Why Victor Osimhen wears a protective mask on the pitch

Victor Osimhen’s distinctive mask is not just for show; it is a constant reminder of a serious injury he suffered while playing for Napoli in 2021. In a clash with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, Osimhen collided heads, resulting in fractures to both his cheekbone and eye socket.

The injury was severe enough to require surgery. According to Napoli, “titanium plates and 18 screws were used in the operation,” and Osimhen spent three months on the sidelines as he recovered.

• Read also: Victor Osimhen named Turkey’s Footballer of the Year

Why the mask remains necessary

Most footballers wear a protective mask temporarily during rehabilitation, but Osimhen continues to use his at Galatasaray in Turkey. He explained in 2024:

“I have two screws that pass through my jaw into my mouth. It is really too dangerous for me, so I have to keep on using it.”

The mask protects not just his fractured bones but also the titanium screws holding them in place. Any collision without protection could risk severe complications, including damage to his jaw or eye socket.

From Injury to Iconic Look

Over time, the mask has become a trademark for Osimhen. Fans and even his daughter have been seen sporting replicas at matches, making it an instantly recognizable part of his on-field identity.

It’s not unusual for footballers to take extra precautions after injuries. For example:

• Kylian Mbappe wore a facial mask after breaking his nose at Euro 2024. Mbappe described it as restrictive, limiting vision, and trapping sweat.
• Phil Foden of Manchester City continues to wear bandages on his wrist and hand years after suffering an injury for added support.

Osimhen’s mask, like Foden’s protective gear, highlights the importance of safeguarding long-term health, even if it comes with minor inconveniences on the pitch.

Read also:

• Left behind by Napoli, crowned in Turkey: Osimhen's remarkable comeback
• Osimhen breaks Turkish record as Galatasaray crush Trabzonspor to lift Turkish Cup

Safety first in modern football

Osimhen’s situation illustrates how modern medicine and sports science intersect with football culture. Titanium plates, screws, and protective masks allow players to return to top-level football safely after injuries that once might have ended careers.

For Osimhen, the mask isn’t just protection, it’s a statement of resilience, a reminder of what he has overcome, and a part of his identity as one of the top strikers in European football today.

SportsLigue