Emre Belözoğlu
Belözoğlu captaining Turkey in 2010
Personal information
Full name Emre Belözoğlu[1]
Date of birth (1980-09-07) 7 September 1980
Place of birth Istanbul, Turkey
Height 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Ankaragücü (head coach)
Youth career
1990–1992 Zeytinburnuspor
1992–1996 Galatasaray
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–2001 Galatasaray 102 (14)
2001–2005 Inter Milan 79 (3)
2005–2008 Newcastle United 58 (5)
2008–2012 Fenerbahçe 103 (12)
2012–2013 Atlético Madrid 7 (1)
2013–2015 Fenerbahçe 56 (14)
2015–2019 İstanbul Başakşehir 104 (11)
2019–2020 Fenerbahçe 26 (3)
Total 531 (60)
International career
1994–1995 Turkey U15 11 (7)
1995–1997 Turkey U16 35 (20)
1996–1997 Turkey U17 7 (2)
1997–1998 Turkey U18 6 (0)
1998–1999 Turkey U21 12 (4)
2000–2019 Turkey 101 (9)
Managerial career
2021 Fenerbahçe (interim)
2021–2023 İstanbul Başakşehir
2023– Ankaragücü
Medal record
Representing  Turkey
Men's Football
FIFA World Cup
Third place 2002 Korea/Japan
UEFA European Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Austria & Switzerland
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Emre Belözoğlu (Turkish pronunciation: [emˈɾe beˈlœzoːɫu], born 7 September 1980) is a Turkish professional football manager and former player who is currently serving as the manager of Ankaragücü. During his playing career, he played as a midfielder, usually in a playmaker role.

He came through the youth ranks at Galatasaray before making his senior debut at the age of 16 in 1996. After five years, four Süper Lig titles, one UEFA Cup title, and more than 100 appearances for Galatasaray, he moved to Inter Milan for £5 million. He would subsequently play for Newcastle United, Fenerbahçe (where he won two Süper Lig titles), Atlético Madrid and İstanbul Başakşehir.

Belözoğlu was a part of the Turkey national team from 2000 to 2019, earning over 100 caps and helping the team to the semi-finals at the 2002 World Cup and at Euro 2008. He was named in the FIFA 100, a list of the 125 greatest living footballers as a part of FIFA's centenary celebrations announced by Pelé.[2]

Club career

Early years (1990–1996)

Belözoğlu's inspiration came from his father, Mehmet, who introduced him to football at the Zeytinburnuspor training ground. Belözoğlu's mother, Fatma, had seen the problems that her husband had faced through his football career, and thus did not want their son to become a professional football player. His father, however, urged and inspired Belözoğlu to embark on a career. The fans of Zeytinburnuspor quickly took an interest in him, stating his wonderful control of a left foot. Coach Salih Bulgurlu noticed his talent and started giving him special training. Bulgurlu looked after Belözoğlu for four years, teaching him all the basic techniques, improving and harnessing his fitness and stamina dramatically. Belözoğlu was quickly discovered by former Galatasaray legend Bülent Ünder, a close friend of Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim. Bülent Ünder pleaded to Bulgurlu that Emre join Galatasaray: "Wait and see. In two years, this teenager will be playing proudly within the battlegrounds of Europe."[3]

Galatasaray (1996–2001)

Belözoğlu officially became a Galatasaray player. His first appearance for the club's senior squad was as a sixteen-year-old in the 1996–97 season.[4] The following year, he became a regular in the squad. Once he became a regular he won four Süper Lig titles, two Turkish Cups, one UEFA Cup, and one UEFA Super Cup all by the age of 21. Belözoğlu also played in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid in April 2001.

Inter Milan (2001–2005)

In 2001, he moved to Inter Milan for £5 million.[5] In the 2002–03 season, Belözoğlu became the 17th winner of the Pirata d'Oro (Golden Pirate), an annual award given for the Inter Milan best player of the year. Inter made it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League that year, and that was as far as Belözoğlu would reach with the club. He gradually became out of favour at Inter due to persistent injuries, and after making just nineteen appearances during the 2004–05 season, he became available for transfer.[4]

Newcastle United (2005–2008)

Belözoğlu during training with Newcastle United

On 19 July 2005, Belözoğlu moved to Newcastle United on a five-year deal for a £3.8 million transfer fee.[5] He made his debut on 3 August in a 2–1 home defeat to Deportivo La Coruña in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, and 11 days later started in Newcastle's first game of the Premier League season, a defeat to Arsenal. In his fourth game on 23 October, he set up the opening goal with a corner to Shola Ameobi, and later scored the winner with a free kick, in a 3–2 victory over Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.[6] Of 25 games in all competitions in his first season, 20 in the league, he scored just one more goal: a long range shot on 5 November to defeat Birmingham City 1–0.[7]

