AMSTERDAM — Victor Osimhen has taken the lead in the Champions League scoring charts after netting a hat trick in Galatasaray’s 3-0 win over Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday.
The Nigerian striker scored all three goals, showcasing his exceptional talent and leading his team to victory against their Dutch opponents.
Osimhen’s hat trick brings his total to six goals this season in the Champions League, placing him ahead of notable players like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, who each have five.
In the summer, Osimhen made a permanent move to the Istanbul club from Napoli for a record transfer fee in the Turkish League, reportedly around €75 million ($86 million).
His remarkable performance on Wednesday was completed in less than 20 minutes. He scored his first goal with a header in the 59th minute from a cross by Leroy Sané, followed by two well-taken penalties in the 66th and 78th minutes that left Ajax’s goalkeeper Remko Pasveer with no chance.
“We have a goal. We know what we want, and we recognize the high level of performance needed in the Champions League,” Osimhen shared with Galatasaray TV. “We aim to compete with the best. It won’t be easy, but we will take it step by step. We possess the individual quality to challenge any team.”
Previously in this season’s Champions League, Osimhen scored the only goal in a 1-0 triumph over Liverpool, also from the penalty spot, and contributed two goals in a 3-1 victory against Bodø/Glimt. Galatasaray has achieved three consecutive wins and is currently ninth in the standings with nine points as they reach the halfway mark of the group stage.
Prior to his move from Napoli, Osimhen was sought after by clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Saudi club Al Ahli. He joined Galatasaray on a loan deal in September 2024, helping the club secure both the league title and Cup in his inaugural season in Turkey, where he netted 26 league goals and five in the Cup.