Earthquake Miracle Child: The Story of Kerem Akturkoglu’s Life

Knowing a Baller like Kerem Akturkoglu involves learning his story, which is one of resilience, talent, and an unbreakable family bond. Born into a close-knit family, he grew up alongside his siblings—Rıdvan, Selim, and Reyyan. As the third child, Kerem enjoyed the unique position of being the cherished younger brother before his sister’s arrival completed their family. Before he became this great football we celebrate today, there was once a heartfelt story, which we’ll tell you.

Kerem’s life took a miraculous turn early on. At just one-year-old, he survived a devastating earthquake in his hometown. Trapped under debris, he was rescued by his grandfather, Mustafa Akturkoglu. This event not only marked him as a “miracle child” but also demonstrated the strength and unity of his family.

In years to come, the left winger, because of the tragic experience, decided to extend help to others in the same position. Although not physically pulling them out as his grandfather did, but financially. This compassionate act further solidified his place as a remarkable athlete and a role model beyond the pitch.

Preamble:

This is the story of Kerem Akturkoglu, the boy whose life would have ended after a deadly episode. Our biography dives into the life of the Turkish star, shedding light on his supportive parents (his father, Ömer Faruk and his mother, Filiz Akturkoglu), his siblings- brothers ( Rıdvan and Selim) and his sister Reyyan, and grandfather Mustafa Akturkoglu.

This story takes us through Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s life, from when he first started playing football with his childhood team to becoming one of the sport’s bright young stars. It shows how he grew as a player and the crucial moments that helped him reach fame in football.

Kerem Akturkoglu Childhood Story:

For Life story aficionados, he uses the nickname ” Harry Potter” or Kerem Potter. Muhammed Kerem Aktürkoğlu was born on the 21st of October, 1998, to his parents- his father, Ömer Faruk and his mother, Filiz Aktürkoğlu in Izmit.

The left winger is the third of four children blessed in the couple’s marriage. Before diving into the biography that is a testament to survival, let us introduce Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s parents. Omer and Filiz have sown the seed of resilience in their kids and are proud of their son’s success.

Early Years:

Kerem Aktürkoglu began his life with his siblings- Rıdvan, born in 1991, Selim in 1994 and his sister Reyyan. Being the third child with two older brothers meant that the footballer enjoyed the privileges of the last boy before another kid came into the picture.

Did you know that Kerem is a miracle child? When he was only one year old after his birth, the little talent was trapped under debris after an earthquake in his hometown. The footballer was rescued by his grandfather, Mustafa Aktürkoğlu, which was how he survived.

We can only imagine if Kerem Aktürkoglu’s granddad didn’t come quickly to pull him out. It would surely mean that this biography wouldn’t have been written, nor would we grace his beautiful playing style on the pitch.

Growing-Up Years:

In Kerem Akturkoglu’s family, his dad was an amateur footballer. The wing master began his love for the game by discovering his passion. From a young age, the Turkish lad was interested in the ball. If he wasnt watching, the practice was made in the fields or any space available.

It was even made smoother for him; Kerem Akturkoglu’s brothers, who were older than him, were his fieldmates. So, after the said task was done, the three boys headed out to kick and learn new skills. When they couldn’t go to the grassy areas, their house served its purpose.

Although it meant that there was broken furniture and some appliances, the brothers were determined never to give up. At first, Kerem Akturkoglu’s father thought nothing of his son’s talents. But eventually, after seeing him during his playtime with his brothers, he knew that the golden boy would make a career out of it.

Kerem Akturkoglu Family Background:

Ömer Faruk is from a pretty town called Rize, and his mom, Filiz Aktürkoğlu, is from Trabzon, a city nearby. These places are full of traditions, friendly people, and a big love for football, which Kerem grew up with.

Kerem’s parents, Ömer and Filiz, worked hard to create a happy and loving home for their four children. They taught their kids always to work hard, be kind, and never give up. Even though raising a big family wasn’t always easy, they made sure each child could follow their dreams.

Aktürkoglu was one of the younger kids and always had his older brothers and sisters cheering him on. Their home was always fun, with laughter, tasty meals, and hometown traditions.

Because of his family’s love and encouragement, Kerem grew up strong and confident. He worked hard to become a football star, making his family very proud as he chased his dreams and became one of Turkey’s brightest young players.

Kerem Akturkoglu Family Origin:

The skilful left winger Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s family comes from a special place in Turkey called the Black Sea region. His dad, Ömer Faruk, is from a pretty town called Rize, and his mom, Filiz Aktürkoğlu, is from Trabzon, a city nearby. The two towns are only an hour away from each other.