Injuries limited Belözoğlu to only 35 Premier League appearances in his subsequent two seasons at Newcastle, in which he scored three goals. On 17 January 2008, in an FA Cup replay against Stoke City, he was sent off after 29 minutes for retaliating after being fouled by John Eustace.[8]

Fenerbahçe (2008–2012)

In July 2008, Belözoğlu, was unveiled at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, the traditional homeground of Fenerbahçe, in a signing ceremony. Fanatical Galatasaray supporters were enraged and started many "anti-Belözoğlu" campaigns for transferring to their rival. However, Belözoğlu stated that he had always been a Fenerbahçe fan, which has been confirmed by some of his past team-mates, including Galatasaray legends Hakan Şükür and Hasan Şaş.[9][10] After a disappointing first season, consistent performances in the next saw Emre rewarded with the Süper Lig player of the year for the 2009–10 season. He was effective at both ends of the pitch, his experience and combative style proving a valuable asset in taking his team so close in both league and cup. On 3 November 2010, Belözoğlu declared that he hung posters of former Fenerbahçe players Aykut Kocaman, Rıdvan Dilmen and Džoni Novak on his walls at home.[11]

Atlético Madrid (2012–2013)

Belözoğlu moved to Atlético Madrid, the reigning champions of the Europa League on 29 May 2012. He signed a two-year contract and was warmly received by compatriot and midfield partner Arda Turan.[12] On 7 July Belözoğlu trained with his new teammates before being unveiled by Atlético in a signing ceremony held in the Vicente Calderon stadium. He made his Atlético debut on 1 September 2012 in the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea, coming on for the last three minutes in place of Radamel Falcao whose hat-trick contributed to Atletico's 4–1 victory.[13]

Fenerbahçe – second spell (2013–2015)

Belözoğlu returned to Fenerbahçe on 31 January 2013 on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth €2 million per season.[14] His first match was against Sivasspor.

İstanbul Başakşehir (2015–2019)

Belözoğlu joined İstanbul Başakşehir in 2015 and later captained the side

Belözoğlu has signed an agreement with İstanbul Başakşehir for two years before the beginning of the 2015–2016 season.[15] Ahead of the 2018–19 campaign, he announced that he would be retiring from football at the end of the season.[16] However he decided not to retire without playing again at Fenerbahçe, his boyhood club.[17][18]

Fenerbahçe – third spell (2019–2020)

On 2 July 2019, Fenerbahçe announced the signing of Belözoğlu for a year[18] and he retired from football after this season.[17][19]

International career

After making his international debut against Norway in 2000, Belözoğlu was a regular in the Turkey national team. Injury forced him out of the Euro 2000 but he was part of the Turkish squad that finished in third place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Belözoğlu played the opening match of UEFA Euro 2008, but an injury sidelined him for the rest of the tournament as Turkey progressed to the semi-finals.

On 7 September 2019, Belözoğlu played his 100th match against Andorra.[20]

Managerial career

After his retirement, on 28 October 2020, Fenerbahçe announced that Belözoğlu was appointed director of football to Fenerbahçe's first team. He led the summer transfer window of the 2020–21 season from August to October.[21]

Fenerbahçe (interim)

On 25 March 2021, Fenerbahçe manager Erol Bulut left the team by mutual consent. Fenerbahçe board of directors and Belözoğlu agreed on an interim coaching position for 10 matchdays until the end of the season.[22]

His first match as the club's new manager took place eleven days later, when Fenerbahçe beat Denizlispor 1–0 in a Süper Lig match, which was his very first match in his managerial career. At the end of the season, Fenerbahçe finished in third place, by 2 points behind Beşiktaş. Belözoğlu finished with a record of 7 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in 10 matches.

