Emre Belözoglu
Encyclopedia
Emre Belözoğlu (ˈemre ˈbeløzːɫu; born 7 September 1980 in Istanbul
) is a Turkish football midfielder
who plays for Fenerbahçe.
Having also played for clubs Galatasaray
, Internazionale
, and Newcastle United
, Emre has been a part of the Turkey national team
at the 2002 World Cup
and at Euro 2008 among other tournaments. Pelé
named Emre in the FIFA 100
, a list of the 125 greatest living footballers as a part of FIFA's centenary celebrations
.
training ground. Emre's mother had seen the problems that her husband had faced through his football career, and thus did not want his son to become a professional football player. His father, however, urged and inspired Emre to embark on a career.
The fans of Zeytinburnuspor
quickly took an interest in Emre, stating his wonderful control with his left foot. Trainer Salih Bulgurlu noticed his talent and started giving him special training. Salih looked after Emre for four years, teaching him all the basic techniques, improving and harnessing his fitness and stamina dramatically. Emre was quickly discovered by former Galatasaray legend
Bülent Ünder
, a close friend of legendary Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim
. Bülent Ünder
pleaded to Salih Bulgurlu that Emre join Galatasaray
:
player. Forever the centre of attention while rising through the Galatasaray youth ranks, his left foot and creativity brought him his first appearance for the club's senior squad as a sixteen-year-old in the 1996–97 season.
The following year, he became a regular in the squad. Once the understudy to Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi
, it seemed that the sky was the limit for Emre as he won 4 Süper Lig titles, 2 Turkish Cups, 1 UEFA Cup
, and 1 UEFA Super Cup all by the age of 21. Emre also played in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League
. Emre gained much popularity and fame at Galatasaray
, earning legendary status and a reputation in Europe.
described Galatasaray's little midfield maestro
as the most sought-after player in Europe, with Emre attracting the likes of Real Madrid
, Barcelona
, Valencia
, Milan
, and Internazionale
.
In 2001, he transferred to Internazionale
in a €10 million deal. It was during his time at Inter
where he picked up the nickname "Maradona of the Bosphorus", after comparisons of playing style to the Argentine legend
. In the 2002–03 season, Emre became the 17th winner of the Pirata d'Oro (Golden Pirate), an annual award given for the Inter
player of the year. Inter
made it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League
that year, and that was as far as Emre would reach with the club.
Emre 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.
for a £3.8 million transfer fee. He proved to be a popular player amongst the Newcastle fans, as well as showing his ability to win matches not only from his goals, but also from his assists.
However, three injury-hampered seasons at St James' Park
never allowed the Newcastle fans to see the full influence of his outstanding abilities. Nonetheless, he will be remembered by many Newcastle fans for his match-winning free-kick against Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland
.
in a signing ceremony. Fanatical Galatasaray supporters
started many "anti-Emre" campaigns for transferring to their rivals. However, Emre 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
.
After a disappointing first season, consistent performances in the next saw Emre rewarded with the Süper Lig player of the year in season 2009–10
. Emre 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, Emre declared that he hung posters of Fenerbahçe legends Aykut Kocaman
, Rıdvan Dilmen
and Džoni Novak on his walls at home.
in 2000, Emre has been a regular in the Turkish setup
. 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
. Emre 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.
Individual
|2000||4||1
|-
|2001||4||0
|-
|2002||13||2
|-
|2003||7||0
|-
|2004||7||0
|-
|2005||7||0
|-
|2006||1||0
|-
|2007||8||1
|-
|2008||7||1
|-
|2009||6||1
|-
|2010||9||1
|-
|2011||5||1
|-
!Total||79||6
|}
The couple have a son, Ömer Akif, born in the morning of Tuesday 22 March 2011, at the American Hospital. The baby weighed 3.55 kg and was 50 cm tall at birth.
match with Switzerland
, Emre 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.
On 12 January 2007, Emre was charged by The Football Association
with using racially-aggravated abusive and/or insulting words in an incident during a 3–0 loss to Everton
on 30 December. Newcastle United
were unable to comment until Emre himself replied to the charge. He later stated he was angered by claims that he was racist, citing his friendship with roommate Obafemi Martins
as evidence he was not.
