Oğuzhan Özyakup

Oğuzhan Özyakup is a Dutch-Turkish former professional footballer who made his name as a composed, technically gifted central midfielder. He is best remembered for his decade at Beşiktaş, where he captained the side and helped them to back-to-back Süper Lig titles in 2015–16 and 2016–17. On the international stage, he represented the Netherlands at youth level before switching allegiance to Turkey, earning 42 senior caps and featuring at Euro 2016.

Known to teammates and fans as Ozzie or Ozzy, Özyakup retired from the game in September 2024 at the age of 31, turning down offers to return to Turkish football. His playing style, marked by sharp passing and calm decision-making, made him a fan favourite wherever he went. Today he is remembered as a player who bridged two footballing cultures, Dutch and Turkish, with ease. [edit]

Born in Zaandam, a city just north of Amsterdam, Özyakup grew up in a Turkish family and began his football journey at AZ Alkmaar's youth academy. His talent was spotted early, and at 16 he made the move to London to join Arsenal's academy setup. At Arsenal, he developed within a highly rated generation of young players, winning the Premier Academy League in 2008–09 and 2009–10, as well as the FA Youth Cup in 2008–09.

During his youth career, he captained the Netherlands U-17 side, showing leadership qualities that would later see him wear the armband at Beşiktaş. His performances in Arsenal's youth ranks marked him as one of the club's most promising midfield prospects of that era, and he was tipped for a bright future in North London. [edit]

In 2012, Özyakup left Arsenal to join Beşiktaş for £425,000, a move that would define his career. At 19, he quickly became a key figure in the Istanbul club's midfield, helping them secure the Süper Lig title in 2015–16 and again in 2016–17. He also served as captain during this period, a testament to his standing within the squad.

Internationally, he switched allegiance from the Netherlands to Turkey in 2012 and earned his first senior cap in 2013. He was part of Turkey's squad at Euro 2016 and finished his international career with 42 caps and one goal. After leaving Beşiktaş, he had a stint with Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands before announcing his retirement on 10 September 2024.

Throughout his career, Özyakup was linked with several big clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham, and Lazio, particularly during the 2017–18 season, though none of these moves materialised. [edit]

Özyakup is remembered as a technically gifted, composed midfielder with strong passing ability, a classic playmaker profile. At Beşiktaş, he was highly regarded by supporters, serving as captain and being central to the club's back-to-back title successes. His dual international background made him a distinctive figure in football. His public persona has been professional and reserved, with no scandals or controversies documented apart from the Van Persie incident. [edit]

Oğuzhan Özyakup is currently evaluated by iFANN's Global Fame Engine, but he does not hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). While his name resonates deeply among supporters of Beşiktaş and followers of Turkish football history, he does not hold a placement in the Top-100 scope list or any other narrower ranking tier published by the engine. The evaluation from August 2026 confirms this status as EVALUATED_UNRANKED for higher-tier lists, indicating a significant but specialized profile rather than a global pop culture phenomenon. His audience consists primarily of sports enthusiasts who track the Süper Lig and international transfers, with no formal fandom name documented in authoritative records. Unlike musicians or actors who command organized fanbases with specific rituals, Özyakup's following remains functional and supportive, centered on his athletic achievements rather than cultural mythology. There are no verified instances of street shutdowns, viral charity drives, or fan-funded projects bearing his name. The narrative surrounding him is defined by his professional trajectory: an Arsenal youth graduate who became a captain and title winner in Turkey before retiring in 2024. This career path has earned him respect and a steady social media presence, yet it has not generated the legendary folklore or chaotic adoration typical of the world's top entertainers. His fame is rooted in the tangible results of his decade-long tenure at Beşiktaş and his representation of Turkey on the European stage, making him a respected figure in football circles without crossing into the realm of universal iconography.[edit]

Oğuzhan Özyakup's nicknames, Ozzie and Ozzy, have stuck with him since his youth days. He captained the Netherlands U-17 team before switching his international allegiance to Turkey, a decision that shaped his senior career. Arsenal reportedly tried to re-sign him in 2018, five years after letting him go. His Instagram bio once read: "At 19, I joined the Beşiktaş family. I grew up in Beşiktaş, with Beşiktaş." A widely retold story highlights his transition from an Arsenal youth player to a star at Beşiktaş, often referenced as a success story of a Turkish-Dutch player returning to prominence in the Süper Lig. During his tenure at Beşiktaş, he served as captain and was a pivotal figure in their historic 2015–2016 UEFA Europa League campaign, where they reached the final. In February 2018, reports emerged that Arsenal offered him a contract after his time at Beşiktaş, and later that year, Everton was linked with a move, though Beşiktaş reportedly sought to deny Arsenal millions in fees. News from August 26, 2024, confirms that Oğuzhan Özyakup has retired from the sport, marking the end of a career that included stints at Fortuna Sittard and Sivasspor.[edit]

Özyakup was born to Turkish parents in Zaandam, Netherlands, and grew up in a Turkish household. He is fluent in Dutch, Turkish, and English, thanks to his upbringing and career across the Netherlands, Turkey, and England. Details about his immediate family, including parents and siblings, have not been widely publicised, and he has kept his personal life remarkably private. [edit]

Özyakup's most notable association is with Robin van Persie, his former Arsenal teammate, whose goal celebration in a 2017 Istanbul derby ended their friendship. He also shares ties with the Arsenal youth setup and spent a decade at Beşiktaş, where he captained the side. [edit]

Özyakup has kept his personal life remarkably private, and no public relationships, marriages, or children have been documented. As of 2026, he is reportedly single, with no credible sources naming a current or past partner. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Oğuzhan Özyakup's net worth at $5 Million. This financial standing reflects a successful career in Turkish football, stemming primarily from his playing contracts. His wealth was built during his decade-long stint at Beşiktaş, where he earned a substantial salary as a key player and captain. The £425,000 transfer fee Beşiktaş paid Arsenal in 2012 also contributed to his earnings, along with his later wages at Fortuna Sittard. While no specific endorsement deals are documented, his financial portfolio aligns with the trajectory of a high-profile midfielder who spent the majority of his prime years in the Süper Lig.[edit]

Özyakup's honours are primarily team achievements. He won the Premier Academy League twice with Arsenal's youth setup (2008–09, 2009–10) and the FA Youth Cup in 2008–09. At Beşiktaş, he claimed back-to-back Süper Lig titles in 2015–16 and 2016–17. No individual awards are documented. [edit]