Unveiling the Story of Orkun Kokcu: Midfield’s Commander-In-Chief

Known as the “Midfield Commander-In-Chief” for his exceptional abilities, this memoir details the full history of Orkun Kokcu. It tells the story of a young boy who, much like Thorgan Hazard with Eden, initially lived in the shadow of Ozan Can Kökçü, his older brother. However, with his remarkable talents, Orkun managed to step out of that shadow and forge his own unique path in football.

Our research highlights that Orkun Kokcu is a bona fide Haarlemmer with a diverse heritage and a rich family background. Much like the Weghorsts or the ten Hags, the Kokcu family is well-known in the Netherlands, thanks to their strong business acumen. This article also touches on Orkun’s cautious approach to nutrition. He once experienced an accelerated heartbeat after consuming a drink he believed was harmful, a moment that made him feel as if he was facing his last moments. During this ordeal, Orkun placed his faith in Allah.

Our Orkun Kokcu Biography tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents – Halis Kökçü (Father), Sibel Kökçü (Mother), Family Background, Siblings – Ozan Can Kökçü, (Brother), Uncle (Ercüment Eryalçin), Sister In-law (Sevil), Love Life, etc.

This article about Orkun Kokcu also tells you details about his Turkish family origin, ethnicity, Dutch hometown, education, religion, etc. More so, we’ll engage further by explaining the Lifestyle, Personality, Net worth, Zodiac sign and Salary Breakdown of the Haarlem-born footballer.

Preamble:

We begin Orkun Kokcu’s biography by unveiling notable events from his boyhood years. Next, we’ll explain the early football journey of the Haarlem Athlete. We’ll then delve further to share how the son of Halis and Sibel stepped out from his brother’s shadow and experienced a rapid ascent in the world of football.

We hope to whet your quest to read football autobiographies as we engage you with this article on Orkun Kokcu’s Biography. To begin doing that, let’s unveil this gallery that tells his story – from Haarlemmer’s sweet boyhood years to the moment of fame. Indeed, Kokcu has come a long way in his amazing football journey.

To numerous football aficionados, Orkun often stands as the “commander-in-chief” of any midfield. He embodies the quintessential box-to-box midfielder that today’s top managers yearn for. Kökcü excels in advancing the ball, adeptly winning possession, taking shots, and scoring goals, all while displaying remarkable leadership on the pitch.

In our journey to share the tales of Turkish footballers, We’ve noticed a gap in common knowledge. Surprisingly, not many football enthusiasts are familiar with Orkun Kokcu’s biography. Out of our passion for the beautiful game, We have crafted his captivating story. So, let’s dive into his tale without delay.

Orkun Kokcu Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the nickname – “Midfield Commander-In-Chief”. And his full name is Orkun Kökçü. The Turkish professional footballer was born on the 29th day of December 2000 to his Mother, Sibel Kökçü and Father, Halis Kökçü in Haarlem, Netherlands.

Orkun Kökçü is one of the children born from a happy marriage between his Mum and Dad. That other sibling is his older brother, who goes by the name Ozan Kökçü. Now, let’s introduce you to Orkun Kokcu’s parents. Halis and Sibel built a home overflowing with love and unwavering support for their sons’ football aspirations.

Growing-Up Years:

Orkun Kökçü enjoyed a memorable childhood, which he shared with his older brother, Ozan. Based on our calculations, Ozan is two years, four months, and 11 days older than Orkun. The brothers were raised on Floris van Adrichemlaan, a street in Haarlem, Netherlands, specifically in the northernmost part of Schalkwijk. To this day, this neighbourhood remains the home of the family behind Turkey’s prominent football talent.

A cherished memory from Ozan and Orkun’s childhood invariably involved football. The brothers frequently played the game at the square on Floris van Adrichemlaan in Haarlem. Around the ages of eight or nine, especially after school, the square became their regular football haven.

On weekends and holidays, the square became even livelier as more of their friends joined in. Orkun and his brother typically played four against four. However, if some friends were absent, the game would adjust to four against three. Orkun always had his brother Ozan and childhood friend Mohamed Taabouni from AZ on his side during these matches.

In their matches, the first team to net three goals claimed victory and remained on the pitch. The losing team made way for a new challenger, often waiting by a gap in the surrounding cage. Particularly during holidays, up to five teams might be queued up for their turn. Orkun and his brother frequently triumphed, sometimes securing back-to-back wins. Driven by intense passion, the duo played with a fervent desire not to lose.

