Benin international Junior Olaitan has moved to the top of the UEFA Europa League assists rankings after helping Beşiktaş secure a 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim in Germany.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder registered his third assist in two matches during Thursday’s encounter on 15 October, setting up South Korean forward Hyeon-gyu Oh to restore Beşiktaş’s lead in the 72nd minute.
Olaitan now leads the competition’s individual assists standings outright, according to the statistics provided, ahead of seven players who have recorded two assists each.
His latest contribution continued an impressive start to the 2026-27 Europa League campaign and highlighted his growing influence in the Turkish side’s attack.
Beşiktaş travelled to the Rhein-Neckar Arena looking to maintain their winning momentum, and Olaitan played a decisive role in a closely contested encounter that produced five goals.
The first half ended without a goal, but the match came to life after the break when Amir Murillo put the visitors ahead in the 60th minute.
Hoffenheim responded eight minutes later through Fisnik Asllani, who brought the German side level and set up a tense finish.
With the score at 1-1, Olaitan provided the breakthrough Beşiktaş needed. The Beninese midfielder delivered a pass to Oh, who converted the opportunity in the 72nd minute to put the visitors back in front.
Oh struck again in the 79th minute, extending Beşiktaş’s advantage and giving them greater control of the match. Hoffenheim defender Kōki Machida reduced the deficit eight minutes later, but the Turkish side held on to claim a 3-2 win.
Olaitan was substituted in the 78th minute, having already made the contribution that helped Beşiktaş regain the lead.
The victory marked Beşiktaş’s second consecutive win in the Europa League group stage and strengthened their start to the European campaign.
For Olaitan, the assist was another significant moment in a season that has seen him become one of the competition’s most productive creators.
His three assists in just two matches place him ahead of the group of players tied on two, giving the Beninese international an early advantage in the race to finish as the tournament’s leading provider.
