Passports & Pitch Side: Oğuzhan (“Ozzy”) Özyakup & Footballers on the Move ⚽🌍 | #FragomenFC – Ep. 7 (Part 1)

In this special episode of #FragomenFC: Passport to North America 2026, co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Senior Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup (Amsterdam, Netherlands)—and an avid football fan. Tuğba brings along a very special guest: her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport, representing both club and country across Europe.

Together, we explore Ozzy’s professional journey, tracing his path from youth academies to international competition, and discussing how immigration impacted every step of his career—from transfers and visas to work permits and national team eligibility. Tuğba offers valuable insights into Dutch immigration law as it relates to professional footballers, drawing on her legal background and personal connection to the game. Both guests share reflections on navigating the intersection of global mobility and elite sport in countries like the Netherlands, Turkey and beyond.

This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Stay tuned for Episode 8 (Part 2)!