The importance of the letter S:

Despite Orkun’s ascent to professional football, he holds immense pride for his childhood neighbourhood located in the northernmost part of Schalkwijk. This deep-rooted connection is why both he and his older brother occasionally form an ‘S’ with their hands, symbolizing ‘Schalkwijk’, as a celebratory gesture when they score a goal.

Ozan initiated this goal celebration gesture after netting a goal against Ajax. However, it stirred anger among Ajax supporters, who misinterpreted it. They believed he made a ‘C’ sign, mistakenly associating it with an endorsement of the tragic death of Carlo Picornie, a fervent Ajax supporter.

Right after the match, Orkun clarified that his goal celebration was in no way connected to Carlo Picornie’s death. Instead, he emphasized that he approached the camera and formed an ‘S’ gesture with his hand after scoring, as a tribute to Schalkwijk — the neighbourhood that nurtured his footballing talents. To get the full story of Carlo Picornie’s death, read The Battle of Beverwijk from Wikipedia.

Orkun Kokcu Early Years:

Beyond playing football in the Schalkwijk neighbourhood, watching the sport on TV was equally significant. Orkun’s passion for football intensified each time he did something. That is, whenever he tuned in to watch his beloved club, Beşiktaş, on the family’s television.

Indeed, from a young age, Orkun has ardently supported the Turkish club. During the late 2000s, Beşiktaş was graced by the talents of footballers like Ricardo Quaresma and Hugo Almeida. Even now, as a renowned footballer, Orkun harbours a singular dream: to play for his childhood club, Beşiktaş, in the later years of his professional journey.

As a young child, Orkun frequently found himself overshadowed by his older brother. Ozan, early on, consistently made significant strides in his football career. He, proud of his younger sibling, happily observed Orkun tracing his footsteps. Possessing immense football talent, Ozan (to this day) has long been regarded as a standout talent in the sport.

Orkun and his older brother, Ozan, followed remarkably similar trajectories in their youth football careers. Both played for three of the same clubs: Stormvogels, Groningen, and Feyenoord. However, Ozan didn’t join Olympia Haarlem and EDO, two clubs where Orkun showcased his skills during his younger days. Typically, when one brother made a move, the other, and occasionally the entire family, would follow suit, even if it necessitated a relocation.

Orkun Kokcu Family Background:

To begin with, the Turkish midfielder comes from a well-off background. The Kökçüs are a renowned Turkish family residing in the Netherlands. In fact, a quick Google search for “auto kokcu” unveils the family’s enterprise: Auto Kökcü – a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

As of this biography’s creation, we’re uncertain whether Orkun Kökçü’s parents solely own the car dealership. However, in an Instagram post from May 7th, 2020, Orkun, having received a car from the Auto Kökcü Mercedes-Benz dealership, expressed his gratitude to his uncles for their outstanding service.

Orkun Kökçü’s father, Halis Kökçü, is a former goalkeeper whose career was cut short by shoulder problems. He once defended the goal for Eskişehirspor, a prominent football team in the northwestern Turkish city of Eskişehir. Halis ended his playing days earlier than expected, nurturing the hope that his sons would fulfil the dreams he once had on the pitch—a dream that Orkun and Ozan are now living.

After retiring early from his goalkeeping career, Halis Kökçü transitioned into the real estate sector. He owns numerous properties in Groningen, located in the northern part of the Netherlands. His business involves purchasing houses and transforming them into student residences and apartments for rent. Halis secured a solid start in this venture by signing a ten-year agreement with the Groningen municipality.

To gain deeper insight into the Kökçü family, his uncle provided a comprehensive interview. This video introduces you to his family members, and it offers a detailed look into the footballer’s life from his uncle’s viewpoint.

Orkun Kokcu Family Origin:

First, let’s explain the heritage of the Dutch-born Turkish professional footballer. Orkun Kokcu’s Father was born in Turkey to Turkish parents. On the other hand, his Mother was born in the Netherlands, and her parents are also Turkish. This is why the bond with Turkey is very strong for the family. Besides, Orkun Kokcu’s grandparents and relatives live in Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

Regarding Orkun Kokcu’s roots, he sees himself as a Dutch person with Turkish blood flowing in his veins. This is because he was his parents, Halis and Sibel, raised him with Turkish norms and values. Regarding the part of Turkey Orkun Kokcu’s father comes from, our research points to Emirdag. Halis hails from Emirdag, a town in Afyonkarahisar Province in Turkey, between the cities of Afyon and Eskişehir. It’s no surprise, then, that Halis has a past as a goalkeeper for a football team in Eskişehir.