On 16 February 2007, the FA announced another investigation into alleged racist remarks from Emre, this time aimed against Bolton Wanderers
striker El Hadji Diouf
. The incident allegedly took place during Bolton's 2–1 win at St James' Park
on 15 October 2006. Emre's agent denied the accusation. Diouf subsequently decided not to press charges. However, on 1 March 2007, Emre faced a third racism allegation, when Watford
defender Alhassan Bangura
claimed he was subject of racist abuse from Emre.
On 19 March 2007, the allegations of Emre using racially-aggravated abusive and/or insulting words during the Everton match were found not proven by the FA
.
His 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.
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
) is a Turkish football midfielder
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
who plays for Fenerbahçe.
Having also played for clubs Galatasaray
Galatasaray S.K. (football team)
Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups....
, Internazionale
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
, and Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
, Emre has been a part of the Turkey national team
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
at the 2002 World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
and at Euro 2008 among other tournaments. Pelé
Pelé
However, Pelé has always maintained that those are mistakes, that he was actually named Edson and that he was born on 23 October 1940.), best known by his nickname Pelé , is a retired Brazilian footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time...
named Emre in the FIFA 100
FIFA 100
The FIFA 100 is a list of the world-renowned Brazilian striker Pelé's choice of the "greatest living footballers". Unveiled on 4 March 2004 at a gala ceremony in London, the FIFA 100 marked part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Fédération Internationale de...
, a list of the 125 greatest living footballers as a part of FIFA's centenary celebrations
FIFA 100
The FIFA 100 is a list of the world-renowned Brazilian striker Pelé's choice of the "greatest living footballers". Unveiled on 4 March 2004 at a gala ceremony in London, the FIFA 100 marked part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Fédération Internationale de...
.
Early career
Emre's inspiration came from his father, who introduced him to football at the ZeytinburnusporZeytinburnuspor
Zeytinburnu SK is a Turkish sports club based in Istanbul, Turkey.They hold the record for worst performance in First League history in the 96/97 season, losing 27 in 34 matches, 5 draws and 2 wins, success percentage was just 13.2%. They played First League between 1989-1991, 1993-1995 and 1996-1997...
training ground. Emre's mother had seen the problems that her husband had faced through his football career, and thus did not want his son to become a professional football player. His father, however, urged and inspired Emre to embark on a career.
The fans of Zeytinburnuspor
Zeytinburnuspor
Zeytinburnu SK is a Turkish sports club based in Istanbul, Turkey.They hold the record for worst performance in First League history in the 96/97 season, losing 27 in 34 matches, 5 draws and 2 wins, success percentage was just 13.2%. They played First League between 1989-1991, 1993-1995 and 1996-1997...
quickly took an interest in Emre, stating his wonderful control with his left foot. Trainer Salih Bulgurlu noticed his talent and started giving him special training. Salih looked after Emre for four years, teaching him all the basic techniques, improving and harnessing his fitness and stamina dramatically. Emre was quickly discovered by former Galatasaray legend
Galatasaray S.K. (football team)
Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups....
Bülent Ünder
Bülent Ünder
Bülent Ünder is a Turkish former professional footballer and a football manager.- Playing career :Ünder played his entire career for Galatasaray. He played eight seasons for his club. His team won the Turkish league championship for three times, and won the Turkish Cup twice during his playing...
, a close friend of legendary Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim
Fatih Terim
Fatih Terim, Commendatore OSSI, is a Turkish football former player and manager. Terim was born in Adana, Turkey to Nuriye and Talat Terim. His father, Talat, is a Turkish Cypriot who emigrated to Turkey....
. Bülent Ünder
Bülent Ünder
Bülent Ünder is a Turkish former professional footballer and a football manager.- Playing career :Ünder played his entire career for Galatasaray. He played eight seasons for his club. His team won the Turkish league championship for three times, and won the Turkish Cup twice during his playing...
pleaded to Salih Bulgurlu that Emre join Galatasaray
Galatasaray S.K. (football team)
Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups....
