Akturkoglu left Benfica and is making waves on the world stage (Video) | OneFootball

Kerem Akturkoglu was outstanding in Turkey's 3-2 victory against Georgia. In the match corresponding to the first round of the qualification phase for the 2026 World Cup, the former Benfica player scored two goals, at 41’ and 52’, and was essential for his team's triumph in this encounter.

The match started in the best possible way, and in the 3rd minute, Mert Muldur opened the scoring for Turkey. Still in the first half, Kerem Akturkoglu made it 2-0 and, right at the start of the second 45 minutes, scored again. In response, Georgia reduced the deficit through Zura Davitashvili (63’) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (90+8’).

Turkey will be back in action next Sunday, September 7, at 19:45, in a challenging away game against Spain. Kerem Akturkoglu's team - who found himself involved in major controversy - is in Group E of the qualification for the 2026 World Cup, along with ‘nuestros hermanos’, Georgia, and also Bulgaria.

It should be noted that Kerem Akturkoglu moved to Fenerbahçe in the last days of the transfer market. Benfica agreed to release the Turkish international for 22.5 million euros, plus 2.5 depending on the achievement of certain individual and collective objectives, which were not disclosed.

In total, wearing Benfica's jersey, Kerem Akturkoglu – valued at 24 million euros – played 53 matches, scored 16 goals, and made 11 assists. In terms of titles, the Turkish international won a League Cup (2024/25) and a Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup (2025/26).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.