From the perspective of Orkun’s birthplace and the country he represents at the national level, you can tell the Athlete has more than one nationality. In fact, Orkun Kokcu has three nationalities: Turkey, the Netherlands and Azerbaijan. While his birthplace is the Netherlands, the Midfielder has ancestral ties to both Turkey and Azerbaijan. Here is a map gallery that explains Orkun Kokcu’s origins.

Orkun Kokcu Ethnicity:

The midfielder is a Turkish-Dutch, and he identifies with at least 500,000 Turks in the Netherlands. In other words, you can refer to Orkun as a Dutch Turk or Turkish-Dutch (as we have earlier mentioned). Other footballers born in the Netherlands with Turkish ancestry who play for the Turkish national team include Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Bilal Başaçıkoğlu, and Oğuzhan Özyakup.

Orkun Kokcu Education:

In the household of Halis and Sibel, attending school is of utmost importance. Orkun once mentioned in an interview that spending an additional year in primary school made his adjustment at FC Groningen somewhat smoother. That happened in the 2011/2012 season when he was 10 years old.

While the specific school Kökçü attended remains undisclosed, it’s confirmed that he completed his education up to the secondary level. Kökçü once shared that after school, he frequently played football with his brother and friend, Mohamed Taabouni, at the square on Floris van Adrichemlaan in Haarlem.

During Orkun Kokcu’s school days in Groningen, he found himself in a predominantly Dutch classroom, with only two other Turkish boys. Given that he and his brother were enrolled in Groningen’s academy, football dominated their time, which made it challenging for them to balance their social activities.

As a student, Orkun Kokcu often had to skip after-school fun for football practice, which left him feeling isolated and sometimes lonely. He didn’t forge deep friendships in Groningen, only acquaintances and fellow players. Despite this, Orkun and his brother Ozan didn’t lament the impact on their social life, understanding it was a sacrifice for their dreams.

Orkun Kokcu Biography – Football Story:

From the age of six, the Turkish midfielder started his path towards professionalism by joining the youth team of Olympia Haarlem. After two seasons, he moved to HFC EDO, a team fully named Haarlemsche Football Club Eendracht Doet Overwinnen. After just a season at HFC EDO, Orkun joined his older brother at Stormvogels in 2010.

For much of his early career, Orkun often played in the shadow of his brother, Ozan. Back then, the boys did some bit of extra football by participating in a street tournament organized by Calvé, the popular peanut butter brand.

During a match in the tournament, a man approached Orkun Kokcu’s father. This man introduced himself as a scout from FC Groningen. He told Halis that he had seen something special in his first son, Ozan. Next, he gave Orkun Kökçü’s Dad an invitation letter to bring Ozan to participate in the talent days of FC Groningen.

Halis was super-excited about his son’s talent being appreciated by a football scout. Next, he told the scout that they should go have a cup of coffee. After Orkun’s Dad reached out to the coffee seller and ordered two cups, he turned around and was shocked. Surprisingly, the football scout from FC Groningen had disappeared. He left no telephone number or contact details – nothing at all.

Despite not having any luck to re-establish contact with the scout, Halis Kökçü decided to take his two sons to the FC Groningen. He thought that if the scout had mentioned to him about an open day, then it must be true. They all went to Groningen, and eventually, Orkun got invited to join Ozan in the training. At first, the coaches didn’t think he was good enough. However, in no time, Orkun got accepted, and he joined his brother in Groningen.

Before Orkun and Ozan got accepted by FC Groningen, they had attended talents day at different clubs. However, the boys were unlucky at Ajax, AZ, and Haarlem back then. This was before the unknown football scout from FC Groningen suddenly appeared to his Dad. Surprisingly, Orkun and Ozan never saw and spoke to the man who met their Dad during the Calve Street football tournament. Even when they got to FC Groningen, they never met the scout or knew who he was at the club. For the son of Halis and Sibel, that was a perfect sign of destiny.

Family Decisions:

Moving from Stormvogels to FC Groningen required a travel of roughly 160 km northward in the Netherlands. Such a distance posed a challenge for Orkun Kökçü’s parents, especially considering the long journey to visit their sons. Recognizing this, Halis and Sibel decided to move from Haarlem to Groningen to be closer to their children’s new football adventure.

