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Volleyball star Ebrar Karakurt scores 27 points amid Türkiye return rumors

Ebrar Karakurt celebrates Lokomotiv Kaliningrad’s 3-1 victory over Dinamo Moskova with fans Ebrar Karakurt celebrates Lokomotiv Kaliningrad’s 3-1 victory over Dinamo Moskova with fans, rallying the crowd, Kaliningrad, Russia, Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @ebrarkarakurt18)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Nov 29, 2024 11:15 AM

Ebrar Karakurt, one of Türkiye’s most prominent volleyball players, continues to dominate the Russian Women’s Volleyball League while sparking discussions about a potential return to her home country.

Lokomotiv Kaliningrad celebrates a 3-1 victory over Dinamo Moskova, with Ebrar Karakurt leading the charge, Kaliningrad, Russia, Nov. 28, 2024
Lokomotiv Kaliningrad celebrates a 3-1 victory over Dinamo Moskova, with Ebrar Karakurt leading the charge, Kaliningrad, Russia, Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @ebrarkarakurt18)

Ebrar Karakurt’s stellar performance in Russia against Dinamo Moskova

Ebrar Karakurt led Lokomotiv Kaliningrad to an impressive 3-1 victory over Dinamo Moskova in the 11th week of the Russian Women’s Volleyball League.

The 24-year-old opposite hitter contributed significantly to her team’s success, scoring 27 points, achieving a 47% attack efficiency, and delivering one block and two aces.

SetLokomotiv KaliningradDinamo Moskova
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Lokomotiv Kaliningrad’s triumph cemented their position as strong contenders in the league, now standing with 10 wins from 11 matches and 29 points. While Dinamo-Ak Bars retained the top spot, Karakurt’s team remains in pursuit of the league leaders.

Following the match, Karakurt posted on social media, sharing the 3-1 victory and accompanying it with Turkish singer Kenan Dogulu’s track “Rutbeni Bilicen” (Know your rank/level).

This was interpreted as a subtle message referencing Dinamo Moskova’s captain, Nataliya Goncharova, with whom Karakurt had a heated moment during a previous match.

Ebrar Karakurt celebrates after scoring during Lokomotiv Kaliningrad's match against Dinamo Moskova, Kaliningrad, Russia, Nov. 28
Ebrar Karakurt celebrates after scoring during Lokomotiv Kaliningrad’s match against Dinamo Moskova, Kaliningrad, Russia, Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @ebrarkarakurt18)

Speculations about Ebrar Karakurt’s return to Türkiye

As Ebrar Karakurt shines on international courts, rumors suggest she may soon return to Türkiye. Turkish volleyball journalist Savas Eskiguelek shared insights about potential discussions between Karakurt and an unnamed Istanbul-based club on the Anatolian side.

While the club’s identity has not been disclosed, possibilities include Fenerbahce and VakifBank, two teams with the financial capacity to secure Karakurt, who reportedly earns $800,000 annually in Russia.

Eskiguelek emphasized that these discussions remain informal and no official agreements have been reached. However, the idea of Karakurt rejoining the Turkish volleyball scene has sparked excitement among fans and sports commentators.

Ebrar Karakurt (99) of Türkiye celebrates after scoring during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Ebrar Karakurt (99) of Türkiye celebrates after scoring during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Paris, France, July 29, 2024. (AA Photo)

Next steps for Turkish volleyball star Karakurt, Lokomotiv Kaliningrad

Lokomotiv Kaliningrad will face Dinamo-Ak Bars in a crucial Russian Cup Play-Off rematch on Nov. 30. With her exceptional form, Karakurt will undoubtedly play a key role as her team aims to challenge the league leaders.

While fans in Türkiye and abroad continue to follow Karakurt’s achievements, her potential return to Türkiye remains a developing story.

Last Updated:  Nov 29, 2024 11:15 AM