Kartal Kayra Yılmaz: Beşiktaş Midfielder Profile and Career Path
In the competitive landscape of the Turkish Süper Lig, Kartal Kayra Yılmaz has emerged as a disciplined presence in the midfield. Born in İzmit, Turkey, Yılmaz has spent the majority of his development and professional journey within the ranks of one of Turkey's most prestigious clubs, Beşiktaş.
Playing as a defensive midfielder—a role focused on breaking up opposition attacks and transitioning the ball from defense to offense—Yılmaz brings a combination of tactical awareness and physical presence to the pitch, standing at 1.77 meters.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Kartal Kayra Yılmaz
- Date of Birth: 4 November 2000
- Place of Birth: İzmit, Turkey
- Current Club: Beşiktaş
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
- Jersey Number: 8
Early Development and Youth Career
Yılmaz's journey into professional football began with his early training at KBBKSpor between 2011 and 2012. His potential was quickly recognized by Beşiktaş, who integrated him into their youth academy from 2012 to 2019. This period of rigorous training laid the foundation for his transition into senior professional football.
Professional Senior Career
Yılmaz officially joined the Beşiktaş senior squad in 2019. To gain essential first-team experience, he spent several seasons on loan at other Süper Lig clubs, allowing him to refine his skills in high-pressure environments.
Loan Spells and Growth
Between 2021 and 2023, Yılmaz spent two seasons on loan at Ümraniyespor, where he made a total of 53 appearances and scored one goal. Following this, he moved to Kayserispor on loan for the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons. His time at Kayserispor proved particularly productive in terms of goal contributions, netting three goals during the 2024–2025 campaign across 33 appearances.
International Representation
Beyond his club commitments, Yılmaz has represented his country on the international stage. Between 2021 and 2022, he earned 7 caps for the Turkey U21 national team, showcasing his ability to compete at a high youth international level.
Career Statistics Summary
| Period | Team | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–Present | Beşiktaş | 22 | 0 |
| 2021–2022 | Ümraniyespor (Loan) | 30 | 1 |
| 2022–2023 | Ümraniyespor (Loan) | 23 | 0 |
| 2023–2024 | Kayserispor (Loan) | 29 | 0 |
| 2024–2025 | Kayserispor (Loan) | 33 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Kartal Kayra Yılmaz play?
Kartal Kayra Yılmaz plays as a defensive midfielder, primarily focusing on defensive stability and ball distribution.
Which club does he currently represent?
He is currently a player for the Süper Lig club Beşiktaş, where he wears the number 8 jersey.
How many goals did he score during his loan at Kayserispor?
During his loan spells at Kayserispor, he scored a total of 3 goals, all of which occurred during the 2024–2025 season.
Has Kartal Kayra Yılmaz played for the Turkish national team?
Yes, he represented the Turkey U21 national team between 2021 and 2022, earning 7 caps.
Where was Kartal Kayra Yılmaz born?
He was born in İzmit, Turkey, on 4 November 2000.