Famous Turkish Football Players

Arda Turan is a Turkish professional football manager and former player who excelled as a winger. Known for his ball control, dribbling skills, and vision, he captained Galatasaray at a young age. Turan gained international recognition following a successful UEFA Euro 2008 campaign and was ranked among the best young football players in the world by various publications. Throughout his career, he earned numerous accolades and nominations, solidifying his reputation as one of Turkey's most capped players.

Burak Yılmaz is a Turkish professional football coach and former player known for his career as a forward. He has played for top Turkish clubs such as Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Trabzonspor, and Galatasaray, winning multiple titles and achieving high goal-scoring records. Yılmaz also had successful stints in the Chinese Super League with Beijing Guoan and in the French Ligue 1 with Lille, where he helped the team secure its first league title in a decade. Additionally, he is Turkey's second all-time highest goalscorer and has represented the national team with distinction.

Hakan Şükür is a former professional footballer from Turkey known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities. He played as a striker and spent the majority of his career with Galatasaray, winning a total of 14 major titles. Şükür also represented Turkey in 112 matches, scoring 51 goals, making him the nation's top goalscorer at the time of his retirement. He was one of the most successful strikers of his era, netting a total of 383 goals in his club career. After retiring from football, Şükür entered politics and served as an Istanbul MP.

Fatih Terim is a renowned Turkish professional football manager and former player. Throughout his career, he played for various clubs and achieved significant success, including winning multiple cups and titles with Galatasaray. He has managed clubs in Italy and Turkey, along with the Turkey national team. Terim has received accolades for his managerial skills, being recognized as one of the top managers globally by organizations like IFFHS and World Soccer magazine. He is known by the nicknames "İmparator" and "Imperatore," both meaning "emperor."

Cenk Tosun is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Fenerbahçe in the Süper Lig and the Turkey national team. He began his career at Gaziantepspor before moving to Beşiktaş, where he won two Süper Lig titles. Tosun later joined Everton in the Premier League for a reported fee of £27 million. He had loan spells at Crystal Palace and Beşiktaş before signing permanently with the latter in 2022. Tosun has represented both Germany and Turkey at various youth and senior levels in international competitions.

Rüştü Reçber is a Turkish former professional footballer and current sports executive. He played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Antalyaspor, Fenerbahçe, Barcelona, and Beşiktaş. Rüştü achieved notable success with the Turkey national team, reaching the semi-finals at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2008. He holds the record for the most appearances for Turkey, earning 120 caps. Rüştü was recognized for his outstanding performances, being named the best goalkeeper in European competitions in 2002 and selected for the 2002 UEFA Team of the Year and FIFA 100 list.

Volkan Demirel is a Turkish football coach, pundit, and former international goalkeeper known for his successful career with Fenerbahçe and the Turkey national team. He earned a reputation as a reliable and skilled goalkeeper, serving as the starting goalkeeper for both his club and country for many years. After retiring as a player, Demirel transitioned into coaching and worked with Turkish club Hatayspor. His experience and expertise in goalkeeping have made him a respected figure in the Turkish football community.

Emre Mor is a versatile professional footballer known for his ability to play as a winger or forward. He currently plays for Turkish Süper Lig club Fatih Karagümrük on loan from Fenerbahçe. Throughout his career, Emre Mor has showcased his skills on the pitch, demonstrating agility and creativity in his gameplay. His contributions to both clubs have been significant, with his speed and technical prowess making him a valuable asset in attack. Emre Mor continues to impress fans and teammates alike with his dynamic playing style and goal-scoring abilities.

Nadir Çiftçi is a Turkish professional footballer known for his forward position at TFF Second League club Karaman FK. Throughout his career, he has played for various clubs including Portsmouth, Kayserispor, NAC Breda, Dundee United, Celtic, and more. Çiftçi initially represented the Netherlands at the under-17 level before later switching his national allegiance to Turkey, playing for their under-19 team. His nomadic career has seen him move across different clubs, showcasing his versatility and skills as a forward player.

Emre Belözoğlu is a Turkish professional football manager and former player. He played as a midfielder, known for his playmaker role. Starting his career at Galatasaray, he went on to play for clubs such as Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Fenerbahçe, Atlético Madrid, and İstanbul Başakşehir. He also had a successful international career with the Turkey national team, earning over 100 caps. Belözoğlu achieved notable success, including domestic league titles and appearances in major tournaments like the World Cup and Euro.

İlhan Mansız is a former professional footballer and figure skater of Crimean Tatar descent. He made a name for himself as a forward in football, showcasing his talent and skill on the field. In addition to his successful football career, Mansız also ventured into figure skating, demonstrating his versatility and athleticism in a different sport. His ability to excel in both football and figure skating highlights his dedication, hard work, and passion for sports.