Halis and Sibel did not allow their son to live in the city and chase their dreams without someone by their side. Because their family is so close, the dream of their sons also became their shared dream. Orkun Kokcu’s parents left everything in Haarlem to move with their sons to Groningen.

While living in Groningen, Halis Orkun spotted new opportunities to continue his real estate business. He was already in Real Estate before moving to Groningen, so he just decided to expand his business. Halis and Sibel were surprised that many Turks lived in their new city, and these people were always there to help each other. Thanks to that, adjustment for the Kökçü family became easier in the multicultural city.

On the street of Groningen, Orkun and Ozan found themselves playing football with boys from all ethnic groups. The Dutch, Moroccans, Turks, Antilleans, and Sub-saharan Africans, everyone participated. Because Ozan and Korku played football at FC Groningen, they found themselves having little private life. It was always about football, and that made the adjustment a bit difficult for them. They couldn’t make any real friends aside from those who played football.

Orkun Kokcu Bio – Road to Fame Story:

It was a bit difficult for the youngster and his older brother, Ozan, to adjust to their new football environment. For Orkun, moving to Groningen at age 10 was a big step. He once mentioned that spending an additional year in primary school made his adjustment somewhat smoother. Here, the young takes a photograph with his under-14 teammates.

Orkun and his brother, Ozan, developed quickly while honing their football skills at FC Groningen. While Ozan made strides as a left winger, Orkun stood out in the central midfield position. He played with notable teammates such as Mark Jagt, Boy Spijkerman, and Mark Ploeger. As a midfielder with a knack for scoring, Orkun’s development outpaced his peers, leading to Feyenoord recruiting him in 2014.

In 2014, Orkun received an invitation from the KNVB district for a selection day. That day led to the formation of Feyenoord’s new under-14 team, which he was part of. To earn his spot, he had to compete in an elimination tournament featuring players from across the Netherlands. Fortunately, Orkun advanced through all rounds. Subsequently, he participated in an internship in Eindhoven, where he played practice matches against the under-14 teams from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Before a scheduled match, a scout from Feyenoord reached out to Orkun Kökçü’s father, informing him that they would be watching his son play the next day. However, Orkun sustained an injury during a training session prior to the match, leading him to lose hope about joining Feyenoord. To his surprise, a week later, Halis shared the good news that Feyenoord had emailed to confirm that Orkun had met all their criteria and was invited to join their team. Initially sceptical, Orkun’s disbelief faded as his father presented him with the envelope. Subsequently, the family started planning their return to their hometown, Haarlem.

Orkun’s brother stayed in Groningen, and his parents moved back to Haarlem simply because they saw that he was too young to live alone in Rotterdam. For Halis and Sibel, moving back to Haarlem was another family sacrifice. By leaving Ozan behind, the Kökçüs lived apart as a family for two years. When Feyenoord decided to sign Ozan, the Kökçüs were a whole again as a family.

Early Days with Feyenoord:

While her husband got busy with work, Orkun’s mother took the early responsibility of taking him to training in Rotterdam every day. In his first years as a Feyenoord youth, Orkub wasn’t one of the most talented players. During that time, things didn’t go very easy for him. The youngster, like Marcus Rashford and Erling Haaland, suffered from growing pains.

Orkun’s transfer to one of the top clubs in the Netherlands (Feyenoord) marked a new chapter of his professional aspirations. Wearing their jersey, he set his sights and constantly dreamt of a professional career. Although his family lived in Haarlem, Orkun was later lucky to have a teammate, Jordy Clasie — a Haarlem-born player a decade his senior and resident of the same city — who would give him a daily ride to Rotterdam for training sessions.

During his time with Feyenoord’s youth, Orkun encountered a prominent figure in football. His name is Dirk Kuyt, the ex-Liverpool forward. Kuyt was coaching Feyenoord’s Under-19 team at the time. Dirk Kuyt deployed Orkun in various roles in the midfield, an experience that greatly contributed to the adaptability that defines his gameplay today.

While with Feyenoord’s Under-19 team, Orkun Kökçü gained a deep understanding of knowing the importance of patience. He recognized it as a challenging but essential virtue for a budding footballer eagerly awaiting his first-team debut. During this period of waiting for his debut, Orkun frequently reflected on the advice imparted to him by Dirk Kuyt, the former Liverpool striker, who often emphasized the value of perseverance, saying,

Orkun, You are going to make your debut soon, there is no other way.

