PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | İrfan Can Kahveci |
| Date of Birth | 15 July 1995 (Age: 30) |
| Place of Birth | Ankara, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Height | 1.75–1.80 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #17 |
| Current Club | Fenerbahçe SK |
| Previous Clubs | Gençlerbirliği, Hacettepe (loan), İstanbul Başakşehir, Kasımpaşa (loan) |
| International Caps | 39+ |
| International Goals | 5 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2025 (expired, 2026 loan) |
The Frozen Moment
The final whistle blew at the Los Angeles Stadium. Turkey’s World Cup campaign was over—three group-stage matches, two defeats, one consolation victory. But for İrfan Can Kahveci, the moment was historic. He had just completed his first-ever World Cup appearance, coming on as a 90+2nd-minute substitute for Barış Alper Yılmaz in Turkey’s 3-2 victory over co-hosts the United States.
It was just one minute of football, but it was the culmination of a journey that had begun nearly a decade earlier. The 30-year-old midfielder had been part of the Turkish national team setup since 2018, had scored at a European Championship, and had represented his country in qualifying campaigns. But the World Cup had remained elusive. In the final minutes of Turkey’s final group match, with the result already decided, Kahveci got his moment. “It was a great feeling to finally step onto the pitch at a World Cup,” he reflected.
Origins
İrfan Can Kahveci was born on 15 July 1995 in Ankara, Turkey. He began his football journey in the youth academy of Gençlerbirliği, one of the capital city’s most established clubs, joining in 2005 at age ten.
Standing at 1.75–1.80 metres, he is a left-footed attacking midfielder or winger who possesses technical quality and an eye for goal. He progressed through the ranks at Gençlerbirliği, making his senior debut during the 2014-15 season. On 9 November 2014, he scored his first Süper Lig goal in the 63rd minute against Kasımpaşa. His breakout season saw him finish with six goals in 30 matches across all competitions.
The Professional Forge
Gençlerbirliği & Hacettepe (2012-2016):
Kahveci’s career began at Gençlerbirliği. He made 71 league appearances for the club, scoring 9 goals over four seasons. He was loaned to Hacettepe for the 2013-14 season to gain experience, making 34 appearances and scoring 4 goals in the TFF Third League.
İstanbul Başakşehir (2017-2021):
On 26 December 2016, Kahveci signed a 4.5-year contract with İstanbul Başakşehir. His time at the club marked a significant step forward in his career. He made 116 league appearances and scored 12 goals.
His most memorable moment for Başakşehir came on 2 December 2020, when he scored a hat-trick in a UEFA Champions League group-stage match against RB Leipzig. His team lost 3-4, but the achievement made him only the third player to score a Champions League hat-trick in a losing cause, after Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. At Başakşehir, he won the Süper Lig title in the 2019-20 season.
Fenerbahçe (2021-2026):
On 31 January 2021, Kahveci joined Fenerbahçe for a reported fee of €7 million. He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract. Over his time at the club, he made 102 league appearances and scored 20 goals. He won the Turkish Cup with Fenerbahçe in the 2022-23 season.
Kasımpaşa (Loan, 2025-2026):
In the 2025-26 season, Kahveci was loaned to Kasımpaşa. In the Süper Lig, he made 24 appearances (18 starts), playing 1,653 minutes. He scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists, contributing to five goal involvements. His expected goals (xG) stood at 0.19 per 90, and his expected assists (xA) at 0.22 per 90.
International Career
Youth Career:
Kahveci represented Turkey at various youth levels, earning caps for the U17, U18, U20, and U21 teams.
Senior Debut:
Kahveci made his senior debut for Turkey on 23 March 2018 in a 1-0 friendly victory over the Republic of Ireland. He was called up by manager Fatih Terim for a friendly against Russia and a World Cup qualifier against Croatia in 2016, but did not make his debut until 2018.
International Goals & Tournaments:
Kahveci has earned 39 caps for Turkey and scored 5 international goals. His goals include a strike against Switzerland at UEFA Euro 2020 on 20 June 2021, a goal against Latvia in Euro 2024 qualifying on 16 June 2023, and goals in the UEFA Nations League in 2024 and 2025. In World Cup qualifying for the 2026 tournament, he scored one goal in four appearances, including a strike against Bulgaria on 11 October 2025.
2026 World Cup Campaign:
On 2 June 2026, Kahveci was named in Turkey’s 26-man squad for the World Cup. He was part of a group-stage campaign that saw Turkey eliminated after defeats to Australia and Paraguay. In the final match against the United States, he came on as a 90+2nd-minute substitute for Barış Alper Yılmaz, making his World Cup debut.
The Anatomy of His Game
Kahveci is a left-footed attacking midfielder defined by his technical quality, creativity, and versatility. He can operate as a central attacking midfielder, a winger, or in a more advanced forward role.
