Atakan Akkaynak

Atakan Akkaynak — Biography

Atakan Akkaynak is a German-Turkish midfielder born in Germany. He came through the Bayer 04 Leverkusen academy, went on to build his professional career in the Netherlands and Turkey, and has played for Çorum FK since the 2021-22 season. In his youth he captained Germany's under-17 and under-18 sides.

The first phase of his career was spent in Europe. After leaving Leverkusen he signed a three-year contract with Willem II in June 2018 and made his Eredivisie debut on 17 August 2018, coming off the bench against Groningen. In July 2019 he signed for Çaykur Rizespor, and in September 2020 he was loaned to Türkgücü München in Germany. The second phase began with his move to Çorum FK in 2021-22. At the start of the 2025-26 season he scored in consecutive matches and was effective in the team's attack.

As a youth he represented Germany at under-19 level and captained the under-18 and under-17 sides. He also holds Turkish citizenship and is eligible to play for Turkey through his descent.