Orkun Kokcu Biography – Rising to Fame:

The joy of his parents knew no bounds on the day he finally made his Feyenoord debut. Orkun’s debut came when he was 17. In that match against VV Gemert, he scored the second goal in a 4-0 win. The midfielder made his debut coincided with the debut season of Tyrell Malacia. During this period, the Feyenoord roster boasted prominent players, including Robin van Persie, Sofyan Amrabat, and Steven Berghuis.

In his quest to learn from experienced players, Orkun took Robin van Persie as a mentor. In fact, the former Arsenal and Manchester United Legend was one of his childhood idols. Orkun always contacted his idol, both in football and privately. In his words,

I always looked up to him for tips on how to improve. He often advised me that I should always be open-minded, always have to think ahead, look around.

During his time at Feyenoord, Robin van Persie was dedicated to aiding the development of the club’s young talent in various ways. His passion for nurturing the next generation led the Dutch legend to extend his stay at Feyenoord by an additional year. Similarly, seasoned professionals like Steven Berghuis took an active role in mentoring emerging players such as Orkun Kökçü and Tyrell Malacia, offering guidance to enhance their careers.

Rising to Fame:

Thanks to maturity beyond his years, the boy who joined Feyenoord in 2014 rose to the mainstay of the team’s midfield. After winning the Johan Cruyff Shield in 2018, Orkub helped his club reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final in its inaugural season. Unluckily, Jose Mourinho’s Roma stole the show.

The following season, Orkun found himself in a Feyenoord team that boasted talents. We talk about the likes of Quinten Timber (brother of Jurrien Timber) and Santiago Gimenez, the Mexican super Forward. Orkun had a top year with his Feyenoord side in the 2022/2023 season. The start of that season saw him being given the captaincy armband by his manager, Arne Slot.

Thanks to his technical and leadership qualities, he became the mainstay of the virtually unbeatable Feyenoord. The Haarlem midfielder went on to win the Eredivisie with the Rotterdam team in 2023. Celebrating the win of his first Eredivisie title in front of his Dad was indeed priceless.

On Monday, the 4th of September 2023, Orkun Kökçü was named Player of the Year at the Eredivisie Awards. There were lots of goosebumps and plenty of emotion for the Kökçü family while they walked on the stage of the gala ceremony. Orkun was presented with the award by his father and mother, a feat that produced beautiful and emotional images.

The eighteen captains in the Eredivisie voted for him to become the Eredivisie Player of the Year. Just after it became known that Okrun had won the national prize, a video was shown that revealed his highs and lows of the 2022/2023 season. The Feyenoord caption became so emotional upon seeing this video. Kökçü said as he fought back tears;

“Every time I have to replay that whole process in my head, I get a bit emotional.”

Benfica Chapter:

After conquering Dutch football, Kökçü, in the 2023/2024 season, decided to open a new chapter in his career. The Haarlem superstar joined Benfica on a five-year deal and a club record fee of €25 million. Benfica’s earlier record of €24 million was held by Darwin Nunez after his transfer from Almería in 2020.

Orkun Kökçü’s start to life at Benfica began on solid footing. Playing in a top Portuguese team that had the likes of Rafa, Angel De Maria, Gonçalo Guedes, Joao Neves, and António Silva was simply mesmerising. In his first season with Benfica, Orkub won the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira title.

International Career Story:

Kökçü began his international career in the youth teams of his country of birth, the Netherlands, playing at the under-18 and under-19 levels. However, in 2019, he faced a challenging decision. Kökçü declared his intention to represent Turkey at the senior level, opting not to continue playing for the Netherlands. This decision by the footballer was met with mixed reactions, and it was particularly unpopular among Dutch supporters.

At the young age of 20, Orkun Kökçü earned his first cap for the Turkish national team. He received significant playing time, sharing the field with notable players such as Cenk Tosun, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Ozan Kabak, among others. In October 2023, Orkun played a pivotal role in helping Turkey secure their qualification for the Euro 2024 tournament. From there, his contributions have become a celebrated part of history.

Orkun Kokcu Love Life:

One notable aspect of the former Groningen midfielder is his classically handsome looks. Orkun possesses a youthful charm and a photogenic presence reminiscent of Marco Asensio and André Silva. As of 2023, numerous fans have taken an interest in this attribute, prompting discussions and inquiries.

Who is the Turkish midfielder dating?