In Possession:
Kahveci is a creative force in the final third. He has accumulated 52 career assists and 70 goals across 471 matches. His left foot is his primary weapon, used for shooting, crossing, and delivering set-pieces. He is capable of scoring spectacular goals, as his Champions League hat-trick against RB Leipzig demonstrated.
Out of Possession:
Kahveci contributes defensively with his work rate. At Kasımpaşa in the 2025-26 season, he received 6 yellow cards in 24 appearances, reflecting his competitive edge and willingness to engage in duels.
Psychological Edge:
Kahveci’s career is defined by resilience and the ability to perform on the biggest stages. His Champions League hat-trick against RB Leipzig, despite the defeat, is a testament to his mental strength and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. His World Cup debut, after years of being in the national team setup, reflects his perseverance.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2025/26 Season Snapshot (Kasımpaşa)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | xG per 90 | xA per 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Süper Lig | 24 | 18 | 1,653 | 2 | 3 | 0.19 | 0.22 |
TABLE B: Career (League Only)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gençlerbirliği | 2014-2016 | 71 | 9 | — |
| Hacettepe (loan) | 2013-2014 | 34 | 4 | — |
| İstanbul Başakşehir | 2017-2021 | 116 | 12 | Süper Lig (2019-20) |
| Fenerbahçe | 2021-2026 | 102 | 20 | Turkish Cup (2022-23) |
| Kasımpaşa (loan) | 2025-2026 | 24 | 2 | — |
| TOTAL | — | 347 | 47 | — |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Senior Career | 39+ | 5 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 | — |
| UEFA Euro 2020 | 3 | 1 | — |
| UEFA Euro 2024 | 1 | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| Süper Lig Title | 2019-20 (İstanbul Başakşehir) |
| Turkish Cup | 2022-23 (Fenerbahçe) |
| Champions League Hat-Trick | 2 December 2020 vs RB Leipzig |
| World Cup Debut | 2026 vs USA |
| Career Total | 471 matches, 70 goals, 52 assists |
What these figures reveal is a player who has been a consistent performer at the highest levels of Turkish football for over a decade. His 471 career matches and 70 goals reflect his longevity and attacking output. His Süper Lig and Turkish Cup titles demonstrate his winning pedigree. His World Cup debut, at age 30, was the culmination of a long and distinguished international career.
The Present Tense
İrfan Can Kahveci is 30 years old and at a defining stage of his career. He is a midfielder for Fenerbahçe (on loan at Kasımpaşa for the 2025-26 season) and a World Cup squad member for Turkey.
The Fenerbahçe/Kasımpaşa Story:
Kahveci joined Fenerbahçe in 2021 and won the Turkish Cup with the club. For the 2025-26 season, he was loaned to Kasımpaşa, where he made 24 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. His future beyond the loan is uncertain.
The World Cup Campaign:
Kahveci was named in Turkey’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He made his World Cup debut as a 90+2nd-minute substitute against the United States, becoming one of three Turkish players to make their World Cup debuts in that match. Turkey were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Kahveci has earned 39 caps for Turkey and scored 5 international goals. He has represented Turkey at two European Championships (2020, 2024) and the 2026 World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Kahveci is defined by his journey through Turkish football and his ability to perform in high-pressure moments. His Champions League hat-trick against RB Leipzig remains one of the standout moments of his career. His international career, which began in 2018, has seen him represent Turkey at two European Championships and finally a World Cup.
His loan move to Kasımpaşa for the 2025-26 season reflected a desire for regular playing time ahead of the World Cup. The move allowed him to maintain his fitness and form, earning him selection for the tournament.
The Verdict from the Camp
Turkish National Team:
Kahveci was selected for the 2026 World Cup squad, with his experience at European Championships and his technical quality valued by the coaching staff.
İrfan Can Kahveci:
On his World Cup debut: “It was a great feeling to finally step onto the pitch at a World Cup.”
Where Next?
İrfan Can Kahveci is 30 years old and his future is uncertain. His contract with Fenerbahçe expired at the end of the 2025-26 season after his loan spell at Kasımpaşa. At 30, he has several years of football ahead of him and could sign for a new club or extend his stay in Turkey.
For Turkey, Kahveci remains a useful attacking option. With 39 caps and experience at two European Championships and a World Cup, he has proven his ability at the international level. The 2026 World Cup may be his last major tournament, but his legacy as a consistent performer at the highest level of Turkish football is secure.
From Ankara to Gençlerbirliği, from Başakşehir to Fenerbahçe, from a Champions League hat-trick to a World Cup debut, İrfan Can Kahveci’s journey is a story of talent, perseverance, and extraordinary achievement. The boy from Turkey’s capital who scored a Champions League hat-trick is now a World Cup player—and his career is a testament to the power of persistence.
