PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ozan Muhammed Kabak |
| Date of Birth | 25/03/2000 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Height | 1.87 m / 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 86 kg |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #5 |
| Current Club | TSG Hoffenheim |
| Previous Clubs | Galatasaray, VfB Stuttgart, FC Liverpool, Norwich City, FC Schalke 04 |
| International Caps | 28+ |
| International Goals | Not publicly available |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 30/06/2030 |
| Market Value | Not publicly available |
The Frozen Moment
On April 14, 2026, TSG Hoffenheim announced that Ozan Kabak had signed a long-term contract extension, tying the 26-year-old defender to the club until June 2030. The announcement came after months of speculation linking him with a return to Galatasaray and interest from clubs across Germany, Italy, and France.
“Es freut mich ungemein, dass sich Ozan trotz zahlreicher anderer Angebote bewusst für unseren Weg bei der TSG Hoffenheim entschieden hat. Das ist ein starkes Signal,” said Andreas Schicker, Hoffenheim’s Sporting Director. Kabak himself expressed his gratitude: “Die TSG hat mir großes Vertrauen geschenkt, mich auch während meiner langen Verletzung unterstützt und immer an mich geglaubt.”
The extension was not just a contract signing—it was a statement of loyalty and belief. Kabak, who had recovered from a cruciate ligament rupture suffered in the summer of 2024, had chosen to remain with the club that had supported him through his darkest moment. His decision to reject offers from elsewhere and commit his long-term future to Hoffenheim represented a profound personal and professional victory. The boy from Ankara who had been through the European football carousel had found a home.
Origins
Born on March 25, 2000, in Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey, Ozan Muhammed Kabak emerged as a prodigious defensive talent in his homeland. He began his career with Galatasaray, making his senior debut for the Istanbul giants as a teenager.
His potential was recognised early, and in 2019, at just 19 years old, Kabak made the move to Europe, joining VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. His performances in Germany quickly attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. On loan at Norwich City in the Premier League, he also gained experience at FC Liverpool. The early trajectory of his career suggested a player destined for the very top.
The European Journey
Galatasaray (Youth and Senior Debut):
Kabak emerged from Galatasaray's youth system and made his senior debut for the club. His performances in the Süper Lig caught the attention of European scouts.
VfB Stuttgart (2019-2022):
In 2019, Kabak moved to VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. The move represented a significant step up in his career and allowed him to develop in one of Europe’s top leagues.
FC Liverpool and Norwich City (2022):
During the 2022-23 season, Kabak spent time on loan at Premier League clubs. His exposure to English football added another dimension to his game.
FC Schalke 04 and TSG Hoffenheim (2022-Present):
In July 2022, Kabak joined TSG Hoffenheim from FC Schalke 04. His time at Hoffenheim has been defined by resilience. A cruciate ligament rupture in the summer of 2024 kept him out for a significant period, but he fought his way back to become a key player for the club.
The Hoffenheim Breakthrough
TSG Hoffenheim (2022-Present):
Since joining Hoffenheim, Kabak has established himself as a central figure in the squad. By the end of the 2025-26 season, he had played 89 Bundesliga matches and scored 12 goals for the club. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign alone, he made 25 appearances, scoring 4 goals.
His defensive contributions in the 2025-26 season were substantial. He recorded 22 tackles (1.13 per 90), 27 interceptions (1.39 per 90), and 145 clearances (7.45 per 90). His 99th percentile ranking for aerial duels won (5.96 per 90) and 97th percentile for ground duels won (7.76 per 90) demonstrate his physical dominance. He kept 6 clean sheets in his 25 appearances.
In April 2026, Kabak signed a long-term contract extension with Hoffenheim, committing his future to the club until June 2030. His annual salary is estimated at €3,540,000.
The National Team Journey
Kabak has been a regular fixture in the Turkish national team setup. He has earned over 28 caps for his country and played a key role in Turkey’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On June 1, 2026, Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella named Kabak in his final 26-man squad for the World Cup, selecting the Hoffenheim defender as one of his key defensive options. The tournament represented the pinnacle of Kabak’s international career to date.
The World Cup Campaign:
Kabak was named in Turkey’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Turkey were eliminated in the group stage after losses to Australia (0-2) and Paraguay (0-1), and a final-day victory over the United States (3-2) that came too late.
The Anatomy of His Game
Ozan Kabak is a physical and commanding centre-back who combines defensive solidity with aerial dominance. At 187 cm, he is a formidable presence at the back.
In Possession:
Kabak is a capable contributor in possession. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he scored 4 goals. He has accumulated 30 shots on goal in the Bundesliga and has 30 goals across his career. His ball-playing ability has been a key attribute throughout his career.
Out of Possession:
Kabak’s defensive statistics are exceptional. His 99th percentile ranking for aerial duels won and 97th percentile for ground duels won demonstrate his physical dominance. He records 1.13 tackles and 1.39 interceptions per 90 minutes, and has made 145 clearances. He has received 5 yellow cards in the 2025-26 Bundesliga season.
