Soccer fans want to know the real story behind their favorite players’ success, both on and off the field. Zeki Çelik stands out as one of Turkey’s leading defenders, currently making his mark at Roma in Serie A.
In this article, you’ll discover his full net worth, yearly earnings, contract details, stats, career overview, relationship updates, and more.
Zeki Çelik’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mehmet Zeki Çelik |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1997 |
| Age | 28 |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Weight | 74 kg |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
| Net Worth | £9,576,320 |
| Current Salary | £2,184,000/year |
| Current Club | Roma (Serie A) |
| Instagram Profile | @zekicelik |
| Twitter Profile | @celikzeki |
Early Career
Zeki Çelik grew up in Yıldırım, Bursa, as the youngest of nine brothers, with deep roots in Turkish football traditions.
His talent became obvious early on while playing for the Bursaspor youth academy, where coaches noticed his speed and game sense. He turned professional in 2015, joining Bursaspor and then going on loan to Karacabey Birlikspor.
This move proved valuable as he got significant playing time, featuring as a starter throughout the 2015–16 season for Karacabeyspor in the TFF Second League. His performances were solid, catching the attention of higher-tier clubs and setting the stage for the next step.
Professional Career
After leaving Bursaspor, Zeki signed with İstanbulspor in 2016. He quickly found his place in the lineup, often starting matches and becoming a reliable defender. His breakout moment came when his side gained promotion from the TFF Second League, and he continued to impress in the second division.
Thanks to these strong performances, he moved abroad in 2018, signing a five-year deal with Lille OSC in France. At Lille, Çelik proved himself at the highest level, helping the club win the 2020–21 Ligue 1 title.
Then in July 2022, Roma brought him to Italy’s Serie A. Since joining Roma, Zeki has continued to rack up appearances in both league and European matches, underlining his value to the team as one of Turkey’s top players.
Zeki Çelik’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Zeki Çelik’s net worth stands at nearly £9.6 million. This number reflects his stable salary at Roma and earnings from previous clubs.
Contract
Zeki signed a four-year contract with Roma in July 2022, running until June 2026. The deal secured his place as a key player in Serie A, with Roma investing approximately €7.4 million to bring him over from Lille.
The contract gives him both base salary and various performance bonuses. As of now, Roma’s management considers his contract sustainable and is even considering an extension due to his rising market value.
Salary
At Roma, Çelik earns about £42,000 per week, which totals to £2,184,000 per year. That puts him among the top earners in the club’s defensive lineup. His salary reflects not just his playing time but also his experience and the consistency he brings to the backline.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Yearly Earnings (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Bursaspor | £27,040 |
| 2017 | İstanbulspor | £8,320 |
| 2018 | İstanbulspor | £260,000 |
| 2019 | Lille | £832,000 |
| 2020 | Lille | £728,000 |
| 2021 | Lille | £780,000 |
| 2022 | Lille | £416,000 |
| 2023 | Roma | £2,184,000 |
| 2024 | Roma | £2,184,000 |
| 2025 | Roma | £2,184,000 |
Career Stats
| Club/National Team | Seasons | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bursaspor | 2015–16 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Karacabey Birlikspor | 2015–16 | 35 | 0 | 1 |
| İstanbulspor | 2016–18 | 69 | 0 | 2 |
| Lille | 2018–22 | 143 | 8 | 20 |
| Roma | 2022–25 | 115 | 1 | 9 |
| Turkey (National) | 2018–25 | 56 | 3 | 4 |
FAQs
1. What position does Zeki Çelik play, and what sets him apart?
He plays mostly as a right-back for Roma and the Turkish national team. His balanced defensive skills and attacking threat make him one of the most reliable full-backs, with a style modeled after top players like Kyle Walker and Maicon.
2. How did Çelik’s childhood and family shape his football journey?
He grew up in Yıldırım, Turkey, as the youngest of nine brothers. His parents moved to Yıldırım from Muş, and his large, supportive family encouraged his football training and passion for the sport from an early age.
3. Which clubs has Zeki Çelik played for during his career?
Çelik started at Bursaspor, gained vital experience with Karacabey Birlikspor and İstanbulspor, spent several successful seasons at Lille in France, and has played for Roma in Serie A since 2022, becoming a key defender.
4. What are the highlights of Çelik’s international career with Turkey?
Zeki has made over 50 appearances for the Turkish national team since his debut. He contributed goals and assists and played in major competitions, standing out for his versatility and work ethic.
5. How has Çelik’s performance been at Roma since joining?
Since arriving at Roma, his defensive consistency and ability to contribute offensively improved the team. He appeared regularly, helped Roma reach a Europa League final, and is now a central part of the squad’s plans in Serie A.
