All about Turkish footballer Kerem Akturkoglu’s rise from rags to riches

The Turkish footballer Kerem Akturkoglu wasn’t always the star we see today—his story begins in the rubble of the 1999 earthquake that struck his hometown of Izmit, Türkiye.

Rescued by his grandfather from beneath collapsed debris, Kerem’s life could have ended before it even truly began.

Driving the news: In September 2024, Akturkoglu transferred to Benfica for $13 million after a stellar four-year stint with Galatasaray. His move to one of Europe’s elite clubs marks a significant step in his career and reflects his ambition to succeed on a global stage.

How a childhood tragedy shaped Kerem Akturkoglu’s football journey

Kerem Akturkoglu was born in 1998 in Izmit, Türkiye. When the 1999 earthquake devastated his hometown, his life could have ended before it truly began. Rescued from the rubble by his grandfather, Kerem’s family carried the emotional scars of that day. “Those who lived through the 1999 earthquake truly understand what it means to be a victim,” Kerem later reflected.

Despite this early hardship, Kerem pursued football with an unyielding drive. By 2011, he joined Golcukspor’s youth academy, marking the beginning of his journey. He honed his skills at various clubs, including Bodrumspor and 24 Erzincanspor, where his 20 goals in 30 matches earned him a move to Galatasaray in 2020.

How Turkish footballer rose through the ranks in Galatasaray

After joining Galatasaray, Kerem quickly made an impact. In just his third appearance for the club, he scored his first goal against Hatayspor, signaling his arrival as a key player. “I always wanted to play for a big club,” Kerem said of his time at Galatasaray. “When the opportunity came, I knew I had to make it count.”

Over four seasons with Galatasaray, Kerem played in 179 matches and scored 46 goals. His explosive speed, sharp dribbling, and tenacity made him a vital player both domestically and in Europe. His performance also earned him a place in Türkiye’s national team.

Kerem Akturkoglu’s little-known support for victims of the 2023 Türkiye earthquake

Kerem’s experience with the 1999 earthquake shaped his response to another tragedy. When a series of earthquakes struck southern Türkiye in February 2023, Kerem immediately felt compelled to help. “When I saw the news, I told my family, ‘I need to be there,’” he recalled.

Alongside Galatasaray’s vice-president, Kerem traveled to the disaster-stricken areas, helping distribute supplies and offering emotional support to survivors. His actions went beyond just donations. He provided a presence and comfort to those who, like him, had survived an earthquake. Kerem also auctioned off a match ball from a hat-trick game to raise funds for relief efforts.

Kerem Akturkoglu’s Benfica transfer reflects international ambitions

In 2024, Kerem took his career to the next level by signing with Benfica, marking his first foray into European football outside of Türkiye. “I’m here to win trophies,” Kerem said of his ambitions in Portugal. The $13 million transfer highlighted his rising status as a player who could compete on the world stage.

His journey, from surviving an earthquake to becoming an international football star, reflects his determination to continually push his career forward. At Benfica, he is ready to take his success to new heights, building on the resilience that has always been at the core of his life and career.

Bottom line: Kerem Akturkoglu’s rise from disaster to international football stardom is a powerful reminder of how perseverance and a strong will can turn life’s greatest challenges into opportunities for success.