The dynamic winger was born in Izmit, Turkey. İzmit is a city in Turkey and the main town of Kocaeli Province. It is a big area, covering 480 square kilometres, with 376,056 people living there in 2022.

Kocaeli Province is even more significant, with 2,079,072 people living there in 2022. Around 1.2 million of these people live in or near İzmit in places like Kartepe, Başiskele, Körfez, Gölcük, Derince, and Sapanca. These areas are like neighbourhoods of a larger city.

Kerem Akturkoglu Early Football Beginnings:

The youngster started playing football in 2011 when he joined the Gölcükspor youth academy. In 2013, he moved to another team called Hisareynspor. Then, on September 5, 2014, he joined İstanbul Başakşehir and played with their U-17 team. In 2015, he signed his first professional contract with the club.

However, things didn’t go well at Başakşehir. For four years, Kerem didn’t get to play in any matches. In an interview in 2022, he said those four years felt like they were taken from him. He discussed a “hierarchy” where older players had more power than younger ones. He even thought about quitting football.

In July 2016, Kerem was loaned to a more minor team called Bodrumspor. He got the number 11 jersey and played his first professional match in a Turkish Cup game against Sarıyer, where he came on as a substitute. He didn’t play every game but started getting chances. Kerem scored his first goal in a 3-1 win against Türk Metal Kırıkkalespor. He also scored in other matches against Pazarspor, Manisa Büyükşehir Belediyespor, and Derincespor.

Road to Fame:

In August 2018, the black sea talent joined a new team called Karacabey Belediyespor in the 3rd League. He was given the unique number 10 jersey and played his first match of the season against Çankaya, staying on the field for 90 minutes. During the 2018–19 season, Kerem played 35 matches, including league games, playoffs, and the Turkish Cup.

Even though Kerem worked hard and helped his team, Karacabey couldn’t win the playoffs and move to a higher league. On the 9th of August 2019, Kerem joined another team called 24 Erzincanspor, also in the 3rd League. This time, he wore the number 9 jersey. He played his first game against Serik Belediyespor, staying on the field for the entire match. Kerem started scoring immediately and even scored in five games in a row!

Kerem had an inspiring moment in the playoffs, scoring three goals in one match against Artvin Hopaspor. This is called a hat-trick; it was his first career. His team made it to the final and won against 68 Aksaray Belediyespor with a 2-1 score. This victory helped 24 Erzincanspor move up to the 2nd League!

Kerem had an incredible season in 2019–20. He scored 20 goals and made one assist in 34 matches, becoming the top scorer of the 3rd League. It was a season to remember for the young football star!

Rise to Fame:

In the 20/21 season, the Turkish star became a part of Galatasaray, while Mostafa Mohamed came from Zamalek. He started small but quickly became a key player, scoring goals and making important assists. Over the years, Kerem played in many games, including the Turkish Super League and the UEFA Champions League.

Kerem is known for scoring hat-tricks, creating goals for his teammates, and being a team leader. He also helped Galatasaray win championships and even celebrated with fun goal gestures inspired by Harry Potter. In 2024, he became Galatasaray’s vice-captain and continued to perform well, scoring goals and assisting in important matches.

Kerem Aktürkoğlu joined Benfica on September 3, 2024, in a €12 million transfer, signing a five-year deal that included Galatasaray receiving 10% of his next transfer fee. This marked Galatasaray’s most valuable Turkish player transfer since 2011.

He debuted for Bruno Lage‘s Benfica team on September 14, scoring his first goal with an assist from Orkun Kökçü. He followed up with a goal in the Champions League against FK Crvena Zvezda and two assists in a league match against Boavista. Kerem continued his impressive form, scoring against Gil Vicente and Atlético Madrid in a 4–0 Champions League victory, as well as against Feyenoord in the same tournament.

On October 27, he achieved a hat-trick in Benfica’s 5–0 win over Rio Ave. By scoring eight goals and providing assists in his first seven matches, Kerem broke a club record for the most combined goals and assists by a new player since 1964.

International Career:

Kerem Aktürkoğlu began his international career with Turkey’s under-18 team in 2015 and scored his first international goal in 2017 with the under-19s. He debuted for the senior national team in 2021, playing in World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Nations League, and the European Championship.

The Benfica star’s notable moments include scoring his first senior goal against Norway, contributing key goals and assists in matches against Gibraltar, Montenegro, Armenia, and Latvia, and scoring in his first European Championship appearance in 2024. He also made history with a hat-trick against Iceland in the UEFA Nations League 2024-25, earning recognition before joining Benfica.

