Jerome Opoku

Jerome Osei Opoku (born 14 October 1998) is a professional footballer. He plays as a centre-back for Süper Lig club İstanbul Başakşehir. Born in England, he plays for the Ghana national team.

Opoku grew up admiring Gareth Bale and initially aspired to become a top-class winger. However, during his U-15 years, his coach Mark Pembridge shifted him to left-back. Around the same time, a sudden growth spurt prompted another change — this time to centre-back — a position he would go on to play for most of his senior career.

As captain of Fulham’s U-16 team, Opoku led the side to victory in the 2014 Premier League International Cup, defeating a highly-rated Chelsea squad in the final.

Club career

He captained the Fulham U23s at the end of the 2018–19 season.

On 2 September 2019, Opoku was sent on loan to League One side Accrington Stanley in order to gain first team experience. He made his Accrington debut against Bristol Rovers on 7 September 2019 in an eventual 3–3 draw. After a 3–1 defeat to Sunderland, in an interview he claimed he would play anywhere the coach put him.

On 25 September 2020, Opoku joined League One side Plymouth Argyle on loan until January.

On 30 July 2021, Opoku was loaned out again, this time to Danish Superliga club Vejle Boldklub, for the entire 2021–22 season.

On 24 June 2022, Opoku joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Arouca on a free transfer, signing a three-year contract.

On 14 September 2023, Opoku signed a one-year contract extension with Arouca, until 2026, and was immediately sent on a season-long loan to Süper Lig side İstanbul Başakşehir.

International career Born in England, Opoku is of Ghanaian descent. On 18 October 2023, he debuted for the Ghana national team in a friendly loss to the United States national team.

On June 2, 2026, Opoku was integrated by Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz into his list of 26 players in order to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Career statistics Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals Apps Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2017–18 Premier League 2

2018–19 Premier League 2

Accrington Stanley (loan) 2019–20

Plymouth Argyle (loan) 2020–21

Vejle Boldklub (loan) 2021–22

2022–23 Primeira Liga

2023–24 Primeira Liga

İstanbul Başakşehir (loan) 2023–24 Süper Lig

2024–25 Süper Lig

Scores and results list Ghana's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Opoku goal. + List of international goals scored by Jerome OpokuNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 26 March 2024 Marrakech Stadium, Marrakech, Morocco 1–0 2–2 Friendly