Victor Osimhen waited an hour for a Cristiano Ronaldo selfie!

Nigerian striker reveals what CR7 said & why he would seek Messi & Neymar mementos ‘even if we lose 10-0’

In the world of modern football, where egos run high and schedules are tight, moments of pure admiration can still emerge and remind us that even superstars can be starstruck. Victor Osimhen, one of Africa’s brightest football talents and a rising global icon, recently shared a refreshingly honest and heartwarming story about his experience with one of his childhood heroes—Cristiano Ronaldo.

WHAT HAPPENED? A Fan at Heart

Osimhen may now be one of the most coveted strikers in European football, but the Nigerian forward hasn’t let fame cloud his deep love for the game and its legends. In a candid chat with Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, Victor Osimhen revealed that he once waited for over an hour just to take a selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo after a Serie A match between Napoli and Juventus.

Far from being shy about it, Victor Osimhen said he makes no apologies for being a “fanboy” when it comes to the likes of Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar. These are players he grew up idolizing—giants of the game who helped shape his passion for football.

WHAT OSIMHEN SAID: ‘Even if we lose 10-0’

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates victory

“I used to say to my friends, the day I’m going to play against Ronaldo, Messi, or Neymar—these are legends, people I love so much—I’m taking a picture with them,” Victor Osimhen told Freeze. “I don’t care, even if we lose 10-0!”

That statement alone speaks volumes about Victor Osimhen’s perspective. It’s not just about wins and losses for him. It’s about sharing the pitch with icons, learning from their greatness, and capturing those moments that matter just as much off the scoresheet.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: A Wait Worth Every Minute

The memorable moment came in 2021 after a clash with Juventus. Despite the competitive nature of the match, Victor Osimhen didn’t miss his chance to connect with Ronaldo.

“I said to him, ‘Cris, I would like to take a picture with you.’ He said, ‘Yeah, come to the dressing room.’”

But it wasn’t that simple. Ronaldo, ever the workhorse, was already in the gym post-match. “[Gianluigi] Buffon saw me, came to me, and asked what I wanted. He went to the gym and told me Ronaldo was working out, told me to sit with him,” Victor Osimhen recounted. “We were just talking, it was almost 30 minutes, he was not out yet. I waited for one hour, he was still working out.”

Imagine that. A player with over €100 million in potential transfer value, sitting and waiting patiently like a young fan outside a concert backstage door. That kind of humility and joy in the moment is rare and powerful.

FINALLY, THE SELFIE: ‘Look at the Laps and the Veins’

When Ronaldo finally emerged, the wait paid off in full. Victor Osimhen, still wide-eyed, described CR7 like a sculpted statue of footballing perfection.

“Look at the laps and the veins—you’d think he was 25 years old at that time,” he said with a laugh. “He said, ‘Great game, just keep on going,’ and I shook his hand.”

That brief exchange left a lasting impression. “Nobody is surprised seeing Ronaldo doing what he’s doing now,” Victor Osimhen added. “But he’s actually a great personality.”

WHAT IT MEANS: The Value of Footballing Heroes

Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus

For fans watching from the stands—or even from across the globe—football stars often seem larger than life. But this story reminds us that even players at the highest level can be inspired by their peers. Victor Osimhen’s respect and admiration for his football idols is not only genuine but also infectious.

In a time when player rivalries are often hyped to sell headlines, it’s refreshing to see a top striker openly admire those who came before him. Victor Osimhen doesn’t hide his fanhood. In fact, he embraces it.

WHY IT MATTERS: More Than Just a Game

These moments underscore that football is more than tactics and trophies. It’s also about connection, dreams realized, and paying homage to greatness. Victor Osimhen didn’t just take a picture—he documented a moment of personal triumph, one that reflects how far he’s come from the dusty pitches of Lagos to stadiums filled with thousands.

For young players coming up, this kind of vulnerability from someone like Victor Osimhen sets a beautiful example. It’s okay to admire, to learn, to be inspired—even if you’re already among the best.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR OSIMHEN?

The Nigerian international is still very much on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. After another prolific season with Napoli, he has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United reportedly leading the race for his signature. Despite significant interest from Saudi Arabia, Victor Osimhen has shown little desire to head to the Middle East just yet, preferring the elite competition that Europe offers.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo—now 40 and still defying age—recently led Portugal to Nations League success and is expected to continue his run with Al-Nassr. The GOAT debate may rage on, but one thing is clear: his impact on the next generation is undeniable.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Roll Models Beyond the Pitch

Victor Osimhen’s story isn’t just about football. It’s about gratitude, patience, and acknowledging those who came before you. It’s a reminder that idols can be mentors, even in passing moments. And that for all the talent, money, and pressure in the game, sometimes it’s the simple joy of a selfie that makes the journey worthwhile.

So here’s to Victor Osimhen—one of the few who isn’t afraid to say he still gets starstruck. And here’s to Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar—for giving this generation not just competition, but inspiration.

After all, football isn’t just about the goals you score. Sometimes, it’s about the memories you make along the way.