Osimhen Caught in Mosque Renaming Controversy in Turkey

Galatasaray’s record signing, Victor Osimhen, has found himself unexpectedly at the center of a local controversy in Turkey following his high-profile move from Napoli.

The Nigerian striker, who joined the Istanbul giants this summer in a historic €75 million deal, was warmly welcomed by fans and hailed as the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. His arrival placed him among Europe’s highest-paid players and sparked huge excitement for the club’s 2025 season.

However, just days after landing in Turkey, Osimhen’s name appeared on Google Maps as the title of a mosque in the Karatay district of Konya. The Bulut Mosque, completed in 2008, was suddenly listed as the “Victor Osimhen Mosque,” prompting swift backlash from the local community.

Members of the congregation expressed their dissatisfaction, emphasizing that the mosque had carried the Bulut name for over a decade and should not be associated with an unrelated public figure.

One worshipper said, “We have been a congregation of Bulut Mosque since we have been here. We are against it being changed to Victor Osimhen. The name Victor Osimhen is a Christian name. As the mosque congregation, we want the authorities to look into this issue.”

Another added, “This has been the Bulut Mosque for 10 years. He’s not a football player from Konyaspor, and we don’t understand the relevance of naming the mosque after him.”

Community member Zeki Yaylacı went further, calling the change “a shame” and “an insult to Muslims and mosques.” He urged authorities to put measures in place to prevent such edits from happening so easily online.

There is no evidence that Osimhen was aware of, or involved in, the renaming. The change appears to have resulted from inaccurate user edits on Google Maps, which local authorities are now being urged to correct.

Meanwhile, Osimhen has returned to full training after missing Galatasaray’s 3-0 Super Lig opening win over Gaziantep. He is expected to make his debut at RAMS Park this Friday in front of the home fans.