Captivating On and Off the Pitch: The Dashing Orkun Kökçü Sparks Curiosity About His Dating Life Amidst Fan Admiration for His Classic Good Looks and Youthful Charm.

As of the last update to this biography (November 2023), Orkun has kept his relationship status private. There is speculation that the Dutch-born Turkish Midfielder may be following advice from his parents to keep his love life away from the public eyes. Hence, it in only a matter of time before details of Orkun’s girlfriend or wife in the making emerge.

The other side of Kökçü:

Starting off, Orkun is very cautious and avoids any nutritional shakes unless they are confirmed to be beneficial for his health. Orkun once experienced issues with sleep due to an unwise choice. The trouble began after he consumed a particular shake, which he claimed caused an accelerated heartbeat. This led to several nights where he only managed to get two or three hours of sleep daily. During this period, the midfielder was overwhelmed with a feeling that he was living his final moments and feared he might die.

The distressing circumstances compelled Orkun to seek solace in his faith. As a devout Muslim, finding comfort in his moments of prayer to Allah brought him a sense of peace. An even more profound tranquillity enveloped him when he prayed during a visit to Mecca with his childhood friend and fellow footballer, Mohamed Taabouni. That pilgrimage to the holy city significantly contributed to his inner peace.

Why did he choose Turkey?

In an interview, Kökçü shared that he had heard criticisms regarding his national team decision. Among the comments he encountered was the suggestion that he had a moral duty to choose the Netherlands over Turkey, given that he was born in the European nation and had played for the Dutch U18 and U19 teams.

Orkun has explained that the opportunity for more playing time was a significant reason in his decision to represent Turkey. Additionally, he feels a personal affinity when playing alongside his Turkish teammates. In the months leading up to his decision to switch allegiances, his father, Halis, had attempted to persuade him to commit to the Dutch national team.

When his father was encouraging him to opt for the Dutch team, players such as Frenkie de Jong and Georginio Wijnaldum were at the height of their careers. These midfielders presented significant competition within the Dutch squad. This competition also included esteemed players like Marten de Roon, Donny van de Beek, and Davy Klaassen.

While Turkey also boasted considerable talent, Orkun assessed that his chances for regular playtime were substantially higher with the Turkish midfield. Therefore, the Haarlem-born central midfielder made the strategic choice. He decided to represent Turkey, seeing it as a better opportunity for immediate game participation.

The Kökçü Family Love for Turkey?

When it comes to football, the Süper Lig (Turkish professional league) was always on the TV. Orkun and the rest of his household hardly watch the Eredivisie, except if it was an important clash between top teams like Feyenoord and Ajax. The midfielder, to this day, hails from a real Besiktas family, and he still dreams of playing for the club. Just like he loves Besiktas, Feyenoord and Benfica are also his club.

Lifestyle:

Regarding his lifestyle, Orkun Kökçü is the epitome of a homebody. Numerous Instagram photos depict him comfortably lounging at home. Kökçü is often with his laptop, suggesting his preference for a quiet and domestic environment. Based on these snapshots, it’s quite plausible to speculate that he, much like Ryan Gravenberch and Julio Enciso, is an enthusiast of Netflix.

Orkun Kokcu Family Life:

The athlete from Haarlem comes from a family deeply rooted in Turkish traditions. Orkun himself has expressed that while he identifies as Dutch, he also feels the strong influence of his Turkish heritage, having been brought up with the norms and values of Turkey.

During his younger years, Orkun and his family made a tradition of road-tripping during the holidays. He and his brother would fashion a makeshift bed from their travel suitcase in the car. The Kökçü family would then embark on a three-day drive to Ankara (Capital of Turkey) to visit their relatives. Now, we’ll share some insights into the family of the Haarlem-born athlete.

Orkun Kokcu Father:

Halis was instrumental in supporting his son through the struggle with insomnia. He shared that it was a lengthy and challenging process. There were nights when Halis would forgo sleep himself, staying up with his son who couldn’t fall asleep. Together, they would engage in conversations that brought laughter and lightness to the heavy situation. And during times when his son was particularly distressed, breaking down in tears due to the sleep issues, Halis was there to comfort and console him.

Orkun Kokcu Mother:

Sibel stood by her son tirelessly through the challenging period he faced with his sleep issues. Parallel to her husband, Halis, she was a constant pillar of support for her child. In truth, the entire Kökçü family endured and navigated this difficult time as a unit. This ordeal underscored the tight-knit bond within the family. The bond extends even to the Kökçü relatives, highlighting their close-knit nature.

