2023 African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, recently opened up about a memorable encounter with one of his football idols Cristiano Ronaldo, The Nigerian forward revealed that he once waited nearly an hour after a match just to snap a selfie with the Portuguese superstar, a moment that left a lasting impression on him.
Now 26, Osimhen remains unashamed of his admiration for football’s biggest names. Despite being a global star in his own right, the Super Eagles striker has always aimed to create lasting memories with legends like Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, players he once looked up to and now competes alongside on the world stage.
In a candid interview with Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, Osimhen said “I always told my friends that the day I play against Ronaldo, Messi, or Neymar these are legends I truly admire I’ll make sure to take a picture with them. Even if we lose 10-0, I wouldn’t care!”
That opportunity came in 2021 when Napoli faced Juventus. After the final whistle, Osimhen mustered the courage to approach Ronaldo and politely asked for a photo.
I said, “Cris, I’d love to take a picture with you,’ and he said, ‘Sure, come to the dressing room,’”Osimhen recalled.
But things didn’t go as quickly as he expected. What followed was an almost hour-long wait just like an eager young fan hoping for an autograph.
Gianluigi Buffon saw me and asked what I was waiting for. He told me Ronaldo was still in the gym and asked me to sit with him. We chatted for about 30 minutes, and Ronaldo was still not out. I waited one hour he was still working out!” He said.
Eventually, Osimhen got his moment and it was worth the wait. He was stunned by Ronaldo’s incredible physique and dedication, even at his age.
“Looking at his legs and the veins—you’d think he was 25 back then!” Osimhen said about Ronaldo’s appearance.
When they finally met, Ronaldo’s words to him were both kind and inspiring.
“He told me, ‘Great game, just keep going,’ and shook my hand. Honestly, it’s no surprise Ronaldo is still doing great things at his age. But more than that, he’s an amazing personality,” Osimhen said.
Ronaldo, now 40, continues to defy expectations,recently leading Portugal to UEFA Nations League success and reportedly planning to extend his stay at Saudi pro league side Al-Nassr.
As for Osimhen, his own future is a hot topic. He recently turned down a mega-money offer from Saudi giants Al-Hilal as he eyes a move to a top European club. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hinted that the striker is holding out for a move to Old Trafford. Meanwhile, reports suggest Al-Hilal are preparing a new proposal worth a staggering €50 million per year.
The Nigerian ace is coming off a phenomenal season on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he netted 37 goals and added 7 assists in just 39 appearances. Among the highlights of his season was a spectacular overhead kick against Antalyaspor, which won the Super Lig’s Goal of the Season with a commanding 65.8% of fan votes. His contributions played a key role in Galatasaray’s remarkable domestic double—winning both the league title and the Turkish Cup under manager Okan Buruk.
