In a historic night on Wednesday, Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen shattered the Turkish goal record and led Galatasaray to a resounding 3-0 victory over Trabzonspor in the Turkish Cup final on May 14, 2025, at Gaziantep Stadium.
The triumph marked Galatasaray’s first Turkish Cup title since the 2016/17 season, ending a six-year wait for the prestigious trophy.
Osimhen’s brace in the final not only secured the club’s 19th Turkish Cup but also etched his name in the history books as the first foreign player to score 35 goals in a single Turkish season, surpassing the previous record held by Brazilian legend Mario Jardel.
The 26-year-old Super Eagles striker, on loan from Napoli, delivered a masterclass in the final. Galatasaray took an early lead through Barış Alper Yılmaz, who scored in the fifth minute after a precise pass from Yunus Akgün.
However, it was Osimhen who stole the show in the second half. Just one minute after the restart, he doubled the lead with a clinical finish, equaling Jardel’s 24-year-old record of 34 goals set during the 2000-2001 season.
In the 63rd minute, Osimhen struck again, breaking the Osimhen Turkish goal record by reaching 35 goals across all competitions in his debut season with the Istanbul giants.
Osimhen’s remarkable feat also saw him become the first foreign player in Galatasaray’s history to score twice in a Turkish Cup final.
His 35 goals in 38 appearances this season broke the Turkish goal record, solidifying his status as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers.
This victory keeps Galatasaray on track for a potential domestic double, as they lead the Süper Lig by a point with only a draw needed against Kayserispor to secure the 2024/25 title.
The Osimhen Turkish goal record has sparked widespread celebration, with fans describing his goal contributions as important and highlighting his role in ending Galatasaray’s cup drought.
However, with his loan spell nearing its end, speculation about his future is rife. Clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Juventus have been linked.