It might interest you to know that Sibel Kökçü is her son’s biggest fan. Even though Orkun played lots of football with his brother, Ozan and Uncles, there is a reason he regards his mum as his biggest fan. Ever since he came to Groningen with his brother (Ozan) as a youth, Sibel began a quest to continuously attend his matches. The truth is, she attended and watched all of Orkun’s matches non-stop for eight years. According to Kökcü;

My mother didn’t miss my match in eight years, since I was eleven. She is still there every match, home and away.

Sibel makes an effort to attend the live matches of her sons, who represent different national teams, sharing this commitment with her husband, Halis. Despite the distance, she is accustomed to journeying to Azerbaijan, where her son Ozan competes, to support him from the stands.

Sibel and her husband, Halis, take turns travelling to watch their sons play; she to Azerbaijan for Ozan’s matches and he to Turkey for Orkun’s. This arrangement ensures they regularly attend their sons’ games. One of Sibel’s proudest moments was witnessing Orkun secure a record €25 million transfer to Benfica.

Orkun Kokcu Brother:

Ozan Kökçü was born on August 18, 1998, in Haarlem, Netherlands. Unlike Orkun, who is an attacking midfielder, Ozan is a technically skilled winger, dribbler and right-footer. He married his longtime girlfriend, Sevil, in January 2021. The ceremony was held in Hoofddorp, the central town of the Haarlemmermeer municipality in North Holland, Netherlands.

When it comes to comparing the Kokcu brothers, it is pertinent to say that they both have two completely different characters. Orkub is calmer than Ozan but more cunning. Again, Ozan is more temperamental than his little brother. Now, let’s tell you about one moment that involved Ozan and his Dad, where he showed his weakness.

Ozan’s Wrong Goal Celebration and Apology:

There was an occasion when Orkun’s elder brother, Ozan, dashed toward the camera following a decisive goal and pressed his finger to his lips in a silencing gesture. Surprisingly, he dedicated this action to their father. Ozan provided a lighthearted explanation for this post-goal celebration.

Before delving into the reasoning behind his gesture, he made sure to first offer an apology to his dad, emphasizing that his actions were not meant to be taken as disrespect. He began to explain, saying:

“I must start by expressing my sincere apologies to my father. The gesture I made during my goal celebration wasn’t intended to be disrespectful. My parents have always been my most enthusiastic supporters.

Following every game, my father would offer his assessment of how I played. We had a disagreement after one particular Friday match, and my response was to make that gesture during my celebration. That’s the story behind it.”

As soon as he saw his father, Ozan was swiftly embraced by him. Then, Halis spoke to his eldest son, with a hint of jest in his words:

“See,” he said, “I have to provoke you a bit so you’ll play your best.”

Orkun Kokcu Uncle:

Ercüment Eryalçin, a brother to Halis (Orkun’s Dad), once recounted a poignant experience connected to his nephew. He vividly remembers one of the proudest moments concerning his nephew’s career — the day Orkun Kökçü received his inaugural call-up to play for Turkey. Ercüment was driving on the highway when he got the call with the wonderful news. Overwhelmed with happiness upon hearing it from his nephew, Ercüment couldn’t help but shed tears of joy.

Halis and his brother Ercüment have a strong bond, especially evident in their support for Orkun’s career, where the entire family, including extended relatives, plays a part. Ercüment frequently joins Halis on trips to Azerbaijan and Turkey to watch Ozan and Orkun play, respectively. Their presence at matches serves as a significant source of encouragement for the Kökçü brothers.

Orkun Kokcu Grandparents:

Orkun Kökçü’s summer trips to Turkey are special occasions, primarily to spend time with his grandparents. It’s known that his grandmother resides in Eskisehir, a city in northwestern Turkey. Along with her, Kökçü’s uncles and other extended family members in Turkey take great pride in his career accomplishments.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of Orkun Kokcu’s Biography, we’ll unveil truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Refusal to wear the Rainbow Armband:

Orkun Kökçü has openly expressed homophobic views, showing aversion towards the LGBTQ+ community. As Feyenoord’s captain, he notably declined to wear a rainbow armband, which was introduced in the Eredivisie to combat homophobia.

Kökçü, known for his sensitivity, was cautious about being associated with the rainbow symbol, which he deemed ‘haram’ or forbidden. Özcan Akyol, a Turkish-Dutch commentator, suggested that wearing the rainbow armband could have jeopardized Kökçü’s standing with the Turkish national team.

