Victor Osimhen may be forced to remove his iconic protective face mask for Galatasaray’s high-stakes Turkish Super Lig derby against fierce rivals Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho, this weekend.
The derby, considered one of Turkey’s most intense football rivalries, promises to be a pivotal moment in the season as both teams vie for dominance.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray with significant expectations, has been wearing the mask since sustaining a severe facial injury during his time at Napoli. The injury, resulting from a collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, required surgery and the insertion of six plates and 18 screws into his face. Since then, the mask has been a crucial part of his gear, providing necessary protection.
However, recent reports indicate that Fenerbahçe fans are pressuring the Turkish Football Federation to ban Osimhen from wearing the mask. They argue that it poses a potential risk to opponents, a controversy that intensified following Galatasaray’s 4-1 win over Çaykur Rizespor. During the match, Osimhen collided with Rizespor player Khusniddin Alikulov, who suffered a concussion, leading to renewed scrutiny of the mask’s safety.
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Former referee Fırat Aydınus commented on the situation, stating, “If the accessory you wear harms both your opponent’s and your own health, the referee can tell you not to wear it.”
Concerns have been raised about the mask’s metal components, with some questioning whether it contributed to Alikulov’s injury. Despite these concerns, Osimhen remains a vital player for Galatasaray, and his presence in the derby is highly anticipated.
Osimhen’s record against Mourinho, who previously managed AS Roma, is notable, with three goals in six appearances against his teams.
As Osimhen prepares for this crucial encounter, Galatasaray fans hope he can lead them to victory. The match will not only impact early-season standings but also provide a gauge of Galatasaray’s ambitions for the Süper Lig title and their European aspirations.
All eyes will be on Osimhen as he tackles his toughest challenge in Turkish football—whether or not he will be able to wear his mask.