Eren Derdiyok, a Swiss former professional footballer, excelled as a striker during his career. He represented the Swiss national team and played for a total of ten clubs across Europe, showcasing his versatility and skill on the field. Known as a journeyman, Derdiyok also had a brief stint with Pakhtakor Tashkent in Uzbekistan. His experience and contributions to various teams highlight his adaptability and effectiveness as a player, leaving a notable legacy in the world of football.

Hamit Altıntop is a retired Turkish professional footballer and current board member of the Turkish Football Federation. He was a versatile midfielder known for his creative flair and long-range shooting ability. Altıntop achieved success as part of the Turkey squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008 and was voted into the Team of the tournament. He also won the 2010 FIFA Puskás Award for scoring the best goal of the season in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying match.

Ömer Toprak is a skilled professional footballer who currently serves as a centre back for Süper Lig team Antalyaspor. With a background in German football, he has also represented the Turkey national team. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the field, Toprak has showcased his abilities in various top-tier competitions. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong work ethic, tactical awareness, and a commitment to excellence, making him a valuable asset to any team he represents.

Mert Müldür is a professional footballer known for his versatility on the field, excelling as a right back or centre back for Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe. Having been born in Austria, he proudly represents the Turkey national team. Known for his adaptability and ability to perform in various positions, Müldür has showcased his skills and talent through his consistent performances at both club and international levels. With a promising career ahead of him, he continues to make significant contributions to his teams with his strong defensive capabilities.

Mehmet Ekici is a professional footballer known for his role as a central midfielder. He has played for various clubs, including Werder Bremen, 1. FC Nürnberg, Bayern Munich, and Trabzonspor. Ekici has represented both Germany and Turkey in international competitions, showcasing his versatility and skill on the field. With experience playing at different levels and for prestigious clubs, he has established himself as a talented and dedicated player in the world of football.

Erkan Zengin is a retired professional footballer who played as a winger for both club and country. He had a successful career representing the Sweden national team, earning 21 caps between 2013 and 2016. Zengin also participated in the prestigious UEFA Euro 2016 tournament. Known for his skills on the field, he made significant contributions to his teams throughout his career, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Today, Erkan Zengin is remembered as a respected and accomplished football player.

Semih Şentürk is a Turkish former international footballer known for his prolific career as a striker. Spending most of his club career at Fenerbahçe from 1999 to 2014, he achieved significant success, winning multiple Süper Lig and Turkish Cup titles. Şentürk's talent was evident early on as he rose through the ranks of the Fenerbahçe youth section. He also made a notable impact on the national team, representing Turkey at UEFA Euro 2008 and contributing to their journey to the semi-finals. Additionally, he was the top-scorer of the Süper Lig in the 2007–08 season with an impressive 17 goals.

Nihat Kahveci is a retired Turkish professional footballer renowned for his skills as a forward and right winger. After his playing career, he transitioned into a football commentator role for TRT, showcasing his expertise and insights in the sport. With a UEFA Pro Licence, Nihat possesses a high level of qualification in coaching and football management. His experience as a player coupled with his current role as a commentator demonstrates his deep involvement and contribution to the football industry.

Sinan Bolat is a Turkish professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper at Belgian club Westerlo. He has showcased his skills both at the youth and senior levels while representing Turkey. Bolat's career highlights include making crucial saves and demonstrating excellent goalkeeping abilities throughout his professional journey. His dedication to the sport and consistent performance have made him a valuable asset to his club and national team. Overall, Bolat's professional life is marked by his passion for football and his contributions to the game.

Tuncay Şanlı is a Turkish former footballer known for his versatility in playing as a striker, attacking midfielder, and on the wing. He achieved success with the Turkey national team, notably finishing third in the 2003 Confederations Cup and the 2008 European Championships. Beginning his career at Sakaryaspor, he later played for Fenerbahçe where he won three Süper Lig titles. He then moved to Middlesbrough, where he was named player of the year in 2009. Tuncay also had stints at Stoke City, VfL Wolfsburg, Bolton Wanderers, Bursaspor, and Umm Salal.

Okan Buruk is a Turkish football manager and former player with a successful career in both roles. As a midfielder, he played for top clubs like Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Beşiktaş, and İstanbul Başakşehir, earning 56 caps for the Turkey national team. He represented Turkey at UEFA Euro 2000 and was part of the squad that achieved a bronze medal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Transitioning into management, Buruk won the Turkish Süper Lig title with İstanbul Başakşehir in 2019–20 and with Galatasaray in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024.

İbrahim Yattara, also known as İbrahim Üçüncü, is a retired Guinean footballer with a versatile career. He has played for several clubs in Turkey, including Trabzonspor, Ankaragücü, and Gençlerbirliği, showcasing his skills as a midfielder and forward. Yattara has also represented the Guinean national team, earning a reputation for his technical abilities and goal-scoring prowess. In addition to his football career, he participated in Survivor Turkey, displaying his competitive spirit and determination outside of the sports arena.

