Former France international Thierry Henry has thrown his weight behind Victor Osimhen in the debate over the world’s best strikers, arguing that the Nigerian forward deserves to be mentioned alongside Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé.

Henry questioned why Osimhen has received relatively little attention in conversations about elite forwards despite maintaining his scoring form since joining Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli. Blueprint reports

The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker said Osimhen had continued to demonstrate his quality in Turkey and deserved greater recognition for his performances.

He argued that the 27-year-old should not be overlooked when football analysts discuss the leading centre-forwards in the world.

“For me, he is still right up there. When we talk about the best strikers in the world right now, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Victor Osimhen cannot be left on the bench in that discussion,” Henry was quoted as saying.

The Frenchman suggested that selecting between Osimhen and Haaland for a combined team would be a difficult decision, given the attacking qualities both players bring to their respective clubs.

Henry questions Osimhen’s lack of recognition

Henry expressed surprise that Osimhen’s name had not featured more prominently in discussions about the world’s outstanding forwards, particularly after his impressive spell at Napoli.

He said the Nigerian had maintained his standards following his move to Galatasaray, challenging the perception that his performances in Turkey should diminish his standing among Europe’s elite strikers.

The 1998 World Cup winner pointed to the importance of recognising a striker’s individual quality beyond the profile of the league or club in which he plays.

Osimhen has enjoyed a productive spell since moving permanently to Galatasaray after an initial loan from Napoli during the 2024/25 season.

He scored 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions during his loan campaign, helping the Istanbul club win the Turkish Süper Lig and Turkish Cup.

Galatasaray subsequently secured his permanent transfer, making him one of the club’s major attacking figures.

His performances have continued into the 2026/27 campaign. As of October 30, he had scored nine goals and provided three assists in eight Süper Lig appearances, according to available season statistics.

He also scored in Galatasaray’s 4-0 victory over Konyaspor on Friday, October 30, after netting twice in the club’s 2-1 derby win over Fenerbahçe on October 26.

Osimhen could do even better at Manchester City, Henry argues

In perhaps the strongest endorsement of the Nigerian, Henry questioned whether Osimhen would produce performances comparable to, or even surpass, Haaland’s output if he played for Manchester City.

He argued that the quality of players surrounding a striker and the opportunities created by a team’s attacking system could significantly influence his numbers.

“Do you think if Victor Osimhen played at Manchester City, with those players around him, he would achieve the same as Erling Haaland? For me, I think he would do even more,” he was quoted as saying.

Henry also turned the comparison around, asking whether Haaland would make the same impact at Galatasaray that Osimhen has made since arriving in Turkey.

He was careful to acknowledge Galatasaray’s quality but maintained that the Nigerian’s performances deserved greater appreciation.

The comparison places two of the most physically imposing and prolific centre-forwards in contemporary football under the spotlight.

While Haaland has established himself as a central figure in Manchester City’s attacking system, Osimhen has become a major source of goals for Galatasaray, combining pace, strength, aerial ability and movement inside the penalty area.

Both forwards are known for their ability to stretch defences, attack crosses and exploit spaces behind opposing defenders, although they operate in different tactical environments.

Barcelona move could have produced feared attack

Henry also revisited Barcelona’s reported interest in Osimhen, suggesting that a move to the Spanish giants under manager Hansi Flick could have created one of Europe’s most formidable attacking combinations.

The former Barcelona forward believes Osimhen’s attributes would have complemented the club’s attacking approach, particularly given the quality of players available around him.

Barcelona have continued to build an attacking side around their established forwards and emerging talents, with Flick seeking to maintain the club’s competitive presence in domestic and European football.

Although a move to Camp Nou did not materialise, Henry’s comments have revived the debate about whether Osimhen could take another major step in his career by joining one of Europe’s leading clubs.

The Nigerian has previously attracted interest from several top European sides, but his performances at Galatasaray have reinforced his reputation as a striker capable of competing at the highest level.

Henry backs Osimhen’s Ballon d’Or ambition

Beyond the comparison with Haaland, Henry believes Osimhen has the potential to challenge for football’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or.

He argued that African players possess the quality to compete for the award but require the right platform and recognition to translate their performances into global acclaim.

“A Ballon d’Or is possible. Africans have the talent. They just need the right platform and the recognition that comes with it,” he said.

Osimhen, who won the 2023 African Player of the Year award after an outstanding season with Napoli, has already established himself among the continent’s leading footballers.

His 2022/23 campaign was particularly remarkable, as he scored 26 league goals to help Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years.

He became the first African player to finish as the Italian top flight’s leading scorer, further strengthening his standing in European football.

The Nigerian has since continued to attract attention through his performances for Galatasaray and the Super Eagles.

Henry’s remarks add to the growing conversation about Osimhen’s place among the world’s leading strikers and the recognition African players receive in global football.

For the Galatasaray forward, maintaining his scoring consistency in domestic and European competitions could prove important in turning such endorsements into a stronger case for individual honours.