Born in Haarlem to a Turkish family, Orkun Kökçü came through Feyenoord's academy and went on to captain the club, winning the Eredivisie title in 2022/23 and being voted the division's player of the year. Benfica signed him permanently in June 2023 in what was then a club-record deal.

Kökçü is a two-footed central midfielder who operates between the lines as much as in front of the defence, combining close control with a powerful long-range shot and responsibility for set pieces.

In 2024/25, his second season in Lisbon, he was a fixture in midfield wearing the number 10, and he was named the Primeira Liga's midfielder of the month for March 2025. He was part of the side that won the Taça da Liga.

He has represented Turkey at senior level since 2020.