Why Does Osimhen Wear a Mask? The Football Injury Explained
Victor Osimhen wears a protective mask because he suffered serious facial injuries during Napoli’s match against Inter Milan in November 2021. A collision with Milan Škriniar fractured several bones around his left eye and cheek.
What injury caused Osimhen to wear a mask?
The impact caused multiple fractures, including damage to the orbital area, the bones around the eye, and the cheekbone. Osimhen required surgery, during which doctors used titanium plates and screws to stabilise the injured bones.
Because the injury affected a sensitive part of his face, returning to football without protection carried a risk of another collision causing further damage. He therefore began using a custom protective face mask during training and matches.
How does Osimhen’s protective mask help?
The mask is designed to spread the force of an impact across a wider area instead of allowing a boot, elbow, shoulder, or head to strike the injured bones directly. It also helps protect the eye socket and cheek while the facial structure continues to recover.
Osimhen’s mask is made to fit his face and allow him to see clearly, breathe normally, and play without significantly restricting movement. Protective football masks are commonly made from strong, lightweight materials such as carbon fibre or specialised plastics.
Does Osimhen still need the mask?
The need for a mask depends on medical advice, healing, comfort, and the risk of another facial injury. A player may continue wearing one even after the bones have healed because previous fractures can make another impact more concerning, particularly around the eye and cheek.
Osimhen has sometimes appeared without the mask, but its use can return depending on his recovery and personal protection preferences. Seeing him wear it does not automatically mean he has a new injury; it is generally linked to protection following the earlier facial fractures.
Is the mask a disadvantage on the pitch?
A well-fitted mask can take some time to get used to. Players may notice pressure on the face, changes in comfort, or slight differences in peripheral vision. Custom fitting helps reduce these problems, allowing the mask to protect the injured area without preventing Osimhen from competing normally.