On 1 June 2021, Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç announced that Belözoğlu would no longer manage Fenerbahçe after the end of the interim period. On 2 June, Fenerbahçe officially confirmed his leaving by making a farewell announcement.[23]

İstanbul Başakşehir

On 4 October 2021, Belözoğlu signed a two-year contract to manage İstanbul Başakşehir, returning to the team he had captained for four years.[24]

His first match as manager was a 3–2 home win over Beşiktaş on 15 October.[25]

Style of play

A versatile midfielder, Belözoğlu was capable of playing in the middle of the pitch as a central midfielder, as an advanced playmaker, or even on the left. He was mainly known for his technical ability, tactical sense and passing ability.[26]

Personal life

Born in Turkey, Belözoğlu is of Albanian origin.[27][28][29][30] He is a practising pious Muslim and has stated; "like everyone else (who is Muslim), I'm trying to be as moderate as possible in this holy month. But the job I do is physically very hard, so on the day of a match and for one or two days previous I don't fast".[31]

He is fluent in Turkish, English, Italian and Spanish.[32][33][34]

Controversies

Post-match brawl (2005)

After a post-match brawl in a 2006 World Cup qualification playoff match with Switzerland, Belözoğlu was banned for Turkey's next six matches and fined CHF 15,000 (£6,622) plus costs of CHF 1,000 (£440) for his alleged part in the brawl. The FIFA Appeal Committee later reduced the ban to four matches.[35]

Transfer to Newcastle United (2005)

Belözoğlu's transfer from Inter Milan to Newcastle United in July 2005 is one of those about which the Stevens inquiry report in June 2007 expressed concerns.[36]

Racial abuse accusations in England (2006)

Belözoğlu was accused of using racist insults towards Everton's Joseph Yobo, Tim Howard and Joleon Lescott during a match on 30 December 2006. He denied these claims, and he was charged by The Football Association in January 2007 and found not guilty by an independent commission in March.[37]

In February 2007, the FA announced another investigation into alleged racist remarks from Belözoğlu, this time aimed against Bolton Wanderers striker El-Hadji Diouf in a 2–1 win at St James' Park on 15 October 2006. Emre's agent denied the accusation.[38] Diouf subsequently decided not to press charges.[39]

In March 2007, Belözoğlu faced a third racism allegation, from Watford defender Alhassan Bangura.[40] He was cleared of any wrongdoing.[41]

Racial abuse incident in Turkey (2012)

On 15 April 2012, Belözoğlu was accused of making a racist comment on the pitch towards Trabzonspor's Didier Zokora.[42] He has denied these claims. On 17 June 2014, Belözoğlu was sentenced to a two-and-a-half-month suspended prison sentence as a result of the claim, with the crime constituted as an insult crime. He is the first Turkish footballer to be sentenced for racism.[43]

On 3 February 2020, Emre was accused of racism by John Obi Mikel, whom stated "Emre swore at me and my family, I cannot accept this".[44]

FETÖ investigation (2020)

According to Sait Aksoy, who is known as the 'football imam' of FETÖ, Belözoğlu, who allegedly attended the chats organised by the Gülen movement during his football career, was told by coach Fatih Terim: "Stop your relationship with Fethullahists. They will end your career and darken your future. I will never and absolutely not allow such an organisation in my team." Later, Emre distanced himself from the Gülenists, thinking that the movement only "served for money purposes".[45][46]

In 2020, Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office started an investigation upon a report that Belözoğlu was a FETÖ member. However, later on, a decision of non-prosecution was issued on the grounds that attending a chat and giving money was not sufficient evidence for membership of the organisation.[47]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup[lower-alpha 1] Europe[lower-alpha 2] Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Galatasaray 1996–97 10000010
1997–98 2329020342
1998–99 2726220354
1999–00 24540131416
2000–01 275351004010
Total 1021422727115122
Inter Milan 2001–02 1400060200
2002–03 25300121374
2003–04 2103060300
2004–05 1902160271
Total 793513011145
Newcastle United 2005–06 2024010252
2006–07 24220121383
2007–08 14150—191
Total 585110131826
Fenerbahçe 2008–09 2516091402
2009–10 2517081402
2010–11 2741042326
2011–12 26620—286
Total 1031216021414016
Atlético Madrid 2012–13 713071172
Fenerbahçe 2012–13 10220—122
2013–14 2061020236
2014–15 26610—276
Total 561440206214
İstanbul Başakşehir 2015–16 2632020303
2016–17 2745141366
2017–18 2731072355
2018–19 2411020271
Total 104119115312815
Fenerbahçe 2019–20 26300—263
Career total 531606681151171681

