Osimhen breaks 25-year scoring record for Galatasaray in 3-2 win marred by injury

Victor Osimhen broke a 25-year scoring record for Galatasaray in a 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir. The Nigerian striker, who was forced off with an early injury in the match played on 5 September 2026 at the Fatih Terim Stadium, netted his sixth goal of the season in just four games.

This achievement means no foreign signing has started a Süper Lig season this explosively in a quarter of a century. Osimhen is the first foreign player to reach this milestone. The victory was Galatasaray's fourth match of the campaign, solidifying their lead at the top of the table with 10 points. They sit one point clear of Beşiktaş, having scored 12 goals and conceded 6.

The 27-year-old Victor Osimhen has begun the season in spectacular form. His winning goal against Başakşehir etched his name into a unique part of the club's history. In the last twenty-five years, no other foreign player has scored six times in the opening four weeks of a season. This statistic shows the striker's rapid adaptation and immediate impact. Other stars on the team's squad list have contributed to this success.

Osimhen was substituted in the 33rd minute following discomfort after an intense pressing duel, with Barış Alper Yılmaz taking his place. The club's medical team plans MRI scans to determine the extent of the issue. This development places Osimhen's name on the team's injuries list alongside Günay Güvenç, Mario Lemina, and Wilfried Singo.

This significant win has strengthened Galatasaray's standing in the Süper Lig. With three wins and one draw from four matches, the team leads with 10 points. Their recent form reads WWWD (Win, Win, Win, Draw). The lead at the summit is not yet comfortable, with Beşiktaş just one point behind. This picture on the standings page is promising for the early stage of the season.

The goal difference is also positive. The yellow-reds have scored 12 while conceding 6, resulting in a +6 differential. The balance between defense and attack sends positive signals for the long season ahead. However, factors like Osimhen's injury could raise questions about sustaining this balance.

Amid the injury concerns, Galatasaray must now focus on their next league fixture. The team will host 11th-placed Rizespor at home on 6 December 2026. This is viewed as an important home match in the fixtures calendar. The Rizespor game will present an opportunity to test the squad's depth and alternative solutions in the absence of injured players.

Victor Osimhen may be unavailable for this encounter. This situation could push the coaching staff to try different attacking combinations. Losing such a key part of the squad this early in the season may alter plans. All eyes will be on the results of the upcoming MRI scan and the decision from the team doctors. Galatasaray's next match is against Rizespor on 6 December 2026.