# Yusuf Akçiçek

Yusuf Akçiçek (born 25 January 2006) is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Turkish club Fenerbahçe in the Süper Lig.

## Career

After starting his youth career at Galatasaray Academy between 2016–2019 and at Fenerbahçe Academy between 2019–2023.
He signed professional contract with Fenerbahçe senior team on 7 July 2023. 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.
On 26 May 2024, he made his Süper Lig debut against İstanbulspor in Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium, Fenerbahçe won 6–0. On 9 January 2025, he scored his first goal with the team against Kasımpaşa in a 3-0 won Turkish Cup away game.
On 29 November 2024, he made his UEFA Europa League debut in a 1-2 away win against Slavia Prague in Fortuna Arena.
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.
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.

## International career

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.

## Style of play

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.
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: "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." in press conference.

## Career statistics

    As of matches played 13 March 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | League | Turkish Cup | Turkish Cup | Europe | Europe | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Fenerbahçe | 2023–24 | Süper Lig | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 15 | 3 |
| Fenerbahçe | 2024–25 | Süper Lig | 5 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 2 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 6 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 31 | 5 |
* ↑ Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa Conference League
* ↑ One appearance in Turkish Super Cup and 10 appearances and three goal in U19 Elit A Ligi
* ↑ Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
* ↑ Appearance(s) in U19 Elit A Ligi