Where Does Victor Osimhen Rank Among the Top 10 Hottest African Strikers in 2025

The 2024/2025 season has been an incredible one for African strikers such as Guirassy, Lookman, Osimhen, and Salah. These players have consistently proven themselves, scoring important goals for their clubs and countries.

After Pulse Sports reported Victor Osimhen’s heroic deeds at Galatasaray, he is no doubt a force to reckon with. But where does the Super Eagles star rank among the hottest strikers from Africa?

Victor Boniface’s football career has been marred by fatigue, injuries, and inconsistency. However, the 24-year-old striker has proven his goal-scoring prowess, after finding the back of the net 11 times in 27 appearances last season.

On his good day, Boniface is dangerous in front of the goal and can be relied upon to score or create great chances. The Nigerian player is expected to lead Bayer Leverkusen’s attack line again next season under new manager Erik Ten Hag.

Although Sadio Mane is not currently playing for a European club, he is on this list because of his goal brilliance, consistency, and scoring abilities. With 14 goals, he finished in 11th position on the Saudi Pro League scorers chart in the 2024/2025 season.

The Senegal national team will rely on him to lead them to the 2025 AFCON, where they will fight for glory.

New Manchester United signing, Bryan Mbeumo, is currently one of the hottest African players. Before signing for the Red Devils, the Cameroonian was Brentford’s top goal scorer last season with 20 goals and 9 assists in 42 matches.

Mbeumo’s versatility, intelligence, and skills will be very crucial for United's resurgence in the coming season. His impact has already been felt by his new mates during the pre-season tour.

Another African football star in this list not playing in a European club is Gabonese international, Denis Bouanga. The 30-year-old forward plays for MLS club Los Angeles FC.

Bouanga has been an avid goal scorer with 19 goals and 7 assists for his club. His contribution to the team has been vital in ensuring that LAFC remains a threatening side in the MLS.

This list will not be complete without mentioning the current African best player. Ademola Lookman had an awesome season with Atalanta, where he scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists in 40 appearances.

The Super Eagles star played a significant role, including scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final to help his club win the trophy in 2024. An expected move to Inter Milan will see him shine in the Serie A next season.

Marmoush made an impact at Frankfurt by scoring 20 goals and providing 14 assists before switching to Manchester City mid-season. Despite leaving the German Bundesliga halfway, the Egyptian still ended in 6th position on the top goal scorer chart.

Already at Man City, Omar Marmoush has proven to be a reliable goal scorer, and we expect him to be an important player in Pep Guardiola’s squad. He is also poised to help the team return to glory after failing to win any trophies last season.

Youssef En Nesyri is one of the most consistent strikers from Africa. The Moroccan forward scored 30 goals and provided 7 assists in 52 games to help his club remain a formidable side when facing opponents.

The ex-Sevilla player is currently leading the attack line of the team in a bid to secure a Champions League qualification ahead of next season.

Although Fenerbahçe lost out in the bid to sign Osimhen, they will still be in the race to upset Galatasaray and win the Turkish league.

Serhou Guirassy has been on fire in front of goal, and this was evident when he scored a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Champions League Quarter-final second leg fixture last season.

With a total of 38 goals and 9 assists in 50 games, the Guinean star player proved to be a nightmare for defenders. He was a joint second German Bundesliga top scorer behind Harry Kane.

Guirassy is one of the only 3 African players who made it to the list of the 2025 Ballon d'Or nomination.

Narrowly missing the first position of the top strikers from Africa is Victor Osimhen. The prolific Nigerian-born striker had an outstanding season with Galatasaray, leading the league’s goal chart with 26 goals and 5 assists.

The immediate past CAF player of the year winner netted 37 goals and provided 8 assists in 41 matches, helping his side win the Süper Lig title and league cup.

The Nigerian international also scored the most goals in the 2024/2025 season among all African players. Despite his exceptional performance last season, it's shocking that Osimhen didn't make it to the recently announced Ballon d'Or nomination list.

Topping the list of the hottest African strikers 2025 is the Egyptian legend, Mohamed Salah. He had an outstanding individual performance last season with an impressive 34 goals and 23 assists from 53 matches.

Apart from winning the EPL player of the year, Salah finished the season as the EPL top goal scorer and assist provider. 

He is a very strong contender for the CAF Player of the Year award and is on course to finish in a good position at the Ballon d’Or 2025.