Kenan Karaman

Kenan Karaman (born 5 March 1994) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for and captains club Schalke 04. Born in Germany, he played for the Turkey national team.

Club career On 29 April 2014, Karaman signed a pre-contract agreement with Hannover 96 effective 1 July 2014. Since his contract at Hoffenheim had expired, he was able to join Hannover on a free transfer and signed for three years until 2017.

On 18 May 2018, Karaman joined newly promoted Fortuna Düsseldorf from 2.Bundesliga on a free transfer for a three-year deal. He was given the number 11 shirt. He left Fortuna upon the expiration of his contract on 24 May 2021.

On 1 September 2022, Karaman signed a three-year contract with Bundesliga side Schalke 04. On 5 July 2024, he extended his contract until 2028. He was appointed team's captain under head coach Karel Geraerts at the beginning of the 2024–25 season. On 2 May 2026, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf, securing his club's promotion to the Bundesliga as champions of the 2025–26 season.

International career Karaman made his senior debut for the senior Turkey national football team in a friendly 2–0 loss to Romania on 9 November 2017.

Career statistics

Club

International + Appearances and goals by national team and year National team Year Apps GoalsTurkey 2017 2 0 2018 1 0 2019 7 1 2020 7 3 2021 14 2 Total 31 6

Scores and results list Turkey's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Karaman goal.

+ List of international goals scored by Kenan Karaman No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1 30 May 2019 New Antalya Stadium, Antalya, Turkey 2–0 2–1 Friendly 2 7 October 2020 RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany 3–3 3–3 3 11 October 2020 VTB Arena, Moscow, Russia 1–1 1–1 2020–21 UEFA Nations League B 4 15 November 2020 Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey 1–1 3–2 5 30 March 2021 Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey 1–0 3–3 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification 6 4 September 2021 Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar 3–0 3–0

Honours Beşiktaş Turkish Super Cup: 2021

Schalke 04 2. Bundesliga: 2025–26