Personal Life:

Kerem Aktürkoğlu likes to live a quiet and simple life when he’s not playing football. While many famous players enjoy being in the spotlight, Kerem prefers to stay at home. In a YouTube interview on December 19, 2023, he said he loves playing video games and shared that he started gaming with Counter-Strike and was playing Valorant then.

Even though he spends most of his time playing games, Kerem sometimes goes out with a small group of friends. He enjoys being with people he is close to but doesn’t go out too often. This shows he can balance his hobbies and spending time with others.

The dynamic left-winger life differs significantly from many other football players who like to show off their money and fancy things. Instead of going to big parties or buying expensive things, Kerem keeps things simple and likes staying at home. He feels happy living this way and doesn’t need a busy lifestyle to enjoy life.

In 2023, when the big earthquakes happened in Kahramanmaraş, Kerem Aktürkoğlu helped the people who were hurt or lost their homes. The versatile forward gave them money and support to make them feel better. Kerem said that on the day of the earthquake, Erden Timur, a leader at his football team Galatasaray, called him.

Kerem joined a campaign called “We Are Together,” which asked people to share their homes with families who lost theirs. The Libra player travelled to Hatay, one of the places hit by the earthquake, with Galatasaray to help with work and bring hope to the people there. The rising Turkish star also gave something very special—he donated the ball from a match where he scored three goals against Başakşehir. The ball was sold in an auction to raise money for the people affected by the earthquake.

Kerem Akturkoglu Family Life:

They supported him while playing in small teams and cheered him on to keep trying. Because of their help and love, Kerem could work hard and join a big team like Galatasaray. Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s family has helped him a lot in his football journey, ensuring he stays strong and keeps growing as a footballer and person.

About Kerem Akturkoglu’s Father:

Ömer Faruk Aktürkoğlu has a very close relationship with his son. Kerem discussed this in an interview on Galatasaray TV on March 19, 2023. He said he loves his family, especially his dad, and shared how much his Omer has shaped his dreams.

When Kerem was 15, he started attending his dad’s football matches. Watching his dad play made Kerem love football even more. Spending this time together brought them closer and made the Benfica star want to follow his dreams in football.

Furthermore, the skilful playmaker said he works hard to make his dad proud because his dad has always been there for him. Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s dad’s support gave his third child the courage to follow his dream of becoming a great football player. Their strong bond is a big reason for Kerem’s success.

About Kerem Akturkoglu’s Mother:

Filiz Aktürkoğlu has always been very important in his life, helping him grow as a person and footballer. When Kerem was a baby, just 10 months old, a big earthquake happened in 1999. He got stuck under the rubble but was saved. This was a scary and sad time for his family, especially his mom.

This challenging moment made Kerem Akturkoğlu’s mother even stronger and better at caring for him. Filiz worked hard to give him love and support as he grew up. When Kerem decided to play football, a demanding job with many challenges, she stayed by his side. Her care helped him stay strong and keep trying.

Kerem’s mom has been a big reason he became so good at football and a strong person. Their bond helped him go from hard times as a kid to being a star on the field.

About Kerem Akturkoglu’s Siblings:

Kerem Aktürkoğlu has a loving family with three siblings. He is the third child, with two older brothers, Rıdvan (born in 1991) and Selim (born in 1994), and a younger sister. His family has always been there for him, giving him love and support as he worked hard to become a football player.

To strengthen their bond, one of his siblings loves Galatasaray just like the Primeira Liga talent. He even joined his brother at the celebrations when Galatasaray won the championship. They both share a strong passion for their favourite football team.

On the other hand, Kerem’s younger sister brings a unique happiness to his life. She might remind him of the importance of family and staying connected. The only girl in the home of three boys, she brings out the protective side of her brothers. And her brother takes Reyyan to the field to watch him in action.

This substantial family bond has been a big part of helping Kerem become the successful footballer he is today. Having two brothers and a sister is a perfect blend for the family.

Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s grandfather:

When Kerem was just a baby, something tragic happened that changed his life forever. An earthquake hit his hometown, and little Kerem, who was only one year old, got stuck under a pile of rubble. It was a scary time for his family, but his grandfather, Mustafa Aktürkoğlu, acted like a hero. Mustafa worked hard to pull Kerem out and saved his life.

This brave act showed how much love and care Kerem’s family had for him. Being rescued that day gave Kerem a special start to his life. Thanks to his Kerem Aktürkoğlu grandfather’s bravery, his grandchild grew up to become not just a great football player but also someone who appreciates the love and support of his family.

