Turkey: Osimhen takes over Icardi’s No 9 shirt at Galatasaray

Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, is set to don a new jersey number at Galatasaray starting from the 2026/27 season.

The Nigerian attacker will wear the club’s prestigious No. 9 shirt, according to a report by Habersarikirmizi.

Since joining Galatasaray, Osimhen has been wearing the number 45 jersey, as the renowned No. 9 shirt was previously held by Mauro Icardi.

With Icardi’s departure, the number has become available, and Galatasaray have chosen to assign it to their star striker.

Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük reports that the management of Galatasaray waited for Mauro Icardi before making this decision, demonstrating respect for the Argentine forward and his contributions to the club.

The Turkish giants aimed to refrain from reallocating the shirt while Icardi was still linked to the team.

The number 9 jersey is now officially Osimhen’s, and he is anticipated to commence the new season wearing this esteemed shirt.

This decision is also viewed as a reflection of the club’s increasing confidence in the Nigerian striker’s significance to their future objectives.

Interestingly, Icardi did not start his Galatasaray tenure wearing the No. 9 shirt either.

Initially, the Argentine striker wore the number 99 before transitioning to the iconic number.

Osimhen will now embark on a similar journey by taking over one of the most recognized shirt numbers at the Turkish champions.