Just days after his standout performance in the Istanbul Derby, Victor Osimhen is facing a legal challenge in Italy. Reports emerged on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, that German automaker Mercedes-Benz has filed a formal criminal complaint against the Super Eagles striker.
The dispute centers on a luxury vehicle lease dating back to his time at Napoli.
The Details of the Lawsuit
The legal action, filed by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Italia S.p.A. in Milan, involves a significant outstanding debt:
- The Vehicle: The case involves a Mercedes GLE Hybrid SUV that Osimhen reportedly acquired under a leasing agreement in 2023.
- The Arrears: Mercedes alleges that Osimhen failed to meet his monthly installment payments, leading to an accumulated debt of approximately €90,000 (roughly ₦144 million).
- Illegal Possession: In addition to the unpaid debt, the company claims the vehicle was not returned to them after the lease agreement expired, leading to charges of misappropriation of property.
A Striking Financial Contrast
The lawsuit has raised eyebrows across Europe and Nigeria due to the relatively small sum compared to Osimhen’s massive earnings:
- Annual Salary: Osimhen currently earns roughly €18 million per year at Galatasaray, having previously earned €10 million per season at Napoli.
- Management Oversight: Analysts suggest the debt may be the result of a “paperwork oversight” or a management error by his representatives during his transition from Italy to Turkey, rather than a lack of funds.
Osimhen’s Response
As of April 29, 2026, neither Victor Osimhen nor his legal team has issued an official statement regarding the Italian police report. The striker remains focused on his duties in Turkey, where he is currently leading the scoring charts for Galatasaray.
