WATCH: Brazil legend Mário Jardel reacts as Victor Osimhen breaks his 24-year Galatasaray record
For 24 years, Mário Jardel’s name was carved deep into Galatasaray’s history books, his remarkable tally of 34 goals in a single season standing as the benchmark for foreign strikers at the club, Soccernet.ng reports.
On Wednesday night, that record finally fell – and fittingly, Jardel was there to witness the moment.
The former Brazil international, once one of Europe’s most feared goal scorers, watched from the comfort of his living room as Victor Osimhen fired in his 35th goal of the campaign during Galatasaray’s 3-0 Turkish Cup final victory over Trabzonspor. It was the goal that broke Jardel’s long-held record for the Turkish club.
Brazil’s Mario Jardel at Galatasaray. Photo by IMAGO
A video that has since gone viral on social media shows Jardel clapping with joy as Turkish winger Yunus Akgün surged into the Trabzonspor penalty area and squared the ball for Osimhen, who slotted home a first-time finish.
It was a goal that not only secured the cup but also etched Osimhen’s name alongside the club’s legends — and Jardel was among the first to applaud the historic moment.
Brazil’s Mario Jardel at Galatasaray. Photo by IMAGO
WATCH: Brazil legend Mário Jardel reacts as Victor Osimhen breaks his 24-year Galatasaray record
Mario Jardel, Galatasaray-Trabzonspor kupa finalini evinden takip ediyor. pic.twitter.com/1Xd39XZ9tj
— Galatasaray Facts (@CimbomFacts) May 14, 2025
Jardel, who arrived at Galatasaray from FC Porto in 2000 for €17 million, was signed to replace Hakan Şükür and wasted no time announcing himself with 34 goals in 43 appearances during the 2000–01 season. That feat stood the test of time — until the arrival of Osimhen.
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit X
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The Nigerian striker joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli last summer, and while expectations were high, few predicted just how sensational he would become.
The 26-year-old has delivered across all fronts — scoring 24 times in the Turkish Super Lig, six in the UEFA Europa League, and five more in the Turkish Cup. His brace in the final not only made him the first foreign player to score twice for Galatasaray in a Turkish Cup final but also clinched his side’s 19th triumph in the competition.
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit X
Osimhen also became the first foreign player to score a brace for Galatasaray in the Turkish Cup final.
The Super Eagles striker could add the Super Lig title to his trophy cabinet this weekend with Galatasaray only needing a win against Kayserispor to become Turkish champions for the third consecutive season.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
