Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has revealed that one of his biggest dreams away from football is to return to school and earn a university degree, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles striker said education remains important to him despite the success he has achieved on the pitch. Osimhen explained that football careers do not last forever, and he wants to prepare himself for life after retirement while also inspiring young people to stay in school.
The 27-year-old admitted that leaving school was one of the biggest risks he ever took. Growing up in the Olusosun area of Lagos, his family struggled financially. His sisters worked hard to pay his school fees, but the difficult situation at home pushed him to make a life-changing decision.
Osimhen eventually dropped out during Senior Secondary School Three (SSS 3) so he could focus fully on football. He hoped that becoming a professional player would allow him to support his family and improve their lives. It was a gamble that eventually paid off, but he insists it is not a path others should copy.
The striker stressed that his story was a rare “make or break” situation and should not encourage young people to abandon their education.
Speaking about his future plans, Osimhen said:
“I’d love to go back to school and earn a degree because football only lasts 20–25 years. I already have investments, but I want to prove you can drop out, become successful, and still return to school to finish your education.”
His message is consistent with what he has told young footballers in recent years. During a visit to the Beyond Limits Football Academy, Osimhen encouraged academy players to take education seriously. He reminded them that learning to read and write is just as important as developing their football talent because not every young player will become a professional footballer.
Osimhen: Galatasaray success keeps Europe’s biggest clubs interested
While thinking about life after football, Osimhen continues to shine on the field for Galatasaray.
After a hugely successful loan spell, the Turkish champions completed a permanent €75 million transfer from Napoli last year, making him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. He signed a contract that runs until June 30, 2029, and reportedly earns around €21 million per season.
Since arriving in Istanbul, Osimhen has become the leader of Galatasaray’s attack. He has helped the club win back-to-back Süper Lig titles, claimed the league’s Golden Boot award and produced memorable performances in Europe, including a Champions League hat-trick against Ajax.
His goals and leadership have made him the first name on the team sheet, while Galatasaray’s management continue to see him as a key part of their long-term plans.
Despite signing a long-term contract, interest from Europe’s biggest clubs has not disappeared. Reports have linked Premier League side Chelsea with another move for the Nigerian striker as they continue searching for a proven goalscorer.
Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have also been mentioned as admirers of the Super Eagles forward, while reports claim Galatasaray recently turned down an unofficial offer worth around €120 million from an unnamed European club.
Any immediate return to Serie A is also unlikely because his transfer agreement from Napoli reportedly includes a clause preventing him from joining another Italian club during the first two years of his stay in Turkey.
