Turkish winger Akturkoglu dazzles Benfica fans with his stellar performance

ISTANBUL

Turkish winger Kerem Akturkoglu, known for his “magic wand” goal celebrations, has quickly won over fans of Portuguese side Benfica with his stellar performance in the 2024-25 season.

Akturkoglu joined Benfica from Turkish club Galatasaray in September and has already made a significant impact, scoring a hat trick against Rio Ave to bring his tally to eight goals in seven games.

The 26-year-old has now racked up five career hat tricks, with previous performances for Türkiye against Iceland on Sept. 9, and in three domestic Turkish league games: for Galatasaray against Basaksehir on Nov. 12, 2022, and Goztepe on April 17, 2021, and for Anagold 24 Erzincanspor against Artvin Hopaspor on July 21, 2020.

In his seven official matches with Benfica this season, Akturkoglu has scored eight goals and contributed two assists. His stats include five goals and two assists in four Portuguese league games, plus three goals in three UEFA Champions League appearances.

Akturkoglu, who previously played for Bodrumspor, Karacabey Belediyespor, and Anagold 24 Erzincanspor, rose to prominence with Istanbul’s Galatasaray, where he played 179 official matches over four years, scoring 46 goals and providing 42 assists.

His signature “magic wand” goal celebrations – where he waves his hands as if casting a magic spell, inspired by the Harry Potter books and movies – has become a fan favorite, with Benfica supporters embracing his unique style. He currently leads the team’s scoring this season.

Internationally, Akturkoglu has played 38 matches for the Turkish national team, netting 10 goals.

*Writing by Selcuk Bugra Gokalp