Salih Özcan


Salih Özcan is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for club Borussia Dortmund. Born in Germany, he plays for the Turkey national team.

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.
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.

Loan to Holstein Kiel

On 23 August 2019, Özcan joined Holstein Kiel on loan until the end of 2019–20 season. On 26 August 2025, he made his debut with the team as a starter in a 2. Bundesliga match against FC St. Pauli, they lost 2-1.

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 Berlin. 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.
On 31 August 2024, he made his debut with Wolfsburg in a Bundesliga away match against Holstein Kiel, they won 2-0.

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.

Career statistics

International

No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetitionRef.
118 November 2025La Cartuja, Seville, Spain272–12–22026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

Borussia Dortmund
1. FC Köln
Germany U21
Individual