:
Galatasaray
Emre officially became a GalatasarayGalatasaray S.K. (football team)
Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups....
player. Forever the centre of attention while rising through the Galatasaray youth ranks, his left foot and creativity brought him his first appearance for the club's senior squad as a sixteen-year-old in the 1996–97 season.
The following year, he became a regular in the squad. Once the understudy to Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi
Gheorghe Hagi
Gheorghe Hagi is a former Romanian footballer. He was famous for his passing, close control, long shots and was regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe during the 1980s and 1990s and is considered the greatest Romanian footballer of all time...
, it seemed that the sky was the limit for Emre as he won 4 Süper Lig titles, 2 Turkish Cups, 1 UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
, and 1 UEFA Super Cup all by the age of 21. Emre also played in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. Emre gained much popularity and fame at Galatasaray
Galatasaray S.K. (football team)
Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups....
, earning legendary status and a reputation in Europe.
Internazionale
Emre began to catch the eyes of major European football clubs. Italian leading sports paper TuttosportTuttosport
Tuttosport is an Italian sport newspaper published since 30 July 1945.Renato Casalbore founded the newspaper as a bi-weekly. In 1946, it moved to three editions a week, and since 12 March 1951 it has been published daily...
described Galatasaray's little midfield maestro
Midfield Maestro
The term Midfield Maestro is a cliché used in football to describe a midfield player that excels in the technical and creative aspects of midfield play. A midfield maestro often creates goalscoring opportunities for the attackers, while at the same time controlling the tempo of the match and...
as the most sought-after player in Europe, with Emre attracting the likes of Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
, Valencia
Valencia CF
Valencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the...
, Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
, and Internazionale
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
.
In 2001, he transferred to Internazionale
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
in a €10 million deal. It was during his time at Inter
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
where he picked up the nickname "Maradona of the Bosphorus", after comparisons of playing style to the Argentine legend
Diego Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona is a retired Argentine football player and widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. Over the course of his professional club career Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys, setting...
. In the 2002–03 season, Emre became the 17th winner of the Pirata d'Oro (Golden Pirate), an annual award given for the Inter
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
player of the year. Inter
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
made it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
that year, and that was as far as Emre would reach with the club.
Emre gradually became out of favour at Inter
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
due to persistent injuries, and after making just nineteen appearances during the 2004–05 season, he became available for transfer.
Newcastle United
In July 2005, Emre moved to Newcastle UnitedNewcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
for a £3.8 million transfer fee. He proved to be a popular player amongst the Newcastle fans, as well as showing his ability to win matches not only from his goals, but also from his assists.
However, three injury-hampered seasons at St James' Park
St James' Park
St James' Park, known for sponsorship reasons as the Sports Direct Arena, is an all-seater stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is the home of Newcastle United Football Club and is the sixth largest football stadium in the United Kingdom with a capacity of between 52,387 and 52,409.St James'...
never allowed the Newcastle fans to see the full influence of his outstanding abilities. Nonetheless, he will be remembered by many Newcastle fans for his match-winning free-kick against Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
.
Fenerbahçe
In July 2008, Emre was unveiled at the Şükrü Saracoğlu StadiumSükrü Saracoglu Stadium
Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium is a football stadium in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul, Turkey, and is the home venue of Fenerbahçe S.K.. It was inaugurated in 1908 and renovated between 1999 and 2006...
in a signing ceremony. Fanatical Galatasaray supporters
Galatasaray S.K.
Galatasaray Spor Kulübü is a Turkish sports club based in Istanbul, most notable for its football section, also known as Galatasaray S.K.. It also fields teams in Athletics, Basketball, Wheelchair basketball, Volleyball, Water polo, Swimming, Rowing, Sailing, Judo, Bridge, Equestrian, Handball,...
started many "anti-Emre" campaigns for transferring to their rivals. However, Emre 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
Hakan Sükür
Hakan Şükür is a retired Turkish footballer who played as a striker. He spent the majority of his professional career with Galatasaray, being a three-time Gol Kralı , representing the club in three different spells and winning a total of 14 major titles.Şükür represented Turkey a...
and Hasan Şaş
Hasan Sas
Hasan Gökhan Şaş is a former Turkish international football player, most commonly known for his time at Galatasaray.-Galatasaray:...
.