Untold Facts:

We use this part to reveal more mind-blowing facts that you would find interesting about Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s biography.

Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s Religion:

The Turkish sensation is a Muslim and has shared moments of his faith on social media. During a break from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he visited the Kaaba and posted a photo of himself there on the 25th of November, 2022.

In October 2023, during the Hamas-Israel War, Kerem showed his support for Palestine through social media posts. He dedicated a goal he scored in Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw with Manchester United in the Champions League to Palestinian children.

At Galatasaray’s championship celebrations on May 27, 2024, Kerem wore a Palestinian keffiyeh on his wrist. He also posed for a photo with his teammate Hakim Ziyech, who carried a Palestinian flag during the celebrations and shared it on social media.

Kerem Akturkoglu’s Fifa Profile:

The young winger mostly uses his right foot but is also good at using his left foot when needed. This makes him very skilled and versatile, which coaches like Arteta would appreciate. Not many players are good with both feet, but Kerem stands out in this way.

Kerem Aktürkoğlu has many special skills that make him a strong player. He has a great Finesse Shot, which means he can kick the ball carefully and accurately to score goals. He’s also good at making smart, incisive passes to help his teammates get a chance to score. With his Rapid speed, he can quickly get past defenders and create chances for his team to attack. Kerem is also creative, using flair to try fun and unexpected tricks with the ball, making it hard for defenders to guess what he will do next.

Moreover, his quick step helps him change direction really fast, which keeps defenders guessing. He’s also very relentless, meaning he never gives up, always trying his best. Finally, Kerem is a solid player both when attacking and defending. All these skills make him a fun player to watch and a big help for his team.

How much is Kerem Akturkoglu’s Salary?

The creative attacker earns €55,385 weekly, which adds up to €2,880,000 yearly. This shows how valuable he is to the team because of his hard work and excellent skills on the field.

Let’s get to see what some of his teammates make. Renato Sanches is the highest paid at €133,077, while Angel Di Maria goes home at €74,038. These salaries show how Galatasaray values its top players by paying them well for their contributions to the team.

Kerem Akturkoglu’s Goal Celebration:

The Turkish player is loved not just for his goals but also for his fun and unique celebrations. One of his celebrations, inspired by Harry Potter, has even been copied by other players.

The story of Kerem’s celebration began in July 2021, when fans called him “Kerem Potter” after he posted a picture on Instagram. In the photo, he wore round glasses and Galatasaray’s red and yellow jersey, which looked like Harry Potter’s Gryffindor outfit. Fans loved it and flooded his post with wand and lightning emojis. This gave Kerem the idea to use a spell-casting move, inspired by Harry Potter, as his goal celebration.

Kerem first did the “Expelliarmus” celebration on December 25, 2021, during a game against Fenerbahçe. Fans were thrilled and started calling him “the magician” for his magical moves on the field.

End Note:

Muhammed Kerem Aktürkoğlu was born on the 21st of October, 1998, to his parents- his father, Ömer Faruk and his mother, Filiz Aktürkoğlu in Izmit. The winger began his life with his siblings- Rıdvan, born in 1991, Selim in 1994 and his sister Reyyan. Being the third child with two older brothers meant that the footballer enjoyed the privileges of the last boy before another kid came into the picture.

The Benfica’s Turkish Treasure started playing football in 2011 when he joined the Gölcükspor youth academy. In 2013, he moved to another team called Hisareynspor. Then, on the 5th of September, 2014, he joined İstanbul Başakşehir and played with their U-17 team. In 2015, he signed his first professional contract with the club.

In August 2018, the black sea talent joined a new team called Karacabey Belediyespor in the 3rd League. He was given the unique number 10 jersey and played his first match of the season against Çankaya, staying on the field for 90 minutes. During the 2018–19 season, Kerem played 35 matches, including league games, playoffs, and the Turkish Cup.

In the 20/21 season, the Turkish star became a part of Galatasaray. He started small but quickly became a key player, scoring goals and making important assists. Kerem is known for scoring hat-tricks, creating goals for his teammates, and being a team leader. He also helped Galatasaray win championships and even celebrated with fun goal gestures inspired by Harry Potter.

Gratitude:

Thank you for reading about Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s biography and his football journey! We love sharing true and fair stories about outstanding footballers of Turkish origin, like Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz. Please let us know if you think something in Kerem’s story isn’t correct or complete.

We also want to hear your thoughts! What do you think of Kerem, his career, and how he became one of football’s brightest stars? His journey inspires many, and we’d love to hear your ideas too!