Yusuf Yazıcı moved from the Trabzonspor academy to the international stage in 2019, securing a €17.5 million transfer to Lille OSC. This transaction set a record for his hometown club, establishing him as a prominent attacking midfielder whose career has spanned professional leagues in France, Russia, and Greece.
Early Career in Trabzon
Born in 1997 in the Turkish town of Trabzon, Yazıcı developed his skills at the Trabzon Erdogdu Anatolian High School. He gained recognition as part of the team that won the World High School Football Championship. He joined the Trabzonspor academy and signed his first professional contract on 21 December 2015. His senior debut occurred the following day during a Turkish Cup match against Gaziantepspor. By the 2015–16 season, he became the youngest player to score in the Süper Lig, marking his emergence as a talent for the first team.
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In August 2019, Yazıcı transitioned to the French club Lille OSC on a five-year contract. His tenure in Ligue 1 included significant performances in the UEFA Europa League, highlighted by hat-tricks against Sparta Prague and Milan in the 2020–21 season. Following his time in France, he undertook a loan spell with CSKA Moscow in 2022. During this period, he set a Russian Premier League record by scoring in six consecutive games to begin his tenure, earning the league's player of the month title in March 2022.
International and Recent Play
Yazıcı began his international service for Turkey at the under-19 level in 2016. His senior debut for the national team occurred on 11 June 2017 in a qualification match against Kosovo, where he provided an assist in a 4–1 victory. He was later included in the squad for UEFA Euro 2020. In September 2024, he signed a three-year deal with Olympiacos. His initial appearance for the Greek club resulted in a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Fast facts
- Born: 29 January 1997, Trabzon, Turkey
- Professional Debut: 22 December 2015
- Record Transfer Fee: €17.5 million (2019)
- Senior International Debut: 11 June 2017
- Lille OSC Jersey Number: 12
- Olympiacos Contract Start: 28 September 2024
Questions readers ask
Which clubs has Yusuf Yazıcı played for?
He has played for Trabzonspor, Lille OSC, CSKA Moscow, and Olympiacos.
Did Yusuf Yazıcı represent Turkey in a major tournament?
Yes, he represented the Turkey national team at UEFA Euro 2020.
