why does osimhen still wear a mask

Victor Osimhen started wearing a mask after suffering multiple facial fractures in a clash with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar in November 2021, which required surgery and metal plates and screws in his face. He has said doctors warned that a similar impact to the same area without protection could be career‑ending, which is why he chose to keep using the mask long term.

Quick Scoop: Why he still wears it

• Osimhen fractured his cheekbone and eye socket in late 2021 and underwent surgery, during which titanium plates and screws were inserted to stabilize his face.

• Medical staff initially prescribed the mask as protection so he could safely return to heading and aerial duels. Osimhen has explained that another hard hit in that region could “finish” his career.

• Even after being declared structurally healed, he continued with the mask because it gives him security and confidence on the pitch, both physically and psychologically.

“Mask for life” comments

• In later interviews, Osimhen revealed he still has screws passing through his jaw and face and that he bled from the face in a game against Cagliari even with the mask on, showing the area remains sensitive.

• Because of this, he has said he expects to wear the mask for the rest of his professional career to reduce the risk of a catastrophic re‑injury.

Iconic look and fan discussions

• Over time, the black protective mask has become part of his trademark image, frequently highlighted in media pieces and fan discussions about “why does Osimhen still wear a mask.”

• Forum and social media threads often joke about the mask or spin wild theories, but the core reason remains medical protection plus the mental assurance it gives him when challenging for headers and contact situations.

In short, Osimhen still wears the mask because of the serious nature of his past facial injury, the metalwork in his face, and the real risk that another unprotected blow could end his career, even though the mask has also evolved into an iconic part of his on‑field persona.

TL;DR: He keeps the mask on to protect old fractures reinforced with screws and plates, and doctors have warned that a similar hit without it could be extremely dangerous.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.