Çelik was born in Bursa and is the youngest of nine children, which influenced his early life and career choices.
He was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, highlighting his role in the national team.
Zeki Çelik is a professional footballer born in 1997, known for his versatility as a right-back and centre-back.
Biography
Early Life
Mehmet Zeki Çelik was born on February 17, 1997, in Yıldırım, Bursa Province, Turkey, as the youngest of nine children. He is of Kurdish descent, which adds to the rich cultural tapestry of his background. Growing up in a large family, Çelik developed a passion for football early on, which would shape his future career.
Career
Çelik began his professional journey in football with Bursaspor, where he joined the youth academy and made his professional debut in 2015. He had a brief loan spell at Karacabey Belediyespor before moving to İstanbulspor in 2016. His impressive performances there caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his call-up to the Turkey national team in 2018.
In July 2018, Çelik signed with Lille OSC in France, marking a significant step in his career. He made his Ligue 1 debut shortly after, showcasing his skills as a right-back. After four successful years with Lille, he transferred to AS Roma in July 2022, where he continued to impress in Serie A. By July 2026, Çelik was announced as a new player for Juventus FC, further elevating his status in European football.
On the international stage, Çelik made his debut for the Turkey national team in a friendly against Russia in June 2018. He was later selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, highlighting his importance to the national team.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played 24 May 2026
International
As of match played 25 June 2026
Scores and results list Turkey's goal tally first.
Bursaspor
Born in Bursa as the youngest of nine children, Çelik went through the Bursaspor youth academy and became a professional in 2015. He signed on loan with Karacabey Birlikspor in 2015.
İstanbulspor
In 2016, he joined İstanbulspor. His good performance with İstanbulspor earned him a call-up to the senior Turkey national team in 2018, despite playing in the TFF First League.
Lille
On 8 July 2018, Çelik signed for Lille in France on a five-year contract. Çelik made his professional debut in a 3–1 Ligue 1 win over Stade Rennes on 11 August 2018.
Roma
On 5 July 2022, Çelik’s transfer to Roma from Lille was made official by the Serie A club, Roma. He has signed a four-year contract with the Giallorossi that runs until 30 June 2026. He made his Serie A debut in a 1–0 win over Cremonese on 22 August 2022.
Juventus
On 16 July 2026, Çelik was announced as a new Juventus player. He signed a contract valid until 30 June 2029. Çelik scored the fourth goal in a 5-0 victory against NEC Nijmegen in the club UEFA Europa League opening match on 17 September.
Çelik made his professional debut for the Turkey national team in a 1–1 friendly with Russia on 5 June 2018. On 2 June 2026, Çelik was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Club
- Lille OSC (2018–2022)
- Club
- Bursaspor (2015–2016)
- Club
- Karacabey Belediyespor (2015–2016)
- Club
- İstanbulspor A.Ş. (2016–2018)
- Club
- Turkey national under-16 football team (2012–2013)
- Club
- Turkey national under-17 football team (2013–2014)
- Club
- Turkey national under-18 football team (2014–2014)
- Club
- Turkey national under-21 football team (2017–2018)
- National team
- Turkey
- Club
- AS Roma (2022–2026)
- Club
- Turkey men's national football team (2018–)
- Club
- Juventus FC (2026–)
Personal
Çelik was born on 17 February 1997 in Yıldırım, Bursa Province. He is of Kurdish descent.
Clubs
- Turkey men's national football team2018current
- Juventus FC2026current
- Turkey national under-16 football team2012–2013
- Turkey national under-17 football team2013–2014
- Turkey national under-18 football team2014–2014
- Bursaspor2015–2016
- Karacabey Belediyespor2015–2016
- İstanbulspor A.Ş.2016–2018
- Turkey national under-21 football team2017–2018
- Lille OSC2018–2022
- AS Roma2022–2026
Played together with
Aaron RamseyJuventus FC · 2019–2022
Abdelkrim MerryLille OSC · 1980–1981
Abdoulay DiabyLille OSC · 2013–2015
Abdoulay KonkoJuventus FC · 2004–2007
Abdul Kader KeïtaLille OSC · 2005–2007
Abdullah Avcıİstanbulspor A.Ş. · 1991–1995
Abdullah Ercanİstanbulspor A.Ş. · 2004–2006
Abedi PeleLille OSC · 1988–1990
Abel BalboAS Roma · 1993–1998- Abel BalboAS Roma · 2000–2002
- Abel XavierAS Roma · 2004–2005
- Abel XavierAS Roma · 2005–2005
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Mehmet Zeki Çelik is a Turkish professional footballer who plays for Serie A club Juventus and the Turkey national team. Mainly a right-back, he can also be deployed as a centre-back in a back three.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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