The real reason why Victor Osimhen will have to wear a mask for the rest of his career

Victor Osimhen has revealed the reason why he will continue to wear a face mask while playing football for the rest of his life.

Several players have worn face masks throughout their careers as they recover from injuries, with Kylian Mbappe the most recent example after he wore won during Frances' Euro 2024 campaign.

After sustaining a fractured eye socket injury in a Serie A match in November 2021, Osimhen has worn a face mask during any football match that he competes in.

And, unlike most other players, the Napoli striker will wear his mask for the rest of his playing career, and he has revealed why.

Speaking to Nigerian radio station Sports Radio Brila FM in January, the striker said: "I actually have screws that pass through my jaw inside my mouth.

“The last match I played — against Cagliari — when I headed the ball, I had blood on my face, and the goalkeeper also hit my face, and there was blood that was even with the mask on. “So it is really dangerous for me to play without using the mask, of course."

Shortly after Osimhen sustained the face injury during the match against Inter Milan, Napoli's chief doctor, Roberto Ruggiero, spoke out about the striker's decision to continue to wear the mask, insisting it was a personal choice.

The doctor explained to Italian outlet Radio Marte (via Tutto Napoli) in 2022: "Osimhen is perfectly healed, he's still wearing the protective mask because it gives him a sense of security, but he's healed.

"He has his own balance, and wants to wear it. Hopefully this mask will be enough until he feels safe and takes it off."

Both Chelsea and Al Ahli Victor failed to sign Victor Osimhen this summer (Image: Getty)

The 25-year-old was one of the hottest names in the summer transfer window this year, as he attracted interest from several clubs including Al Ahli and Chelsea.

Reports on deadline day suggested that Napoli had accepted a bid from Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli for Osimhen, believe to be in the region of £67.3m plus add-ons.

However, the Saudi side were unable to agree a contract with the Nigerian and instead completed a move for former Brentford striker Ivan Toney.