Super Eagles forward and Napoli star Victor Osimhen has offered a rare glimpse into the challenges that come with international fame, describing his celebrity lifestyle as “boring” and restrictive, particularly when it comes to enjoying simple moments with family or blending in with ordinary life.
In a candid interview with Instablog TV, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year got personal about how his growing fame has affected his ability to live freely and enjoy the small pleasures he once took for granted — such as walking through his old neighborhood or spending undisturbed time with his family.
“I like to stay around these people [Olusosun residents]. I like to stay close to them. Because I feel like fame is boring. Sometimes, you want to go outside, you cannot do a lot of things,” Osimhen confessed.
Victor Osimhen, who rose from the densely populated community of Olusosun in Lagos to become one of Africa’s most recognizable football stars, admitted that the fame that came with his success has come at a cost. While many fans admire his glamorous life playing top-tier football in Europe, he explained that it’s not all glitter and freedom behind the scenes.
“I remember when I had my daughter and I wanted to take her somewhere with my family when they came to visit us in Italy. I couldn’t do much with my daughter on our first outing. I had to give her to my sister, and then I was just taking pictures and making videos. Just like I said, fame is boring,” Osimhen recalled.
This rare moment of vulnerability from the Napoli striker resonates with many fans and fellow athletes, as it sheds light on the often overlooked pressures of public life. For Osimhen, who has always stayed grounded despite his massive achievements, returning to his roots in Olusosun provides a necessary escape from the constant attention and expectations.
Growing up in Olusosun, a working-class community near a major landfill site in Lagos, shaped much of Osimhen’s early character. His story is one of true resilience — from hawking sachet water and other street items as a child to becoming the record-breaking striker at Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in helping the club secure their first Serie A title in over three decades.
Yet, despite the accolades and international recognition, Osimhen has never forgotten where he came from. He frequently credits the tough life lessons he learned in Olusosun as instrumental to his success, and he returns often to visit friends, family, and young fans who continue to look up to him as a symbol of possibility.
His public remarks also echo the sentiments of many Nigerian stars who often discuss the double-edged sword of fame. While it offers financial freedom and influence, it also takes away anonymity, spontaneity, and sometimes even safety.
The 25-year-old has built a remarkable football career, leading the line for the Nigerian national team and breaking records in Italy. His talent, combined with his dedication and humility, has endeared him to millions around the world. However, the Napoli No. 9 insists that deep down, he is still the same boy from Olusosun who loves the simplicity of everyday life.
Osimhen’s words have sparked a wave of admiration from fans on social media, many praising him for his honesty and humility.
“Osimhen is one of the most down-to-earth players we’ve ever had. He never forgets home,” wrote a fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Another fan added, “It’s not easy to be a global superstar and still think about your roots like this. God bless Osimhen.”
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the African Cup of Nations on the horizon, Osimhen remains a crucial part of Nigeria’s ambitions on the international stage. But beyond his footballing brilliance, it is his humanity and authenticity that continue to win hearts across the continent.
His recent comments also invite a broader conversation around mental health, personal freedom, and the pressures of celebrity life — especially for young African athletes thrust into the global spotlight.
As Osimhen prepares for another season in Europe, his grounded perspective serves as a reminder that even at the highest levels of success, the search for peace, simplicity, and a sense of normalcy is universal.
And for him, that peace still lies in the dusty streets of Olusosun, among the people and memories that molded him.
About Victor Osimhen:
Victor Osimhen was born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria. He began his football career with Ultimate Strikers Academy before gaining international attention at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer. After stints in Germany and France, he joined Napoli in 2020 and has since become one of the most feared strikers in Europe. In 2023, he was named African Footballer of the Year and continues to serve as a role model for aspiring footballers across the continent.
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