Yekta Kurtuluş

Yekta Kurtuluş — Biography

Yekta Kurtuluş (born 11 December 1985 in İzmir) is a Turkish international footballer who played in midfield, chiefly as a holding or central midfielder. Of paternal Rize descent, he was raised in a family of journalists and studied at Ege University's school of physical education and sport.

He came through the youth ranks of İzmirspor, joined the senior side in 2004 and played regularly for three seasons before moving in 2007 to newly promoted Kasımpaşa. There he experienced relegation and an immediate return to the Süper Lig via a play-off final win over Altay on penalties. His consistent form attracted interest from major clubs and earned him a call-up to the Turkey national team in 2010.

In January 2011 he signed for Galatasaray, where he won three Süper Lig titles (2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15) along with Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup honours; his contract was extended in 2014. He later played for Sivasspor, Antalyaspor and Bodrum FK, leaving Antalyaspor in 2020 and Bodrum FK in 2023. Late in his career he made headlines with remarks about his Galatasaray departure and the use of VAR in Turkish football.