Victor Osimhen’s rise to becoming Nigeria’s highest-earning footballer has been marked by a series of impressive salary increases over the past seven years, driven by his exceptional performances and growing reputation in European football.
Early Career and Wolfsburg: €4,231 per week/€220,000 per year
Osimhen began his professional career in Nigeria before moving to VfL Wolfsburg in 2017. At Wolfsburg, his weekly wage was approximately ₦7.5 million, with annual earnings around ₦390 million. Adjusted for current value, his earnings at Wolfsburg were about €250,454 per year (₦444,466,830).
Charleroi: €3,654 per week/€190,000 per year
After a loan spell at Charleroi in 2018, Osimhen’s performances earned him a permanent move, although he accepted a lower salary compared to his Wolfsburg contract. His weekly wage dropped to just over ₦6 million, translating to annual earnings of ₦337 million. Adjusted for current value, his gross earnings at Charleroi were €214,897 (₦381,227,278).
Lille: €25,000 per week/€1,300,000 per year
Osimhen’s move to Lille in 2019 marked a significant salary increase. His weekly wage at Lille was over ₦44 million, with annual earnings exceeding ₦2 billion.
First Two Seasons with Napoli: €98,645 per week/€5,130,000 per year
Osimhen’s transfer to Napoli in 2020 for €70 million made him one of the most expensive African players. His weekly earnings in Naples started at just under ₦175 million, with annual earnings over ₦9 billion.
Third Season at Napoli: €104,808 per week/€5,450,000 per year
In his third season at Napoli, Osimhen received a slight raise, bringing his weekly salary to over ₦185 million and annual earnings to ₦9.6 billion.
Fourth Season with Napoli: €246,538 per week/€12,820,000 per year
Following a stellar 2022–23 season, where he led Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades, Napoli significantly increased his salary. Osimhen’s weekly wage rose to over ₦457 million, with annual earnings surpassing ₦22 billion.
Loan to Galatasaray
Osimhen’s recent loan move to Galatasaray is expected to see his salary split between Napoli and the Turkish club. While specific details are not confirmed, his salary is anticipated to remain at the same level as during his time at Napoli.
Osimhen’s salary trajectory reflects his growing stature in football, driven by his impressive performances and the significant interest from top clubs across Europe.