As expected, his refusal to wear the armband led to criticism from the gay community, who felt he lacked empathy for others. Albert Sambi Lokonga faced similar criticism when he initially declined to wear the rainbow armband while captaining Anderlecht. In an effort to appease LGBT fans and promote inclusion, he ultimately agreed to wear the armband.

Orkun Kokcu FIFA:

Fans dub the Capricorn athlete a well-rounded footballer because he excels in nearly every aspect of the game. His FIFA stats reflect this, with all attributes scoring above average except for one—heading accuracy. This profile is comparable to the skills of Dominik Szoboszlai and Adrien Rabiot.

Orkun Kokcu Salary:

In June 2023, upon signing with Benfica, he began earning €57,692 weekly, which adds up to an annual salary of €3,004,599. Converted to Turkish lira, his annual take-home is approximately ₺91,605,856, with a weekly income of ₺1,758,945, securing his status as a multimillionaire.

How rich is the Footballer from Haalem?

In the country of Orkun Kökçü’s origin (Turkey), the average person earns around 94,000 Turkish Lira (TRY) per year. To match Orkun Kökçü’s monthly earnings of ₺7,633,821 (equivalent to €250,383), an average person would need to work for 81 years.

The former Feyenoord Eredivisie champion practices Islam. He found solace in his faith during his struggles with sleep, as mentioned earlier in this biography. His peaceful moments with Allah and a pilgrimage to Mecca with his close friend Mohamed Taabouni, who is like a brother to him, are testaments to his devotion.

EndNote:

Orkun Kokcu was born under the Capricorn zodiac sign to his parents, Sibel and Halis. He enjoyed a close-knit upbringing with his older brother Ozan and a circle of relatives, especially his favourite uncle, Ercüment Eryalçin. The Kökçüs are quite the name in Haarlem, Netherlands, with their thriving Mercedes dealership. Again, Orkun’s dad, Halis, is also making waves in the real estate world in the country.

Orkun Kökçü’s roots are as vibrant as the streets of Haarlem, where he was raised, infused with the rich heritage of Turkey. His mother, Sibel, born in the Netherlands, carries the Turkish heritage proudly, while his father, Halis, traces his origins back to Turkey. Orkun’s brother wears the Azerbaijani colours on the soccer field, while Orkun himself is honoured to play for Turkey. Bonded by football and heritage, the Kökçü family unites in their shared passion for Beşiktaş, the team that has always had their hearts.

The journey into football for the Kökçü clan was pioneered by Orkun’s older brother, Ozan. In his formative years, Orkun looked up to Ozan, absorbing valuable lessons on his path to turning pro. His football adventure began at Olympia Haarlem, where he saw them advance through the ranks of EDO and Stormvogels. When he and his brother moved to Groningen, Orkun Kokcu’s parents took a big step in moving from Haarlem to Groningen because of the careers of their sons.

Orkun’s rapid development caught the eye of Feyenoord, leading to his recruitment in 2014. This move to the club fondly known as “The Pride of the South” marked the end of the Kökçü family’s northern escapade. In the wake of this transfer, Orkun’s parents, Sibel and Halis, made their way back to their roots in Haarlem.

Guided by Dirk Kuyt and other notable youth coaches, Orkun flourished in Feyenoord’s academy. Debuting at just 17, he clinched the Johan Cruyff Shield and played with his childhood hero, Robin Van Persie.

His leadership qualities shone as he captained Feyenoord to a monumental Eredivisie title in 2023. Orkun’s standout performance that season also won him the Eredivisie Player of the Year for 2022-2023. This success led to his transfer to Benfica, where he quickly made an impact by winning the Portuguese Super Cup in his debut season.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Orkun Kokcu’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver Dutch and Turkish football stories. This article on Kokcu is part of our more expansive Asian-Oceanian football stories.

Please let us know if you find anything that doesn’t look right in this memoir about the son of Halis and Sibel. Also, let us know what you think about the career of Turkish Baller, who thrives as Benfica’s commander-in-chief. Additionally, tell us what you think about this article we’ve written about the athlete who thrives under the command of Vincenzo Montella in the Turkish national team.

Beyond Orkun Kokcu’s compelling biography, there are more fascinating tales from the world of Turkish football. The life stories of Cengiz Ünder and Çağlar Söyüncü, for instance, are certainly captivating reads that are not to be missed.