Yusuf Akçiçek

Yusuf Akçiçek — Biography

Yusuf Akçiçek is a young left-footed center-back, noted for his technique and his ability to play out from the back. He came through Fenerbahçe's academy into the first team, was called up to Turkey's senior side in 2025 and the same year moved to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal. At 1.93 meters, he can also play as the left-sided center-back of a back three or as a left-back when needed.

He began at Galatasaray's academy from 2016 to 2019 and joined Fenerbahçe's youth set-up in 2019. He signed a professional contract with the first team on July 7, 2023, and made his debut on November 9, 2023, in the Conference League away at Ludogorets. His Süper Lig debut came in the closing minutes against İstanbulspor on May 26, 2024. He scored his first goal against Kasımpaşa in the Turkish Cup on January 9, 2025, and his first in Europe at Anderlecht in the Europa League on February 20, 2025. After the 3-0 win over Anderlecht, manager José Mourinho described him as a very talented, hard-working and intelligent player.

In early September 2025 he signed for Al-Hilal on a deal running to the end of 2028-29; on September 16 he started against Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League Elite, and three days later he made his Saudi Pro League debut against Al-Ahli. He played for the U17s and U18s and has been with the U19s since 2024. Vincenzo Montella called him up in March 2025 for the Nations League play-offs against Hungary, and on March 23 he came on in the second half for his senior debut.