Osimhen, Onuachu Rise Among Football’s Highest Aerial Record Holders

Super Eagles strikers, Victor Osimhen, and Paul Onuachu have earned their place among football’s most remarkable aerial specialists, with both men appearing near the top of global rankings for highest jumps and bicycle kicks.

Osimhen sits fifth in the world for the highest recorded leap after his astonishing 2.58-metre rise during Napoli’s 3-0 win at Spezia in February 2023. His goal came in the 68th minute, when he climbed above goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski to extend Napoli’s lead at the Stadio Alberto Picco.

The forward’s spring off the ground remains one of his most striking qualities and has helped shape his reputation as one of the most feared attackers in today’s game. He has already scored nine times in 12 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo still holds the overall record with a 2.93-metre leap for Real Madrid against Manchester United in their Champions League round-of-16 tie in 2013. Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri follows with his 2.78-metre header scored against Portugal at the 2022 World Cup. Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi and England’s Fikayo Tomori complete the rest of the top performers with leaps of 2.62 metres and 2.61 metres.

Onuachu features just as prominently in the bicycle kick rankings. The Trabzonspor forward is second on the global list after his overhead strike against Fatih Karagumruk in the Turkish Super Lig last year, measured at 2.41 metres. The goal surpassed Ronaldo’s earlier best of 2.38 metres.

Scott McTominay now leads the category after his acrobatic finish in Scotland’s World Cup qualifying win over Denmark on 18 November. According to Score 90, the Scottish midfielder reached 2.53 metres, lifting himself 0.62 metres above his natural height of 1.91 metres to connect with Ben Gannon-Doak’s cross.

Ronaldo has moved down to third place in the bicycle kick rankings, with McTominay and Onuachu now ahead of him.

Onuachu has continued his strong form this season, scoring nine goals and providing one assist in 13 league matches for Trabzonspor.

Source: Naijanews