.
The Nigerian initially joined Galatasaray on loan before completing a club-record permanent transfer from Napoli last summer.
Since arriving in Turkey, he has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most influential players, becoming a fan favourite through his goals, relentless work rate and leadership in attack.
He has already carried his impressive form into pre-season, opening his account with a goal in Galatasaray’s entertaining 3-3 draw against Rennes, as head coach Okan Buruk continues building his side around the Super Eagles star.
Meanwhile, Icardi leaves behind an outstanding legacy at Galatasaray after scoring 77 goals in 134 appearances across four seasons. The Argentine helped the Yellow-Reds win multiple domestic trophies and finished his spell as the club’s highest-scoring foreign player.
While Galatasaray’s commercial department had reportedly anticipated a significant boost in shirt sales if Osimhen adopted the famous No. 9 jersey, the striker instead chose continuity over marketing appeal.
For Osimhen, the No. 45 shirt has become more than just a squad number it represents the journey that has taken him from his breakthrough in Belgium to becoming one of Africa’s leading strikers.
As Galatasaray prepare for another title challenge, the Nigerian forward will once again lead the line wearing the number that he believes has brought him luck throughout one of the most successful periods of his career.
