Victor Osimhen has become one of the most recognisable faces in world football – ironically, while wearing a mask. The Nigerian forward, a key figure in Napoli’s historic 2022/23 Serie A title-winning side, has made headlines not only for his goals but also for the protective mask he dons in every match.
Osimhen first started wearing the black carbon-fibre face mask in 2021 after suffering a serious facial injury in a Serie A clash against Inter Milan.
A collision with defender Milan Skriniar left the striker with multiple facial fractures, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery. Since then, the mask has served as crucial protection.
AfricaSoccer.com can authoritatively reveal that while the mask was originally a medical necessity, it has since evolved into a symbol of Osimhen’s resilience and identity.
The striker has become known as the “masked assassin” of Serie A – a nickname that fans and commentators have embraced with pride.
But the mask is more than just a safety measure. It has become a part of Osimhen’s personal brand.
In Naples, replicas of the mask are now sold in stores around the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, with supporters – especially children – donning their own versions in tribute. For many fans, the mask is as iconic as his celebrations or his hairband.
While medically Osimhen could potentially play without the mask now, the Nigerian striker continues to wear it. For him, it has become a psychological edge – part of what defines his fierce, fearless playing style.
It’s a reminder of what he has overcome, and a symbol of the new heights he continues to reach.
Joining a group of famous footballers like Petr Cech, Fernando Torres, and Cesc Fabregas who also wore masks following injuries, Osimhen has turned a moment of adversity into a statement of power.
In doing so, he’s added mystique and marketability to an already extraordinary footballing talent.
