Yusuf Akçiçek (born 25 January 2006) is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal and the Turkey national team.[1]
After starting his youth career at Galatasaray Academy between 2016 and 2019, then moved to Fenerbahçe Academy and played there between 2019 and 2023.
He signed professional contract with Fenerbahçe senior team on 7 July 2023.[2]
On 9 November 2023, he made his professional debut with the team in a continental match against Ludogorets in UEFA Europa Conference League away game, Fenerbahçe lost 2–0.[3][4] On 26 May 2024, he made his Süper Lig debut in a late 89th mins substitute against İstanbulspor in Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium, Fenerbahçe won 6–0.[5]
On 29 November 2024, he made his UEFA Europa League debut in a 1-2 away win against Slavia Prague in Fortuna Arena.[6]
On 9 January 2025, he scored his first professional career goal with the team against Kasımpaşa in a 3-0 won Turkish Cup away game.[7]
On 23 January 2025, his performance was appreciated in the UEFA Europa League match in which Fenerbahçe drew 0-0 with Olympique Lyonnais in Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium. [8] On 20 February 2025, he scored his first continental goal in an away 2-2 tie against Anderlecht in UEFA Europa League knockout phase match.[9]
On 1 September 2025, Akçiçek joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal until the end of 2028–29 season.[10][11]
On 16 September 2025, he made his debut in a continental match against Al-Duhail in 2025–26 AFC Champions League Elite league stage first week 2-1 home win as a starter.[12]
Akçiçek is a youth international for Turkey, having represented 8 matches for the U17s and 13 matches for the U18s in 2023 and having represented the U19s since 2024.
On 14 March 2025, Akçiçek was called up by Vincenzo Montella to the Turkey national team for the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League promotion play-offs against Hungary.[13] On 23 March 2025, he made his senior national debut against Hungary as 82nd mins substitute in 3-0 away win. [14]
A hard-tackling and physically imposing left-footed defender, with good technique and ball-playing ability on the ground, Akçiçek is complete, elegant, dominant centre-back and also suitable to play as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence system and even as a left-back if needed.[15]
On 13 February 2025, after the 3-0 home win UEFA Europa League knockout phase first match against Anderlecht, Fenerbahçe coach Jose Mourinho said about him:[16]
I said it before. I said it at the beginning of the season, before Yusuf even played. I said I wanted to coach and train this player. I know that players who have reached a higher level culturally in Turkey are valued more, but Yusuf is a very talented player. He had a great season, but he needs to keep his feet on the ground. He is a very hard-working and intelligent player.
| Club | Season | League | Cup[a] | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Fenerbahçe | 2023–24 | Süper Lig | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3[b] | 0 | 11[c] | 3 | 15 | 3 |
| 2024–25 | Süper Lig | 9 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 7[d] | 1 | 1[e] | 0 | 21 | 2 | |
| 2025–26 | Süper Lig | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[f] | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | ||
| Al-Hilal | 2025–26 | Saudi Pro League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[g] | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| Career total | 11 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 39 | 5 | ||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | |||
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 2 | 0 | |