After a disappointing first season, consistent performances in the next saw Emre rewarded with the Süper Lig player of the year in season 2009–10
2009–10 Süper Lig
The 2009–10 Süper Lig was the 52nd season since its establishment. The season commenced on 7 August 2009 with Istanbul B.B. hosting defending champions Beşiktaş at Atatürk Olympic Stadium. The last matches were played on 16 May 2010.Bursaspor won the league beating defending champions Beşiktaş 2–1...
. Emre 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, Emre declared that he hung posters of Fenerbahçe legends Aykut Kocaman
Aykut Kocaman
Aykut Kocaman is a former Turkish footballer in the striker position and current manager of Fenerbahçe. He is the first person in the club's history to have won the Süper Lig in his playing and managerial career...
, Rıdvan Dilmen
Ridvan Dilmen
Rıdvan Dilmen is a former Turkish footballer who most notably played for Fenerbahçe and Turkey national football team. During his career Rıdvan established himself as one of the most skilled players of the Turkish Super League...
and Džoni Novak on his walls at home.
International career
Since making his international debut against NorwayNorway national football team
The Norway national football team represents Norway in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Norway, the governing body for football in Norway. Norway's home ground is Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo and their head coach is Egil Olsen...
in 2000, Emre has been a regular in the Turkish setup
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
. 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
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
. Emre 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.
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2 September 2000 | Istanbul Istanbul Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and... , Turkey |
2–0 | Win | 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualification 2002 FIFA World Cup The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0... |
||||||
| 2. | 9 June 2002 | Incheon Incheon The Incheon Metropolitan City is located in northwestern South Korea. The city was home to just 4,700 people when Jemulpo port was built in 1883. Today 2.76 million people live in the city, making it Korea’s third most populous city after Seoul and Busan Metropolitan City... , South Korea South Korea The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south... |
1–1 | Draw | 2002 FIFA World Cup 2002 FIFA World Cup The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0... |
||||||
| 3. | 20 November 2002 | Pescara Pescara Pescara is the capital city of the Province of Pescara, in the Abruzzo region of Italy. As of January 1, 2007 it was the most populated city within Abruzzo at 123,059 residents, 400,000 with the surrounding metropolitan area... , Italy |
1–1 | Draw | Friendly | ||||||
| 4. | 17 November 2007 | Oslo Oslo Oslo is a municipality, as well as the capital and most populous city in Norway. As a municipality , it was established on 1 January 1838. Founded around 1048 by King Harald III of Norway, the city was largely destroyed by fire in 1624. The city was moved under the reign of Denmark–Norway's King... , Norway |
1–2 | Win | UEFA Euro 2008 Qualification | ||||||
| 5. | 10 September 2008 | Istanbul Istanbul Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and... , Turkey |
1–1 | Draw | 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) The European zone of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup saw 53 teams competing for 13 places at the finals. The qualification process started on 20 August 2008, after UEFA Euro 2008, and ended on 18 November 2009. The qualification process saw the first competitive matches of... |
||||||
| 6. | 9 September 2009 | Zenica Zenica Zenica is an industrial city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the capital of the Zenica-Doboj Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity... , Bosnia Herzegovina |
1–1 | Draw | 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) The European zone of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup saw 53 teams competing for 13 places at the finals. The qualification process started on 20 August 2008, after UEFA Euro 2008, and ended on 18 November 2009. The qualification process saw the first competitive matches of... |
||||||
| 7. | 11 August 2010 | İstanbul Istanbul Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and... , Turkey |
2–0 | Win | Friendly | ||||||
| 8. | 10 August 2011 | İstanbul Istanbul Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and... , Turkey |
1–0 | Win | Friendly | ||||||
| Correct as of 10 August 2011 | |||||||||||
Player
- GalatasarayGalatasaray S.K. (football team)Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups....
- Süper Lig: 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000
- Turkish Cup: 1999, 2000
- UEFA CupUEFA CupThe UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
: 2000 - UEFA Super Cup: 20002000 UEFA Super CupThe 2000 UEFA Super Cup was a football match played on 25 August 2000 between Real Madrid of Spain and Galatasaray of Turkey. Real Madrid qualified by beating Valencia in the 2000 UEFA Champions League Final, while Galatasaray had made it to the Super Cup after beating Arsenal in the 2000 UEFA Cup...