Tayfun Korkut is a former professional football player who later transitioned into a successful managerial career. He has managed various football clubs, including Hertha BSC, showcasing his tactical expertise and leadership skills. Korkut's experience as both a player and a coach has provided him with a deep understanding of the game, allowing him to effectively guide and motivate his teams. His international experience with the Turkey national team further highlights his versatility and adaptability in different football environments.

Kerim Frei Koyunlu is a professional footballer known for his role as a winger for Manisa and the Turkey national team. Throughout his career, he has played for various clubs including Fulham, Cardiff City, İstanbul Başakşehir, Beşiktaş, Birmingham City, and Maccabi Haifa. Frei has also represented Switzerland up to the under-21 level before deciding to play for Turkey. Known for his pace, skill, and creativity on the field, he has established himself as a versatile and dynamic player in the world of football.

Orkun Kökçü is a talented professional footballer known for his skills as a midfielder. He currently plays for Primeira Liga club Benfica, showcasing his abilities on the field. Hailing from the Netherlands, Kökçü represents the Turkey national team, demonstrating his prowess at an international level. With a promising career ahead of him, he has gained recognition for his technical proficiency, vision on the field, and ability to control the game from the midfield position. Kökçü's contributions to both club and country have solidified his status as a rising star in the world of football.

Ümit Davala is a Turkish football coach and former player known for his successful career with Galatasaray, where he won numerous titles including Süper Lig, Turkish Cup, UEFA Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. He also achieved success with Werder Bremen by winning the Bundesliga in the 2003–04 season. Davala represented Turkey in international competitions, earning 41 caps and scoring 4 goals. He was a key player in the Turkish squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Berkan İsmail Kutlu is a talented midfielder known for his skills on the field. He currently plays for Turkish club Galatasaray, where he has showcased his abilities in numerous matches. With a strong presence in the midfield, Berkan has become an integral part of the team, contributing to their success. Additionally, he represents Turkey at the international level, demonstrating his talent and dedication to the sport on a broader stage. Berkan's professional career is marked by his exceptional performance and commitment to the game.

Alim Öztürk is a professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back for Samsunspor. With experience playing for various clubs including SC Cambuur, Trabzonspor, 1461 Trabzon, Heart of Midlothian, Boluspor, and Sunderland, Öztürk has showcased his skills and versatility on the field. Representing Turkey at the youth level, he has gained recognition for his contributions to different teams throughout his career. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership qualities, Öztürk continues to make an impact in the world of professional football.

Bülent Akın is a retired professional footballer of Turkish descent who was born in Belgium. He had a successful career playing as a midfielder for various clubs during his active years. Known for his technical skills and versatility on the field, Akın made significant contributions to his teams with his playmaking abilities. Throughout his career, he showcased a strong work ethic and dedication to the sport, earning respect from fans and fellow players alike. After retiring, he continued to stay involved in the football world through various roles.

Oğuzhan Özyakup, known as Ozzie or Ozzy, is a Dutch-Turkish professional footballer playing as a midfielder. He has played for clubs such as AZ, Arsenal, and Beşiktaş, winning titles like the Premier Academy League and Süper Lig. Özyakup represented both the Netherlands and Turkey at various youth levels before switching to represent Turkey at the senior level. He has been a part of the Turkish national team, participating in Euro 2016 and earning 42 caps, scoring once.

Aslı Canan Sabırlı is a Turkish women's footballer who transitioned into a football manager after playing as a defender. She has a background of representing Turkey in the girls' national under-17 and under-19 teams. Throughout her career, she has showcased her skills both on the field as a player and off the field as a manager. With her experience and dedication to the sport, she continues to make significant contributions to the football community, serving as a role model for aspiring female athletes.

Kader Hançar is a talented Turkish footballer known for her skills as a striker. She currently plays for the prestigious Turkish Women's Football Super League club, Fatih Vatan Spor, showcasing her prowess on the field. Additionally, she represents the Turkey women's national team, where she continues to make a significant impact with her playing abilities. Hançar's professional career is marked by her dedication to the sport and her consistent performance, making her a key player for both her club and the national team.

İbrahim Aydemir is a Turkish footballer who plays as a striker for SV Heimstetten. He has had a diverse career, playing for various clubs including Sivasspor in the Süper Lig, Samsunspor in the TFF First League, Etimesgut Şekerspor in the TFF Second League, and Unterhaching in the 2. Bundesliga. Throughout his professional career, Aydemir has showcased his skills and versatility on the field, contributing to the success of the teams he has been a part of.