Physical Attributes:
Kabak is a physically imposing defender standing at 187 cm and weighing 86 kg. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he covered 202.9 km across his appearances, reaching a top speed of 33.46 km/h.
Psychological Edge:
Kabak’s resilience is a defining trait. He fought back from a cruciate ligament rupture in the summer of 2024 to become a key player for Hoffenheim and represent Turkey at the 2026 World Cup. His decision to commit his long-term future to Hoffenheim, despite interest from clubs across Europe, reflects his loyalty and belief in the project.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot – 2025/26 Season (Bundesliga)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Starts) | 25 (18) |
| Minutes Played | 1,744 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 5 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Goals Conceded | 32 |
| Clean Sheets | 6 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.13 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.39 |
| Clearances per 90 | 7.45 |
| Aerial Duels Won per 90 | 5.96 (99th percentile) |
| Ground Duels Won per 90 | 7.76 (97th percentile) |
| Distance Covered | 202.9 km |
| Top Speed | 33.46 km/h |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season(s) | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2022 | VfB Stuttgart | Bundesliga | — | — |
| 2022 | FC Liverpool / Norwich City | Premier League | — | — |
| 2022-2026 | FC Schalke 04 / TSG Hoffenheim | Bundesliga | 89+ | 12+ |
| TOTAL | — | — | 208+ | 18+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | Group Stage |
| Turkey Senior Career | 28+ | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | VfB Stuttgart Transfer | Bundesliga move |
| 2022 | Hoffenheim Transfer | From FC Schalke 04 |
| 2024 | Cruciate Ligament Rupture | Missed significant period |
| 2025 | Return to Action | Comeback season |
| 2026 | Contract Extension | Hoffenheim until 2030 |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Turkey squad |
These figures reveal a player of considerable experience and physical dominance. Kabak has accumulated over 200 professional appearances, scored 18 goals, and earned over 28 caps for Turkey. His 2025-26 season was a triumphant comeback after a serious injury.
The Present Tense
The Hoffenheim Story:
Ozan Kabak is in his fourth season at TSG Hoffenheim, having joined in July 2022. In April 2026, he signed a long-term contract extension that will keep him at the club until June 2030. His annual salary is estimated at €3,540,000.
The World Cup Campaign:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked Kabak’s first appearance at the tournament. He was named in Turkey’s 26-man squad. Turkey were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Kabak has earned over 28 caps for Turkey since his debut. He has been a regular fixture in the national team setup, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and playing a key role in Turkey’s campaign.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Ozan Kabak is known for his resilience and loyalty. His decision to sign a long-term contract extension with Hoffenheim in April 2026, despite interest from Galatasaray and clubs across Europe, reflected his appreciation for the club’s support during his injury.
Kabak’s career has seen him play for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including FC Liverpool, VfB Stuttgart, Galatasaray, Norwich City, and Schalke 04. His experience across different leagues and football cultures has shaped him into a well-rounded professional.
His contract with Hoffenheim runs until June 2030, and his salary is estimated at €3,540,000 annually.
The Verdict from the Camp
Andreas Schicker, TSG Hoffenheim Sporting Director:
“Es freut mich ungemein, dass sich Ozan trotz zahlreicher anderer Angebote bewusst für unseren Weg bei der TSG Hoffenheim entschieden hat. Das ist ein starkes Signal. Ozan hat sich nach seiner schweren Verletzung wieder zurückgekämpft und in dieser Saison wieder gezeigt, dass er eine zentrale Säule unseres Teams ist.”
Ozan Kabak, on his contract extension:
“Die TSG hat mir großes Vertrauen geschenkt, mich auch während meiner langen Verletzung unterstützt und immer an mich geglaubt. Ich freue mich darauf, weiterhin Teil der Entwicklung zu sein.”
Statistic:
Kabak has made 89 appearances and scored 12 goals for Hoffenheim since joining in 2022.
Statistic:
Kabak recorded 5 yellow cards in 25 Bundesliga appearances in the 2025-26 season.
Statistic:
Kabak ranks in the 99th percentile for aerial duels won (5.96 per 90) in the Bundesliga.
Statistic:
Kabak signed a contract extension with Hoffenheim running until June 2030.
Statistic:
Kabak has earned over 28 caps for Turkey and was selected for the 2026 World Cup squad.
Where Next?
Ozan Kabak is 26 years old and entering the prime of his career. His long-term contract with Hoffenheim runs until June 2030, providing him with stability and a platform to continue his development. He is a key player for the club and will be expected to lead the defence in the coming seasons.
A move to a bigger club is not impossible, given his age and experience, but his commitment to Hoffenheim suggests he is focused on his development at the club. His experience at the World Cup will only enhance his profile.
For Turkey, Kabak is a key figure. With over 28 caps and World Cup experience under his belt, he will be central to their ambitions in the next UEFA Euro and World Cup cycles. His physical dominance and leadership will be vital assets.
From the youth ranks of Galatasaray to the World Cup stage, from the Premier League to the Bundesliga, Ozan Kabak’s journey is one of resilience, loyalty, and determination. The boy from Ankara who has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs has found a home at Hoffenheim—and his story is far from over.
