Cenk Özkacar

Early years in Turkey

Born in İzmir, Özkacar spent his youth career at local teams Bucaspor, Altinordu and Altay. He made his professional debut in 2018, while on loan at Karacabey Belediyespor, before returning to Altay the following year.

Lyon

On 18 August 2020, Özkacar joined Ligue 1 club Lyon on a five-year deal. On 21 April 2021, he made his debut for Lyon as a late substitute for Léo Dubois during a 2–0 loss to Monaco in the Coupe de France.

Loan to Leuven

On 6 July 2021, Belgian First Division A team OH Leuven added Özkacar on loan from Lyon for one season.

Valencia

In August 2022, Özkacar signed on loan for La Liga side Valencia. On 1 July 2023, the club exercised their buy-option in the loan contract, signing him permanently on a five-year contract. However, Özkacar scored an own-goal in a 1–0 loss against Deportivo Alavés, and only started 35% of matches in La Liga by January 2024, leading some media outlets to report he was seeking a move away in order to make it in Turkey's UEFA Euro 2024 squad.

Loan to Valladolid

On 29 August 2024, Özkacar was loaned to fellow Spanish top-tier side Real Valladolid on a one-year deal.

Loan to Köln

On 9 August 2025, Özkacar moved on loan to 1. FC Köln in Germany.

Trabzonspor

On 18 July 2026, Özkacar returned to Turkey, signing for Trabzonspor.

Özkacar was capped six times by the Turkey U21s. He had his first cap with the Turkey senior national team on 8 June 2022, getting subbed on in the UEFA Nations League match against Lithuania, replacing Ozan Kabak in the 76th minute. He managed to help his team keeping the clean sheet and ended up winning 6–0.

Club

As of match played 16 May 2026

International

As of match played 4 June 2024