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Although Deniz Dönmezer is only 17 years old, he is already in his third season in the Süper Lig. He is an example of a new generation of talented goalkeepers from Turkey – but he has surpassed them all. On the 37th matchday of the 2023/24 season, Dönmezer made his debut as the youngest keeper in the Turkish upper house at just 15 years, seven months and 26 days. In Adana Demirspor’s 1-2 defeat against Antalyaspor, he came on as a substitute for Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev in stoppage time.
What was even more surprising was that Dönmezer started the new season as number one and pushed the experienced Vedat Karakuş (27) onto the bench. At the start he went straight to Fenerbahce (0-1), where he ran into the stadium in front of almost 38,000 spectators. “Although I was only on the pitch for a short time in the first game against Antalyaspor, I overcame my excitement. When I found out that I would play 90 minutes in the game against Fenerbahce, I had the feeling that I was being offered one of the greatest opportunities of my life. When I came onto the pitch, I gave everything to prove myself. It was an unforgettable experience for me,” says Dönmezer looking back in an interview with Transfermarkt.
It’s hardly surprising that he quickly landed on the radar of Fenerbahce as well as the top clubs Galatasaray, Besiktas and Trabzonspor. There was also great interest in Europe. Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham are said to have sent scouts and Ajax Amsterdam even considered an offer of 5 million euros. “Although I am still young, I am proud that my name is being talked about by big clubs and some European teams. I have had such dreams since I was a child and I continue to work to make them come true,” said Dönmezer.
The 1.90 meter tall goalkeeper cultivates the style of play of modern football. He impresses with his physicality, his courage to build up the game from the back, his positional play and his reflexes. His composure and calm demeanor, with which he doesn’t let himself get overwhelmed even under the pressure of big games, sets him apart from his peers. “I’m not afraid of making mistakes in training. Because I’ve prepared myself mentally, I feel more relaxed and confident in the games,” explains Dönmezer.
Dönmezer takes Bayern captain Neuer as a role model
His role model is none other than Bayern captain Manuel Neuer (39). Dönmezer emphasizes that he inspired him not only with his saves, but also with his way of organizing the defense and his style of play. “Manuel Neuer is my idol. His preference for playing forward, his good play with the ball and his willingness to take responsibility inspire me.” Dönmezer also stands out for his self-confidence.
Player comparison
FC Bayern Munich
Kayserispor
€4.00 million
Market value
€1.00 million
June 30, 2026
Contract until
June 30, 2028
For the complete player comparison
Although financially struggling Adana Demirspor, which had a point deduction, was relegated last season, Dönmezer was able to excel. With nine saves, he secured his team’s first win on matchday 16 against Besiktas (2-1). He was able to save three out of ten penalties so far. However, the overall situation at Adana Demirspor also had an impact on Dönmezer, who was under constant pressure in many games and was not able to keep a clean sheet once. Injuries also forced him to take breaks, so that in the end there were 18 appearances in the Süper Lig, in which he had to reach behind himself a whopping 46 times.
Since nothing changed in terms of sport for Adana Demirspor in the 2nd league and the club was bottom right from the start, Dönmezer decided to return to the Süper Lig shortly before the transfer deadline. However, none of the big clubs got the contract, but Kayserispor – a new beginning in a more stable environment. In competition with Bilal Bayazıt (26) and Onurcan Piri (31), there has so far only been one chance of proving himself. “I have a good relationship with Bilal and Onur. Working with them motivates me and I like competition. This environment encourages me to get better every day,” says Dönmezer.
The debut in the cup against second division team Ankara Keciörengücü (0:2 n.V.) was lost, but for Dönmezer it was still “a very special moment. I believe that I can improve my performance and show my potential if I play more games.” He can still improve on the accuracy of his long passes, the timing of his build-up play and his ability to concentrate.
The junior international hopes to follow in the footsteps of important goalkeepers such as Uğurcan Çakır (29), Altay Bayındır (27), Mert Günok (36) and Berke Özer (25). “The senior national team is of course also my dream. I’m working hard to see this day and hope that one day I will achieve my goal,” said Dönmezer, who is also toying with the move abroad after taking the next steps at Kayserispor.
Dönmezer dreams of the Premier League
“I want to play in the top leagues in Europe, but first I want to develop at Kayserispor and fulfill my responsibility to the people in this city who trust me,” says Dönmezer. Which step would appeal to him? “The Premier League is the league I want to play in the most because of its competitiveness and pace. I think it is the most difficult league in the world and that motivates me a lot.”
He sees his debut at the age of 15 as an advantage. “I started playing professional football a little early, but I believe this will give me an advantage in the challenges I face in the future. I hope to be playing as a goalkeeper in the Premier League by the time I’m 20.” He is already “proud that my successes are receiving worldwide attention. I will continue to work to ensure that it stays that way.”
Every day from December 1st to 24th, Transfermarkt will present a talent from the 2008 or 2009 vintage from a different country. Sponsors, data scouts and users act as experts and report interesting facts about 24 young players in our talent calendar who you should keep a close eye on in the future. For example with the TM Watchlist.