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year[48][49][50]
National teamYearAppsGoals
Turkey 200041
200150
2002132
200370
200470
200570
200610
200781
200871
200961
201091
201161
201291
201320
201420
201500
201600
201710
201800
201960
Total1019
Scores and results list Turkey's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Emre goal.[48][49][50]
List of international goals scored by Emre Belözoğlu
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
12 September 2000Istanbul, Turkey Moldova2–02–02002 FIFA World Cup qualification
29 June 2002Incheon, South Korea Costa Rica1–01–12002 FIFA World Cup
320 November 2002Pescara, Italy Italy1–1Friendly
417 November 2007Oslo, Norway Norway1–12–1UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
510 September 2008Istanbul, Turkey Belgium1–12010 FIFA World Cup qualification
69 September 2009Zenica, Bosnia Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina1–01–12010 FIFA World Cup qualification
711 August 2010Istanbul, Turkey Romania2–0Friendly
810 August 2011Istanbul, Turkey Estonia1–03–0Friendly
911 September 2012Istanbul, Turkey Estonia1–02014 FIFA World Cup qualification

Managerial record

As of match played 16 January 2024
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Fenerbahçe (interim) Turkey 25 March 2021 31 May 2021 10 7 2 1 18 10 +8 070.00
İstanbul Başakşehir Turkey 3 October 2021 3 September 2023 90 46 23 21 142 90 +52 051.11
Ankaragücü Turkey 3 October 2023 present 16 7 6 3 25 17 +8 043.75
Total 116 60 31 25 185 117 +68 051.72

Honours

Galatasaray

Inter Milan

Newcastle United

Fenerbahçe

Atlético Madrid

  • UEFA Super Cup: 2012

Turkey

Individual

  • Pirata d'Oro (Inter Milan Player of the Year): 2003[58]

