Victor Osimhen wears his famous black protective mask for one clear reason — medical safety. That part is straightforward. But what truly gets fans talking is what happens immediately after he scores. Almost every time Osimhen finds the back of the net, he pulls the mask off during celebration.
It may look like excitement. It may seem like impulse. But intentionally or not, the effect is powerful — in that moment, cameras zoom in, fans lock in, and the world is reminded of the man behind the mask.
Osimhen understands something very important:
football is not just sport, it is business — an image business.
Goals attract attention, and attention builds commercial value. Once the mask comes off, people see Victor the person, not just a masked football machine. His face becomes familiar, and familiarity is what turns athletes into global brands.
Now Compare Osimhen With Petr Čech
After suffering his major head injury in 2006, legendary goalkeeper Petr Čech wore protective headgear for the rest of his career. It was necessary for his safety, but over time, the helmet became his identity.
For a whole generation of fans, Čech without the helmet is almost unrecognizable. The gear overshadowed the face, and the object gradually became the star.
That difference matters.
Faces are emotional. Faces are memorable. Faces sell.
When the face disappears, something else becomes the identity.
And Then There’s Lagbaja — A Masterclass in Intentional Branding
Unlike Osimhen and Čech, Lagbaja’s mask was never for protection. It was pure branding — intentionally crafted, consistently used, and legally protected.
He didn’t just wear a mask;
He built a signature identity — mask + unique style + distinct colour theme.
With time, people didn’t even need to see his face. The brand spoke louder than the person. And because it was distinctive and trademarked, anyone who tried to copy that exact identity risked legal and commercial consequences.
That is the difference:
- Osimhen’s mask is functional.
- Čech’s helmet was medical.
- Lagbaja’s mask is a brand.
A Powerful Lesson for Upcoming Artists
If you want to hide your face or build a mysterious persona, do it intentionally. Make it unique. Make it consistent. Protect it legally.
But here’s the truth most upcoming creatives don’t want to hear:
You are still unknown. Nobody really knows your face yet.
Your first music video drops and you’re already hiding behind dark glasses. Some change looks every three months — new hair today, another tomorrow. Even many female artists are guilty of constantly reshaping their appearance.
Your face is your identity. Your look is your brand.
Ask yourself honestly:
If your name is removed from your photo or video, will people still recognize you?
If the answer is no, then you have work to do.
Talent alone no dey last for this industry.
Branding, image, consistency, and intellectual property are just as important.
Osimhen understands it.
Lagbaja mastered it.
Upcoming artistes need to learn it.
No comments:
Post a Comment