How a lifelong Beşiktaş fan became their club captain
In short: Born in the Netherlands to Turkish parents, Orkun Kökçü followed a path from Feyenoord's academy to a record-breaking move to Benfica. Now, he has fulfilled a childhood dream by leading Beşiktaş as captain, marking a remarkable journey through Europe's top leagues and international football.
Orkun Kökçü's professional ascent began in the Netherlands, where he developed through the youth ranks of FC Groningen before joining the Feyenoord academy in 2014. His rise was rapid; he made his professional debut for Feyenoord at just 17 years old on 17 September 2018, during a KNVB Cup match against VV Gemert. By the 2022–23 season, he had transitioned from a promising talent to a leader, being appointed club captain by head coach Arne Slot on 2 September 2022, a role that saw him guide Feyenoord to an Eredivisie title.
His commercial and sporting value peaked during his tenure in the Netherlands, leading to a massive transfer in June 2023. Benfica secured Kökçü from Feyenoord for a reported €25 million, plus €5 million in variables. This transaction set a new record for the Portuguese club, surpassing the €24 million fee paid for Darwin Núñez in 2020. For Feyenoord, the move matched the club record sale previously set by Luis Sinisterra to Leeds United in 2022 for €25 million.
Kökçü's international career reflects his complex heritage. After representing the Netherlands at the U18 and U19 levels, he announced his intention to play for Turkey in July 2019. He made his senior debut for the Turkish national team on 6 September 2020 against Serbia. His journey has eventually come full circle; after a loan move to the Süper Lig in July 2025, he was appointed captain of Beşiktaş, a club he has supported since childhood.
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