- InternazionaleF.C. Internazionale MilanoFootball Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
- Coppa ItaliaCoppa ItaliaThe Coppa Italia is an Italian football annual cup competition. Its first edition was held in 1922, but the second champions were not crowned until 1936. Roma and Juventus lead the way with nine wins. Roma has contested more finals, 16, while Torino and Juventus follow with 13...
: 2004–05
- Coppa Italia
- Newcastle UnitedNewcastle United F.C.Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
- UEFA Intertoto CupUEFA Intertoto CupThe UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for European clubs that had not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The competition was discontinued...
: 2006UEFA Intertoto Cup 2006The UEFA Intertoto Cup 2006 was the first after a major change of the competition format. There were only three rounds instead of five, and eleven teams qualified for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup...
- UEFA Intertoto Cup
- Fenerbahçe
- Süper Kupa: 2009Turkish Super Cup 2009-References:...
- Süper Lig: 2010–112010–11 Süper LigThe 2010–11 Süper Lig is the 53rd season since its establishment. Bursaspor are defending champions having won their first Turkish championship last season. The season began on 14 August 2010 and concluded on 22 May 2011...
- Süper Kupa: 2009
Individual
- FIFA 100FIFA 100The FIFA 100 is a list of the world-renowned Brazilian striker Pelé's choice of the "greatest living footballers". Unveiled on 4 March 2004 at a gala ceremony in London, the FIFA 100 marked part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Fédération Internationale de...
- Pirata d'Oro (Inter Milan Player of the Season): 2002–03
- Süper Lig Player of the Season: 2009–102009–10 Süper LigThe 2009–10 Süper Lig was the 52nd season since its establishment. The season commenced on 7 August 2009 with Istanbul B.B. hosting defending champions Beşiktaş at Atatürk Olympic Stadium. The last matches were played on 16 May 2010.Bursaspor won the league beating defending champions Beşiktaş 2–1...
- Goal.com Inter Team of the Decade: 2000–10
Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Europe | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Galatasaray Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... |
1996–97 | 1 | 0 | ||||||
| 1 | 0 | ||||||||
| 1997–98 | 24 | 2 | 8 | 0 | |2 | 0 | 35 | 2 | |
| 1998–99 | 27 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 35 | 2 | |
| 1999–00 | 24 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 41 | 6 | |
| 2000-01 | 27 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 40 | 8 | |
| Total | 103 | 12 | 21 | 7 | 27 | 1 | 151 | 18 | |
| Internazionale F.C. Internazionale Milano Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always... |
|||||||||
| 2001–02 | 13 | 0 | |||||||
| 6 | 0 | 19 | 0 | ||||||
| 2002–03 | 25 | 3 | |||||||
| 12 | 1 | 37 | 4 | ||||||
| 2003–04 | 21 | 0 | |||||||
| 6 | 0 | 27 | 0 | ||||||
| 2004–05 | 19 | 0 | |||||||
| 6 | 0 | 25 | 0 | ||||||
| Total | 78 | 3 | - | - | 30 | 1 | 108 | 4 | |
| Newcastle United Newcastle United F.C. Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger... |
|||||||||
| 2005–06 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 2 | |
| 2006–07 | 24 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 38 | 3 | |
| 2007-08 | 14 | 1 | 5 | 0 | |||||
| 19 | 1 | ||||||||
| Total | 58 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 82 | 6 | |
| Fenerbahçe | |||||||||
| 2008–09 | 25 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 40 | 2 | |
| 2009–10 2009–10 Süper Lig The 2009–10 Süper Lig was the 52nd season since its establishment. The season commenced on 7 August 2009 with Istanbul B.B. hosting defending champions Beşiktaş at Atatürk Olympic Stadium. The last matches were played on 16 May 2010.Bursaspor won the league beating defending champions Beşiktaş 2–1... |
25 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 38 | 2 | |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Süper Lig The 2010–11 Süper Lig is the 53rd season since its establishment. Bursaspor are defending champions having won their first Turkish championship last season. The season began on 14 August 2010 and concluded on 22 May 2011... |
27 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 32 | 5 | |
| 2011–12 2011–12 Süper Lig The 2011–12 Süper Lig is the 54th season of the Süper Lig, the highest football league of Turkey. Fenerbahçe are defending champions... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 3 | 0 | ||||||||
| Total | 80 | 5 | 12 | 0 | 21 | 4 | 112 | 9 | |
