Turkey: Christopher Opéri opens his account with Başakşehir

16.08.26 FT Super Lig Turkey

Istanbul Basaksehir

2

:

Kocaelispor

0

Christopher Opéri kicked off his Süper Lig season in the best possible way, netting Başakşehir's opening goal against Kocaelispor. The Ivorian full-back played a key role in his team's 2-0 victory, marking his first goal of the season and his second league strike for the Istanbul club.

Başakşehir made sure not to miss their start. Playing at home, the Istanbul side secured a 2-0 win over Kocaelispor, thanks in particular to Christopher Opéri, who broke the deadlock as early as the 14th minute. The Ivorian defender made an instant impact in his first league appearance of the season.

Having joined Başakşehir in January 2025 from Le Havre, Opéri now has 4 goals across all competitions for the Turkish club, according to data provided after this match. His Süper Lig record is more modest: this goal is his second in the Turkish top flight, after his first during the 2024-2025 season.

A full-back who knows how to attack

Opéri's ability to contribute offensively is nothing new. Before leaving Le Havre, the Ivorian defender had already made a name for himself with his activity down the left flank.

During his first full Ligue 1 campaign in 2023-2024, he played 28 matches, all as a starter, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists. Over his entire Ligue 1 spell at Le Havre, he totalled 41 appearances, 3 goals, and 6 assists.

His move to Turkey only confirmed his importance on the flank. In the second half of the 2024-2025 season, after arriving at Başakşehir, he featured in 11 Süper Lig matches, starting 10 of them, and scored once.

A 2025-2026 season focused more on creativity

Last season, Opéri was particularly valuable in build-up play and creativity. He played 22 Süper Lig matches, starting each one, racking up between 1,821 and 1,825 minutes according to statistical sources, and provided four assists. He did not, however, find the net in the league.

His attacking influence was therefore best measured by his 4 assists and his ability to support attacking moves. This season, his goal in the opening match has changed the narrative, quickly putting him back on the scoresheet.

A new chapter in the Ivorian's career

Trained in France, Opéri notably played several seasons at Châteauroux before moving to Gent in Belgium, then to Le Havre. With the Normandy club, he truly established himself at the highest level of French football before heading to Turkey in January 2025.

The Ivorian international now boasts significant experience across France, Belgium, and Turkey. His start to the season with Başakşehir is especially encouraging: a goal on opening day and a win for his team.

Plenty of reasons to hope for an even more attacking season from a player who has already shown, both at Le Havre and in Istanbul, that a full-back can be decisive in the final third.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Istanbul Basaksehir

Kocaelispor

Super Lig Turkey