Salih Özcan

Club career Köln Born in Germany, Özcan is of Turkish descent as he was born into a Turkish family. Özcan spent the majority of his youth career in 1. FC Köln's youth system. He first featured in 1. FC Köln's first team in September 2016 in a Bundesliga match against Schalke 04. During the 2017–18 season he consistently started in central midfield. He scored his first league goal on 2 September 2018 in a 2. Bundesliga match against FC St. Pauli.

In 2017, Özcan was awarded the golden Fritz Walter Medal for the best U19 player in Germany.

Loan to Holstein Kiel

On 23 August 2019, Özcan joined Holstein Kiel on loan until the end of 2019–20 season. Three days later, he made his debut with the team as a starter in a 2. Bundesliga away match against FC St. Pauli, which ended in a 2–1 defeat.

Return to Köln

On 29 June 2021, in spite of speculations about a possible transfer, the club announced that Özcan had signed a new two-year contract with Köln.

Borussia Dortmund On 23 May 2022, it was reported that Özcan would join Borussia Dortmund for the 2022–23 season and that he would sign a contract with the club until 2026. The German sports magazine kicker estimated the transfer fee to be €5 million.

On 27 August 2022, he made his debut with the team as a starter in a Bundesliga match against Hertha BSC. On 6 September 2022, he made his continental debut with the team in a UEFA Champions League match against København.

Loan to Wolfsburg On 28 August 2024, Özcan moved on loan to VfL Wolfsburg. Three days later, he made his debut with Wolfsburg in a 2–0 away win against his former club Holstein Kiel.

Return to Borussia Dortmund In late January 2025, Özcan was recalled to Borussia Dortmund following the long-term injury of Felix Nmecha. In March 2026, the club announced that his contract, which was due to expire at the end of the season, would not be renewed. He left the club at the end of the 2025–26 season, with his final game being on May 8 in a 3–2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt where he came off the bench in the 78th minute for Marcel Sabitzer.

Beşiktaş On 9 July 2026, Özcan joined the Süper Lig club Beşiktaş on a permanent three-year deal with an option for another year.

International career Özcan was eligible for both the Turkish and German national teams, and played for Germany's youth teams. He played his last game for Germany U21 on 6 June 2021, starting in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship final.

On 25 March 2022, Özcan was called up to the Turkey national team by head coach Stefan Kuntz. He debuted in a friendly 3–2 loss to Italy on 29 March 2022.

On 7 June 2024, he was named in the final squad of 26 players selected by Vincenzo Montella to take part in UEFA Euro 2024. On 18 November 2025, he scored his first national goal against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

On 2 June 2026, Özcan was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list Turkey's goal tally first. + List of international goals scored by Salih Özcan No. !! Date !! Venue !! Cap !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition !! Ref.

Germany U21 UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2021

Individual Fritz Walter Medal U19 Gold: 2017