African players are lighting up pitches across Europe, and this series is dedicated to showcasing their brilliance. From title wins to personal record-breaking feats, here are the players who made the biggest impact this past week:
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
It’s been a week to remember for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who inspired Galatasaray to a domestic double. On Monday, he bagged a brace in a 3-0 win over Trabzonspor, securing the Turkish Cup. Just days later, he opened the scoring in a commanding victory against Kayserispor, helping the club seal the league title.
Osimhen’s goals made him make history — he now holds the record for the most by a foreign player in the Turkish league (36 goals). From a summer filled with transfer drama to a trophy-laden season, Osimhen’s resurgence has been phenomenal. With such form, he’s one of the hottest names in this summer’s transfer market, and it’ll be fascinating to see where he lands next.
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)
Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye delivered a memorable performance for Everton in their emotional final home game of the season at Goodison Park.
Ndiaye scored a first-half brace in the win over already-relegated Southampton. His first goal showcased slick footwork and composure to beat Aaron Ramsdale, while his second was a product of intelligent movement and cool finishing into an empty net. On a day heavy with sentiment for Everton fans, Ndiaye made sure it ended in celebration.
Moses Simon (Nantes)
As Nantes’ Ligue 1 season came to a close, Moses Simon could look back on one of his most productive campaigns yet. The Nigerian winger finished the season with 8 goals and 10 assists, becoming the first Nigerian ever to hit double digits in assists in Europe’s top five leagues.
It’s a milestone that underscores his consistency and impact in France and sets him apart as one of the most creative Nigerian players in European football this season.
Cyriel Dessers (Rangers)
Cyriel Dessers ended his season in Scotland with a bang, emerging as the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership. With six goals in his last five matches, Dessers took his tally to 18 goals and 2 assists for the season.
He found the net again in Rangers’ final game, a 2-2 draw with St Mirren, as the team finished runners-up to Celtic. It’s a strong individual finish to the campaign for Dessers, who will be key to Rangers’ title hopes next season.
Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
Serhou Guirassy closed out a historic season for Borussia Dortmund, scoring from the spot in a 3-0 win over Kiel. That goal made him the first Dortmund player to score over 20 Bundesliga goals in their debut season.
His six goals in the final five matches were instrumental in helping Dortmund secure Champions League qualification. Guirassy has quickly become a fan favourite and a key figure in the club’s attack moving forward.