See also

Notes

    References

    1. ↑ "Emre Belözoğlu" (in Turkish). Turkish Football Federation. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
    2. ↑ "Emre Belözoglu Profile". ESPN Soccernet.com. Archived from the original on 11 June 2008.
    3. ↑ "Emre Biography". 123football. Archived from the original on 25 February 2008. Retrieved 22 November 2007.
    4. 1 2 "Emre Belozoglu Player Profile". World Soccer Magazine. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
    5. 1 2 "Newcastle finalise Belözoğlu transfer". BBC Sport. London. 19 July 2005. Retrieved 16 February 2007.
    6. ↑ "Newcastle 3–2 Sunderland". BBC Sport. 23 October 2005. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
    7. ↑ "Newcastle 1–0 Birmingham". BBC Sport. 5 November 2005. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
    8. ↑ Mellor, Jason (17 January 2008). "Momentum of messiah leaves Stoke overawed". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
    9. ↑ "H.Şükür: Emre'nin FB'li olduğunu biliyordum!". Forum TR.
    10. ↑ "Hasan Şaş:Emre Fenerbahçe'liydi". Kanaltürk.
    11. ↑ Emre has A. Kocaman's posters hang on his walls Archived 14 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
    12. ↑ Doyle, Mark (29 May 2012). "Atletico Madrid confirm Emre signing". Goal.com. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
    13. ↑ "Chelsea 1–4 Atletico Madrid". BBC Sport. 1 September 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
    14. ↑ Emre Belözoğlu returns from Atletico Madrid to FB Archived 7 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine Turkish-football.com
    15. ↑ sitesi, milliyet.com.tr Türkiye'nin lider haber. "Emre Belözoğlu, Medipol Başakşehir'le anlaştı". milliyet.com.tr. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
    16. ↑ "Emre Belozoglu to retire at end of season". Turkish Football News. 18 July 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
    17. 1 2 "Emre Belözoğlu'ndan emeklilik açıklaması!" [Retirement statement from Emre Belözoğlu!]. aspor.com.tr (in Turkish). 30 April 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
    18. 1 2 "Yuvana hoş geldin Emre Belözoğlu" [Welcome back home Emre Belözoğlu]. Fenerbahçe S.K. (in Turkish). 2 July 2019. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
    19. ↑ "Kaptanımıza Teşekkürlerimizle" [Thanks Captain]. Fenerbahçe S.K. (in Turkish). 15 August 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
    20. ↑ "100'ler kulübüne giren Emre Belözoğlu omuzlarda". spor.haber7.com (in Turkish). 8 September 2019.
    21. ↑ "Başkanımız Ali Koç ve Sportif Direktörümüz Emre Belözoğlu'ndan açıklamalar". fenerbahce.org (in Turkish). 28 October 2020.
    22. ↑ "Bilgilendirme / Açıklama". fenerbahce.org (in Turkish). 25 March 2021.
    23. ↑ "Emre Belözoğlu'dan Açıklama". fenerbahce.org (in Turkish). 2 June 2021.
    24. ↑ "Hoş geldin Emre Belözoğlu". ibfk.com.tr (in Turkish). 4 October 2021.
    25. ↑ "Medipol Başakşehir 3–2 Beşiktaş". bjk.com.tr (in Turkish). 15 October 2021.
    26. ↑ "ECCO CHI E' EMRE, CENTROCAMPISTA DUTTILE, MA SEGNA GOL ALLA MARADONA" (in Italian). FC Internazionale. 9 May 2001. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
    27. ↑ "Emre Belözoğlu'na büyük övgü | STAR". Star.com.tr. 25 January 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
    28. ↑ "DERS 4. Irk Yoktur, Irkçılık Vardır". silo.tips. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
    29. ↑ Гьажиагъа Мегьамедшерифов. (2013). "Куьр Рамазан" (in Lezghian). 42 (10531) (Лезги газет ed.). Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
    30. ↑ ""Интернационале" дагестанского розлива". Archived from the original on 28 July 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
    31. ↑ "Pride and prejudice?". Dadyal Online. 24 October 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
    32. ↑ "Emre Belözoğlu'ndan bomba açıklamalar". www.hurriyet.com.tr (in Turkish). 9 May 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
    33. ↑ Mynet. "Dil uzmanı Emre Belözoğlu". Mynet Video (in Turkish). Retrieved 25 March 2021.
    34. ↑ "Emre Belözoğlu Kimdir ? - Emre Belözoğlu Hayatı ve Biyografisi". www.haberler.com. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
    35. ↑ "Reduced penalties for Turkish football association, Huggel and Belözoğlu". FIFA. 24 June 2006. Archived from the original on 6 September 2006. Retrieved 16 February 2007.
    36. ↑ "Reaction to Lord Stevens' key findings". The Times. 15 June 2007. In relation to Belözoğlu's move from Inter Milan, the inquiry was not prepared to clear the transfer as it was unable to obtain the co-operation of the lead agent, Ahmet Bulut
    37. ↑ "Emre cleared of racism charge". The Guardian. Press Association. 19 March 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
    38. ↑ "FA to probe new Belözoğlu race claims". BBC Sport. London: BBC. 16 February 2007. Retrieved 16 February 2007.
    39. ↑ "Diouf drops Emre racism allegation". The Bolton News. 2 March 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
    40. ↑ "Belözoğlu faces new racism allegation". BBC Sport. London. 1 March 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2007.
    41. ↑ "Problem kid Emre to team up with Arda at Atletico". Hürriyet Daily News. 30 May 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
    42. ↑ "Trabzonspor's Zokora accuses Belözoğlu of racist slur". goal.com. London. 15 April 2012. Retrieved 15 April 2012. "Belözoğlu and I came face to face during the match. I'll tell you what he said word for word. He called me: 'A f*cking n*****'," Zokora told Lig TV after the match.
    43. ↑ "Emre Belözoglu imprisoned". BBC Sport.
    44. ↑ "Trabzonspor's Mikel accuses Belözoğlu of racist slur". insideworldfootball.com. 4 February 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2020. "Emre swore at me and my family, I cannot accept this
    45. ↑ "Terim'den Emre'ye: "Fethullahçılarla ilişkini kes"". odaTV (in Turkish). 19 November 2018. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
    46. ↑ "'Fethullahçılarla ilişkini kes Emre!'". Cumhuriyet (in Turkish). 19 November 2018. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
    47. ↑ "Emre Belözoğlu'nun FETÖ davasında karar". BirGün (in Turkish). Retrieved 12 December 2023.
    48. 1 2 "Emre Belözoğlu". Turkish Football Federation. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
    49. 1 2 "Emre Belözoğlu". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
    50. 1 2 "Emre Belözoglu – International Appearances". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
    51. ↑ Crouch, Terry (2002). The World Cup - The Complete History. Great Britain: Aurum Press Ltd. p. 548. ISBN 1845131495.
    52. ↑ "2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™". FIFA. Archived from the original on 8 February 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
    53. ↑ "Korea Republic 2 – 3 Turkey". FIFA. Archived from the original on 8 February 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
    54. ↑ "Regulations of theUEFA European Football Championship" (PDF). UEFA.com. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
    55. ↑ "UEFA EURO 2008™ squad lists announced" (PDF). UEFA.com. 28 May 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
    56. ↑ "FIFA 100". Best Football Players Ever.
    57. ↑ "The Fifa 100". The Guardian. 4 March 2004.
    58. ↑ Inter.it staff, inter(a t)inter.it (17 November 2006). "F.C. Internazionale Milano". Inter Milan. Retrieved 14 October 2017.
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