Osimhen Falls Behind Mbeumo in Latest African Market Value Rankings

Osimhen Falls Behind Mbeumo in Latest African Market Value Rankings

By Our Reporter 

Nigeria international Victor Osimhen has dropped in the latest African player market value rankings, with Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo overtaking him to become the continent’s joint most valuable footballer.

According to updated figures from Transfermarkt, Mbeumo is now valued at €80 million, placing him level with Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi at the top of the African rankings.

Osimhen, meanwhile, has slipped to joint-third position with Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo, both valued at €75 million.

The latest valuation marks a notable shift in African football’s hierarchy, with Mbeumo’s rise attributed to his consistent club performances and increasing influence at Manchester United. In contrast, Osimhen’s market value has remained unchanged since his 2025 move to Galatasaray.

The Nigerian striker previously reached a career-high valuation of €120 million during his time at Napoli in June 2023. However, his value has since stabilised at €75 million, the same figure recorded at the time of his transfer to Turkey.

Despite the drop in continental ranking, Osimhen remains the most valuable player in the Turkish Süper Lig, as well as Nigeria’s highest-valued footballer. At 27, he is also the oldest player among Africa’s top 10 most valuable players—an age factor that often influences long-term market projections, especially when compared to emerging talents such as Carlos Baleba, 22, and Amad Diallo, 23.

The data highlights the dominance of attacking players in Africa’s top tier, with six of the top 10 operating primarily as forwards or wingers. Alongside Mbeumo and Semenyo, others include Egypt’s Omar Marmoush, Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus, and Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye. Hakimi stands out as the only defender in the elite bracket.

Globally, Osimhen is now ranked 41st overall and eighth among centre-forwards, reflecting a slight decline in standing despite his continued reputation as one of Africa’s leading strikers.

Lara Karacan, area manager for Turkey at Transfermarkt, noted that Osimhen’s valuation extends beyond on-field performance.

“Osimhen is a brand. He is not only a player, he is a figure in football,” she said on the Market Values podcast, highlighting the striker’s commercial appeal amid ongoing uncertainty over his future.