Victor Osimhen made headlines during Galatasaray’s 3–1 victory over Alanyaspor — not just for his performance, but for a gesture of respect.
Despite scoring and providing an assist at RAMS Park, Osimhen drew attention when he declined to wear the captain’s armband, choosing instead to hand leadership duties to Ilkay Gundogan.
A Gesture of Respect
Regular captain Mauro Icardi began the match on the bench, while vice-captains Abdülkerim Bardakcı and Kaan Ayhan were not in the starting XI. Lucas Torreira initially led the team before being substituted in the 79th minute.
When Gündoğan came on, the armband was passed to him. He then approached Osimhen, seemingly offering him the captaincy. However, the Nigerian striker immediately declined and returned it.
“İlkay is someone I respect very much; he is very valuable to me,” Osimhen told the club’s official website. “He is known worldwide. He is calm, motivating, and someone we can always talk to.
“He is very visionary. When he brought me the captain’s armband, it felt strange. I gave it back so he could lead us. He helps us every time he comes into the game. He is someone who deserves love.”
Focused on the Win
The match itself was far from straightforward. Fresh off a midweek victory over Juventus, Galatasaray took the lead before halftime through Gabriel Sara.
Alanyaspor responded early in the second half, with Steve Mounié heading home the equaliser. Osimhen was later involved in a controversial penalty appeal but chose not to make an issue of it.
“There was contact,” he admitted. “I didn’t want to argue… The important thing is that we won the match.”
Osimhen went on to assist Torreira to restore Galatasaray’s lead before capitalising on an error from goalkeeper Paulo Victor to score his 10th league goal of the season and seal the win.
While his contribution on the pitch proved decisive, it was his humility off it that left a lasting impression.
