Sports News of Friday, 8 August 2025

Source: www.punchng.com

Gala's Osimhen boxes rake in €4.2m

Victor Osimhen Victor Osimhen

Galatasaray’s special Victor Osimhen collector’s boxes have generated €4.2m in revenue after receiving 20,000 pre-orders within days of launch, with each ‘Solo Il Gala’ box priced at 9,999 Turkish Lira.

The Turkish champions produced and pre-sold the boxes using their own resources, capitalising on the massive interest surrounding the 26-year-old Nigerian striker who joined the club on a permanent €75m deal from Napoli.

The revenue translates to approximately 200 million Turkish Lira, with all profits flowing directly into the club’s coffers through their GS Store platform.

The specially designed boxes commemorate Osimhen’s second arrival at Galatasaray, where he commands an annual salary of €20m. Each collector’s item contains three unique pieces, a specially designed jersey with serial number and unique design exclusive to this collection, an Osimhen mask made from elastomer material with adjustable strap and five stars printed on the front, and a scarf featuring ‘Solo Il Gala’ details.

The jersey includes a QR code on its tag, providing buyers access to exclusive digital content, surprise messages, and platforms documenting this landmark moment in Osimhen and Galatasaray’s history.

This latest sales figure represents strong early momentum for Galatasaray’s ambitious merchandising strategy. The club initially unveiled 100,000 pieces of the special collection in August, targeting total revenue of €21.5m if the entire run sells out.

The collection was specifically designed for Osimhen’s Galatasaray career and could potentially fund his €15m per season salary. The boxes also include a personal message from Osimhen thanking the fans: “This jersey in the box is not my jersey, it is all of ours. Every time you wear it, remember our history, remember us.”

Galatasaray are banking on robust merchandising, matchday revenues, and sponsorships to balance the books after their record investment. The club reportedly earned €85m from shirt sales last season and projects total commercial revenue at around €150m, far exceeding domestic broadcast rights worth only €18m.

“The fans are our biggest investors,” Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek said during a press conference. “We call on them again to fill the stadium and support this team. Every Osimhen box purchased is a contribution to writing history.”

During Osimhen’s loan spell with Galatasaray last season, he scored 37 goals and registered eight assists in 41 games, establishing himself as a fan favourite before his permanent move.