Türkiye: Christopher Opéri scores as Başakşehir begin season with victory

Christopher Opéri opened his Süper Lig account for the season as Başakşehir began their campaign with a 2-0 home victory over Kocaelispor.

The Ivory Coast full-back scored in the 14th minute to give the Istanbul side an early advantage and went on to help them secure all three points.

It was Opéri’s first goal of the new campaign and his second in the Turkish top flight since joining Başakşehir.

Opéri makes immediate impact

Başakşehir made a strong start in front of their home supporters, with Opéri providing the breakthrough after just 14 minutes.

The defender’s goal gave his side control of the match and highlighted once again his ability to contribute in the attacking third despite playing primarily as a full-back.

Opéri joined Başakşehir in January 2025 after leaving Le Havre. Since moving to Turkey, he has now scored four goals in all competitions for the Istanbul club, according to the information surrounding the match.

His record in the Süper Lig is more limited, with Sunday’s goal representing only his second league strike. His previous Turkish league goal came during the 2024-25 campaign.

The latest effort nevertheless gives the Ivorian an encouraging platform at the beginning of another season.

An attacking full-back

Opéri’s contribution in front of goal is not a new feature of his game.

During his time at Le Havre, the left-back regularly demonstrated his willingness to move forward and support attacks. His first full Ligue 1 season in 2023-24 was particularly productive, as he started all 28 matches he played, scoring three goals and providing four assists.

Across his Ligue 1 career with Le Havre, he made 41 appearances, recording three goals and six assists.

That attacking output has remained an important part of his game since his move to Turkey.

After arriving at Başakşehir during the second half of the 2024-25 season, Opéri played 11 Süper Lig matches, starting 10 of them and scoring once.

Creativity was the focus last season

Opéri’s role last season was less about scoring and more about creating opportunities for his team-mates.

He started all 22 of his Süper Lig appearances during the 2025-26 campaign and accumulated between 1,821 and 1,825 minutes, according to the statistical data provided.

Although he did not score in the league, he contributed four assists and remained an important outlet from the left side.

His ability to progress attacks and provide service from the flank was therefore central to his contribution.

The opening-day goal against Kocaelispor offers a different kind of start this time around. Rather than waiting for his attacking influence to develop through assists, Opéri has already put his name on the scoresheet.

A new chapter in Turkey

Opéri’s career has taken him through several stages since he was developed in France.

He spent several seasons at Châteauroux before moving to Belgian club Gent and then joining Le Havre. It was with the Normandy side that he established himself in France’s top division.

His move to Başakşehir in January 2025 subsequently opened a new chapter in Turkey.

Christoper Operi, Kocaelispor‘a karşı sezonun ilk golünü atarak Başakşehir’i 1-0 öne geçiriyor!
. pic.twitter.com/cXJUYiqZaw

— ftc_66 (@ftc_66) August 16, 2026

The Ivory Coast international now has experience of football in France, Belgium and Turkey, and his latest performance suggests he remains capable of influencing matches from the full-back position.

For Başakşehir, the most important outcome was the victory. For Opéri, the afternoon provided an additional reward: his first goal of the season and another indication of his attacking value.

The 2-0 win over Kocaelispor gives both player and club an ideal start to the new Süper Lig campaign.