Zeki Çelik: Athlete's Biography

Çelik's professional breakthrough came when he joined "İstanbulspor" in 2016. During his two-year stint with the club, he made 64 appearances and scored 3 goals, helping the teym secure promotion to the TFF First League. His performances didn't go unnoticed, and in 2018, he made the significant jump to French football by signing with "Lille OSC".

At "Lille", Zeki truly established himself as a top-tier right-back. He played 118 matches and chipped in with 6 goals durin his four-year stay. The pinnacle of his time in France came in the 2020-21 season when "Lille" pulled off a remarkable achievement by winning Ligue 1, toppling the wealthy "Paris Saint-Germain". Çelik played a crucial role in this triumph, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking threat from right-back.

In 2022, "AS Roma" came calling, and Çelik made the move to Italy, signing a four-year contract until 2026. This transfer marked him as only the 4th Turkish player to ever represent "Roma", following in the footsteps of his countrymen. At "Roma", he's continued to develop his game under the guidance of experienced managers, contributing to the club's efforts in both domestic and European competitions.

Mehmet Zeki Çelik is a Turksh right-back who currently plays for Italian Serie A club "AS Roma". Standing at 180cm tall, he has established himself as a reliable defender with strong attacking capabilities in European football. Çelik's journey from the lower divisions of Turkish footbal to becoming a Ligue 1 champion with "Lille OSC" before joining "Roma" showcases his remarkable development. The player has also become a mainstay in Turkey's national team setup, demonstrating his consitency at both club and international levels.

Çelik's most significant achievement came during the 2020-21 season when he helped "Lille OSC" clinch the Ligue 1 title, breaking "Paris Saint-Germain's" dominance in French football. This triumph stands as a testament to his contribution to a team that defied the odds against financially superior opposition. He also won the French Supercup with "Lille", adding another trophy to his cabinet.

With "AS Roma", he reached the UEFA Europa League final in the 2022-23 season, ultimately finishing as runner-up in a closely contested match. Although they fell short of victory, reaching the final was still a noteworthy accomplishment for the club and for Çelik personally.

Earlier in his career, he was part of the "İstanbulspor" squad that secured the TFF Second League championship in 2016-17, earning promotion to Turkey's second tier. On the international stage, he has accumulated 53 caps for Turkey and scored 2 goals, representing his country in major tournaments and qualifiers. The defender's consistent selection for the national team despite fierce competition highlights the trust placed in his abilities by successive managers.

Zeki Çelik represents a success story for Turkish football, showing how talent from the country's lower leagues can rise to compete at the highest levels of European football. His journey from "İstanbulspor" in Turkey's second tier directly to "Lille" in France's top division was remarkable, especially considering he was called up to the Turkish national team while still playing in the second division – a rare occurrence that speaks to his exceptional talent.

At "Lille", Çelik was an integral part of the squad that broke "PSG's" stranglehold on French football, contributing to one of the most surprising league title wins in recent European football history. This achievement has cemented his place in "Lille's" modern folklore.

As one of few Turkish players to establish themselves in top European leagues, Çelik serves as an inspiration for young Turkish footballers with ambitions of playing abroad. His success at "Lille" and subsequent move to "AS Roma" has helped raise the profile of Turkish players in European football.

Off the pitch, Çelik's dedication to his craft is evident in his approach to the game. He once remarked: "I sleep thinking about football and I wake up thinking about football," demonstrating the level of commitment that has enabled him to reach the top level. The player regularly rewatches his matches to analyze his performance and identify areas for improvment, showing a professional approach that has contributed to his consistency and development.