| Career total | 200 | 26 | 41 | 6 | 90 | 7 | 442 | 39 | |
International
|-|2000||4||1
|-
|2001||4||0
|-
|2002||13||2
|-
|2003||7||0
|-
|2004||7||0
|-
|2005||7||0
|-
|2006||1||0
|-
|2007||8||1
|-
|2008||7||1
|-
|2009||6||1
|-
|2010||9||1
|-
|2011||5||1
|-
!Total||79||6
|}
Playing style
Emre loves to have the ball at his feet. He has technique, speed, agility and elegance, which makes him a good dribbler. One of Emre's trademark moves is the inside hook, a trick to work space and increase options.Personal life
Belözoğlu and his long-time fiancé Tuğba Gürevin were married on 2 January 2009.The couple have a son, Ömer Akif, born in the morning of Tuesday 22 March 2011, at the American Hospital. The baby weighed 3.55 kg and was 50 cm tall at birth.
Controversy
After a post-match brawl in a 2006 World Cup qualification playoff2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (play-off UEFA)
The 2006 FIFA World Cup European Qualification Playoffs were a set of home-and-away playoffs to decide the final three places granted to national football teams from European nations for the 2006 FIFA World Cup....
match with Switzerland
Switzerland national football team
The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...
, Emre was banned for Turkey's next six matches and fined CHF
Swiss franc
The franc is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland and Liechtenstein; it is also legal tender in the Italian exclave Campione d'Italia. Although not formally legal tender in the German exclave Büsingen , it is in wide daily use there...
15,000 (£6,622) plus costs of CHF 1,000 (£440) for his alleged part in the brawl. The FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
Appeal Committee later reduced the ban to four matches.
On 12 January 2007, Emre was charged by The Football Association
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
with using racially-aggravated abusive and/or insulting words in an incident during a 3–0 loss to Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
on 30 December. Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
were unable to comment until Emre himself replied to the charge. He later stated he was angered by claims that he was racist, citing his friendship with roommate Obafemi Martins
Obafemi Martins
Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a striker for Rubin Kazan and the Nigeria national team. He is known for his speed on the ball....
as evidence he was not.
On 16 February 2007, the FA announced another investigation into alleged racist remarks from Emre, this time aimed against Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
striker El Hadji Diouf
El Hadji Diouf
El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf is a Senegalese footballer who currently plays for Doncaster Rovers. He can play on both wings as well as in attack. He has also garnered a large amount of notoriety for a series of controversial incidents.-Early career:Diouf started his career in France with...
. The incident allegedly took place during Bolton's 2–1 win at St James' Park
St James' Park
St James' Park, known for sponsorship reasons as the Sports Direct Arena, is an all-seater stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is the home of Newcastle United Football Club and is the sixth largest football stadium in the United Kingdom with a capacity of between 52,387 and 52,409.St James'...
on 15 October 2006. Emre's agent denied the accusation. Diouf subsequently decided not to press charges. However, on 1 March 2007, Emre faced a third racism allegation, when Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
defender Alhassan Bangura
Alhassan Bangura
Alhassan "Al" Bangura is a Sierra Leone footballer who plays for Forest Green Rovers as a midfielder.He has played for the Sierra Leone national team and is notable for having been the victim of human trafficking when he was a teenager and also the subject of a deportation case in the United...
claimed he was subject of racist abuse from Emre.
On 19 March 2007, the allegations of Emre using racially-aggravated abusive and/or insulting words during the Everton match were found not proven by the FA
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
.
His transfer from Inter Milan
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
to Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
in July 2005 is one of those about which the Stevens inquiry report in June 2007 expressed concerns.
External links
- DagInfo: "Lezgi from Dagestan" "My great-grandfather, Belez, the son of a village Miskindzha (Dagestan)"
- UEFA.com
- 123 Football Stats