In a move that’s got everyone talking, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen,Galatasaray’s record-shattering €75 million man,has bagged the GQ Sportsman of the Year award in Turkey. The flashy Istanbul event, hosted by GQ Magazine, was more about glitz and glamour than actual sporting achievement, but Osimhen certainly knows how to make headlines.

The black-tie ceremony was a who’s who of Turkish celebrities and sports figures, and Osimhen, dressed to impress, took centre stage. With cameras flashing, he delivered a carefully crafted speech, name-dropping GQ, Galatasaray, and his “supporters.” Predictably, he promised to keep doing his best,standard fare for award winners, but it definitely played well with the crowd.

Osimhen’s rapid rise in Turkish football has been nothing short of sensational if you believe the hype. Since joining Galatasaray, he’s been painted as a hero,37 goals, seven assists in 41 games, and apparently single-handedly responsible for Galatasaray’s domestic double. Never mind the rest of the team,Osimhen is the headline act, especially when there’s a record transfer fee involved.

Galatasaray’s gamble to break the Turkish transfer record for Osimhen now seems justified, at least in the eyes of his supporters. Despite injury setbacks, he’s claimed 11 goals in just 14 appearances this season, keeping fans and pundits buzzing about his “unstoppable” form. The club’s PR machine couldn’t have written it better.

On the international stage, the Osimhen narrative continues. He’s portrayed as the saviour of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, bouncing back from injury to score crucial goals in the World Cup qualifiers. Yet, even with his best efforts, Nigeria’s campaign ended in heartbreak,Osimhen missing the final, and the Super Eagles crashing out on penalties against DR Congo. Still, the story goes on, with all eyes supposedly on him for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Let’s not forget, the GQ Awards weren’t just about football. Turkish A-listers like Aras Aydın (International Achiever of the Year), Sinem Ünsal (Woman of the Year), Edis (Music Person of the Year), and Bahtiyar Büyükduman (Chef of the Year) got their moments in the spotlight, too. But make no mistake: Osimhen was the star attraction, with the Turkish media lapping it up.

Is this GQ Sportsman of the Year title really about sporting excellence, or just another PR opportunity for Galatasaray’s expensive new signing? Either way, Victor Osimhen is everywhere,on the pitch, at glitzy award shows, and dominating the conversation. For now, the hype train shows no signs of slowing down.