Deniz Gul Profile, Stats and Career
Stockholm-born Turkish forward, FC Porto's powerful young striker, and one of Turkey's most exciting attacking options at the 2026 World Cup.
By
Abdul Ahad
Published June 2026Deniz Gül is a 21-year-old Swedish-born Turkish forward who plays for FC Porto in the Primeira Liga. The number 27 is one of Turkey's most exciting young strikers, combining a 6 ft 4 in frame with technical ability and pace developed at Hammarby IF and now Porto. This profile covers his age, current club, career story, international record, and his role in Turkey's 2026 World Cup squad.
Born in Stockholm to a Turkish father and Swedish mother, Gül chose Turkey at senior international level after representing Sweden at youth level. Porto signed him from Hammarby in August 2024 on a contract through June 2029 with a reported €50 million buyout clause. He made the key cameo appearance in Turkey's World Cup qualifying play-off victory over Kosovo, and is one of nine forwards named in Turkey's World Cup squad.
Quick Answer
Deniz Daniel Gül is a professional footballer born on 2 July 2004 in Stockholm, Sweden. He plays as a forward for FC Porto and represents Turkey internationally. Gül signed for Porto in August 2024 and has 6 senior caps for Turkey. He is part of Turkey's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Early Life and Background
Gül grew up in Stockholm and represented local clubs Stuvsta IF and Segeltorps IF before joining IF Brommapojkarna's academy. He later moved through AIK's youth setup before joining Hammarby IF in 2021. In 2023, he scored 14 goals in 22 appearances for Hammarby's feeder team in Ettan (Sweden's third tier) before earning his Allsvenskan debut in October 2023.
He initially represented Sweden at under-19 and under-21 level, but switched allegiance to Turkey after acquiring Turkish citizenship through his father, making his senior debut in 2025. Porto signed him as an investment in a powerful, modern centre-forward profile, and he made his continental debut in the UEFA Europa League against Bodø/Glimt in September 2024.
Deniz Gül Personal Info and Profile
| Full name | Deniz Daniel Gül |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 2 July 2004 |
| Age | 21 |
| Place of birth | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Nationality | Turkey (Swedish-born) |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in / 1.92 m |
| Weight | 187 lbs / 85 kg |
| Position | Striker / Forward |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | FC Porto |
| Jersey number | 27 |
Transfer News and Market Value
Porto signed Gül from Hammarby IF on 24 August 2024 on a contract running through June 2029 with a €50 million buyout clause. The deal made him one of the most highly valued young Turkish forwards in European football at the time. His current estimated market value is approximately €8–12 million, rising from the initial valuation following his first senior season with Porto.
Club Career
Gül made his Allsvenskan debut for Hammarby in October 2023 and demonstrated his quality in Sweden's top flight before Porto moved quickly. In his first season at Porto, he has made appearances in the Primeira Liga and UEFA competition, adapting to a higher level of European football at 20. He scored in the Primeira Liga against Santa Clara in the 2025–26 season, collecting a 6.3 Sofascore rating in that match.
Club Career Stats
| Period | Club | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2024 | Hammarby IF | ~25 | ~6 |
| 2024–present | FC Porto | 20+ | 3 |
International Career
Gül represented Sweden at under-19 level in 2023 and under-21 level in 2024 before switching to Turkey. He has 6 senior caps for Turkey and scored 1 international goal. His most prominent international moment came as a substitute in Turkey's 1–0 World Cup qualifying play-off final win over Kosovo, where he came on in the 89th minute and won a key late free kick to help Turkey hold on.
| National team | Caps | Goals | Tournament involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden (youth) | 8 (youth) | 2 | U19 (2023); U21 (2024) |
| Turkey | 6 | 1 | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying; 2026 FIFA World Cup squad |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Gül is a tall, powerful centre-forward who can also play wide. His 6 ft 4 in frame gives him an aerial threat in the box, while his technical ability and pace make him effective in transition. At Porto, he has been used as a rotation option behind the main strikers, giving the coaching staff a physical alternative when attacking deeper defensive blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Deniz Gül's story — from Stockholm youth football to Porto and a 2026 World Cup squad — is one of the most rapid and compelling in Turkish football. His physical profile, European club pedigree, and Turkish international allegiance make him a genuine option for Vincenzo Montella when Turkey need a different attacking shape. The World Cup stage will be his chance to introduce himself to the broadest possible global audience.
