Why didn't Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen celebrate his crucial Champions League goal vs. Juventus?
CBS Sports
by
Francesco Porzio
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Victor Osimhen’s decision not to celebrate his crucial goal against Juventus in the Champions League playoff has sparked curiosity among fans and analysts. The Galatasaray striker scored the decisive goal that eliminated Juventus from the competition, but instead of celebrating with his teammates, he remained subdued. This gesture raises questions about its potential significance, possibly reflecting respect for Juventus, his former pursuit to join the club, or a hint at future intentions.
The match was intense, with Juventus initially leading and later facing a red card. Despite their challenges, they fought back to force extra time. Osimhen’s goal sealed Galatasaray’s progression, but his lack of celebration stood out. Speaking post-match, Osimhen expressed disappointment in his team’s performance and acknowledged Juventus’ strength, highlighting the difficulty of playing against them.
Osimhen’s connection to Juventus dates back to 2024 when he considered joining after leaving Napoli. Discussions with Juventus’ sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli fell through due to Napoli’s objections. Now at Galatasaray, Osimhen has been a star performer, scoring numerous goals last season and continuing his impressive form this year.
His subdued celebration might reflect respect for Juventus or an interest in returning to Italy in the future. As one of the best strikers in the world, Osimhen’s potential moves are closely watched by top clubs, including Juventus, which remains eager to rebuild its squad with elite talent. His comments before the match also hinted at a desire to play for historic clubs like Juventus, emphasizing that such opportunities would be privileges for any player.
This incident highlights the intricate dynamics between players and clubs, as well as the emotional weight of high-stakes matches. For sports enthusiasts, it offers insight into player motivations and the strategic considerations behind their actions on and off the field.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026