Why Osimhen Turned Down Icardi’s Famous No. 9 Jersey at Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen has reportedly turned down Galatasaray’s offer to inherit Mauro Icardi’s iconic No. 9 jersey, choosing instead to continue wearing the No. 45 shirt that he believes has brought him luck during his time in Istanbul.
According to reports from Turkish outlets Sabah and Takvim, Galatasaray’s management prepared a special “9-Osimhen” jersey after Icardi vacated the number ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The club had hoped the switch would strengthen the Nigerian striker’s status as the face of the team and boost shirt sales through the club’s official store.
Osimhen, however, is said to have politely declined the offer, explaining that the No. 45 jersey holds special personal and professional significance for him.
The striker reportedly told club officials that while he understood the commercial appeal of the No. 9 shirt, he wanted to continue with the number that had accompanied his successful spell at Galatasaray.
The decision has attracted significant attention because No. 9 is traditionally associated with the club’s main striker and carries considerable symbolic weight following Icardi’s departure.
Galatasaray officials are understood to have respected Osimhen’s choice and abandoned plans for a jersey-number change before the start of the new campaign.
Reports in Turkey also suggest that coach Okan Buruk is considering Osimhen for a leadership role within the squad.
The Nigerian forward is reportedly among the players who could wear the captain’s armband when regular captain Abdülkerim Bardakcı is unavailable, alongside Kaan Ayhan, Yunus Akgün and Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Osimhen’s attachment to the No. 45 shirt dates back to his breakthrough period at Belgian club Charleroi, where he first wore the number while scoring 20 goals and launching his European career.
He later switched to No. 7 at Lille and No. 9 at Napoli before returning to No. 45 after joining Galatasaray.
The latest development is likely to delight many Galatasaray supporters, who have embraced both Osimhen’s performances and the now distinctive No. 45 jersey.
