Brazil legend Mário Jardel reacts as Victor Osimhen breaks his 24-year Galatasaray record by Citynobs May 16, 2025, 1:41 am Victor Osimhen etched his name in Galatasaray history on Wednesday night, breaking a long-standing record held by Brazilian legend Mário Jardel, according to Soccernet. The Nigerian striker scored his 35th goal of the season during Galatasaray’s 3-0 Turkish Cup final win over Trabzonspor, surpassing Jardel’s 34-goal mark set in the 2000–01 season. Jardel, one of the most prolific strikers in European football at the turn of the millennium, was watching the match from his home. A video that quickly went viral on social media captured the emotional moment he applauded Osimhen’s goal — a classy first-time finish after a low cross from Yunus Akgün. The Brazilian, who joined Galatasaray from FC Porto in 2000 and scored 34 goals in 43 appearances in his debut season, had held the record as the most prolific foreign striker at the club. Osimhen’s performance this season has not only equaled but surpassed that benchmark, with his goals coming across all competitions — 24 in the Turkish Super Lig, six in the Europa League, and five in the Turkish Cup. Osimhen, currently on loan from Napoli, also became the first foreign player to score a brace in a Turkish Cup final for Galatasaray, further underlining his impact. His goals on the night helped secure the club’s 19th Turkish Cup title. With one league game remaining, Osimhen has the chance to help Galatasaray win the Super Lig title as well. A victory against Kayserispor would seal the club’s third consecutive championship and cap off a historic season for both Osimhen and Galatasaray. Jardel’s gracious response to the record-breaking moment reflects the mutual respect between legends past and present. While one era closes, another is clearly in full flight.
Jardel,