Former Napoli defender Mario Rui has lavished praise on Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, calling him a striker who could thrive at any elite club in global football.
Reflecting on Napoli’s Scudetto-winning season under Luciano Spalletti, Rui highlighted the crucial connection he shared on the pitch with Osimhen.
“It was decisive. Look, Victor is someone who can play for any top club in the world.
“It would be a problem for Serie A if he returned,” Rui said, in comments attributed to Tutto Sport.
He went a step further, imagining the impact Osimhen could have if he joined another Italian giant.
“I’m thinking of Juve: with someone like that up front, the value of the squad would change drastically,” the Portuguese full-back added.
Osimhen’s 2022–23 campaign remains one of the most remarkable in Serie A history.
He netted 26 league goals to win the Capocannoniere, becoming the first African player in the competition’s 125-year history to claim the award.
His tally also established him as Serie A’s all-time highest-scoring African, surpassing former AC Milan icon George Weah.
His prolific form played a pivotal role in Napoli’s historic season, helping the club clinch its first league title in 33 years and cementing Osimhen as one of the most influential players in Italian football.
During his five years with Napoli, Osimhen recorded 65 goals in 108 Serie A appearances.
His final campaign, spent on loan at Galatasaray, was equally impressive.
Osimhen scored 37 goals and provided eight assists across 41 matches in all competitions, powering the Turkish giants to the league championship.A
