Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, February 20, 2026 20:54 / Updated Friday, February 20, 2026 21:02
Valentin Mihaila continues the excellent form from Turkey. The Romanian international opened the scoring for Caykur Rizespor in the duel at home with Kocaelisporfrom the 23rd stage of the Turkish Super League, match won 2-0.
For Mihăilă, it is the third goal in less than a month, after the successes on January 25, with Alanyaspor, and January 31, with Istanbul Basaksehir. At the same time, the Romanian reached four goals in the current championship season.
PHOTO. Valentin Mihăilă, “goal-bar” with Kocaelispor
The far left scored after an excellent collective phase. Rizespor recovered the ball, moved the play to the right flank, from where Mebude sent a low cross. The Albanian Laci appeared at the first bar, feint a possible shot and let the ball flow to the “septar” Mihăilă, who came launched from the second line. The Romanian finished with a strong shot, crossbar, with no chance for goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. In the 57th minute, Samet Akaydın increased the advantage and set the final score, 2-0 for Rizespor.
In the previous stage, at the draw on Genclerbirligi's field, score 2-2, Mihăilă was involved in one of the goals: the ball hit his leg, ricocheted on his knee and reached Pala, author of a “double” that brought an important point for Rizespor.
8.5 million eurospaid Parma in 2020 to bring him from Craiova
The Romanian international has scored 16 matches this season, during which he scored 5 goals and provided 2 decisive assists. He is quoted by the specialized website Transfermarkt at 2.8 million euros. Following this result, Rizespor is 11th in the championship with 24 points after 23 rounds, while Kocaelispor is 8th with 30 points.
For Rizespor, the away duel with Kasimpasa, scheduled for February 28, follows.
