Sercan Yildirim
Encyclopedia
Sercan Yıldırım (ˈseɾdʒan ˈjɯɫdɯˈɾɯm; born 5 April 1990) is a Turkish
footballer playing for Galatasaray
as a striker and also for the Turkish national team
. In 2011 he was placed 20th in the FIFA
ranking of Europe's Most Promising Young Players.
Yıldırım started his career at Bursaspor
. He broke into the first team in the 2007–08 season making his league debut as a second half substitute in a 1–0 away defeat at Istanbul B.B in September 2007. He scored his first senior goal for the club three games later in a 2–0 win at Kasımpaşa
. His first season saw him only featured eight times for the senior team.
2008–09 season
The 2008–09
season saw him score four goals in as many games getting a brace against both Gençlerbirliği in the second game of the season and also against Kocaelispor
two games later. He also got on the scoresheet against Galatasaray
in October 2008. His great start to the season caught the eye of bigger European clubs. In October 2008 it was rumoured that Manchester United
were interested in him. The 2008–09 season saw him finish as Bursaspor's top goalscorer in both the league and in all competitions, netting 11 goals in 30 appearances in the Super Lig and 14 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions.
There was much speculation in the summer 2009 transfer window regarding his transfer from Bursaspor
. Istanbul
giants Fenerbahçe were thought to be most likely to sign him, although there were stories saying that, Manchester City
, Wigan Athletic
were also interested in him. Throughout the summer speculation continued with Manchester United, and they were said to be preparing a £3.5m bid for the stiker. However, no move occurred and in early August he started the season playing for Bursaspor.
2009–10 season
At the beginning of the 2009–10 Süper Lig season, Yıldırım again got off to a flying start, scoring two goals in as many games, in a win over Kasımpaşa
and a defeat to Eskişehirspor
. After an injury in September he was sidelined for six weeks. He returned to action in November. He scored a hat-trick in a Turkish Cup game against Sivasspor
in January 2010, sending Bursaspor through to the semi-finals against Fenerbahce. In May 2010 Green Crocs were crowned Champions, by just a single point. They are only the second club outside the Istanbul "Big Three" who have won the league. Trabzonspor were the other team, who last won in 1984.
2010-11 season
Like the year before, Sercan started well and scored the only goal in Bursaspor's 1-0 victory in the opening match against Konyaspor
. In March 2011, he was close to signing a 4-year contract with the Russian side FC Lokomotiv Moscow
, but he failed his physical due to knee problems and Lokomotiv decided not to sign him.
finally agreed on a price with Galatasaray
for Sercan. He agreed on a five year deal (until the 2015-2016 season) with Turkish
club. The club paid a €3 million + Musa Çağıran
to Bursaspor
He gave an assist to Johan Elmander
with his backheel on 9 September 2011 in a game between Galatasaray
and Samsunspor
which Galatasaray
won 3-1
. Whilst playing for the Under-16 level during 2006, he scored 12 goals in 10 games, including a hattrick and three braces. He currently has four caps for the senior squad.
He received his first call up to the Turkish
senior squad by Fatih Terim
in March 2009, for two 2010 World Cup Qualifying
games against Spain
, however he was an unused substitute.
He made his debut for Turkey in a friendly against Azerbaijan
on 2 June 2009, coming on as a second half substitute for Tuncay Şanlı
. On 12 August 2009, in a friendly against the Ukraine
, he registered 2 assists in Turkey's 3–0 win. He scored his first goal for Turkey on 5 September 2009 in Turkey's World Cup qualification game against Estonia
.
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
footballer playing for 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....
as a striker and also for the Turkish 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...
. In 2011 he was placed 20th in 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...
ranking of Europe's Most Promising Young Players.
Bursaspor
2007–08 seasonYıldırım started his career at Bursaspor
Bursaspor
Bursaspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Bursa. Formed in 1963, Bursaspor are nicknamed the Yeşil Timsahlar...
. He broke into the first team in the 2007–08 season making his league debut as a second half substitute in a 1–0 away defeat at Istanbul B.B in September 2007. He scored his first senior goal for the club three games later in a 2–0 win at Kasımpaşa
Kasimpasa S.K.
Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü is a Turkish football club located in Istanbul, Turkey. They play their home games in the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium. The club was founded in 1921 as Altıntuğ. They played in the Istanbul First League between 1939–1945 and 1946–1959. The club was promoted to the Turkish...
. His first season saw him only featured eight times for the senior team.
2008–09 season
The 2008–09
Süper Lig 2008-09
Süper Lig 2008–09 was the fifty-first season since its establishment. It began on 22 August 2008 and ended on 31 May 2009. Galatasaray were the defending champions....
season saw him score four goals in as many games getting a brace against both Gençlerbirliği in the second game of the season and also against Kocaelispor
Kocaelispor
Kocaelispor, is the football team of İzmit, Turkey. They were founded in 1966 and played in the Turkish football league between 1980–1988 and 1992–2003. The best result for them was the 4th position in 1992–93 season...
two games later. He also got on the scoresheet against 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....
in October 2008. His great start to the season caught the eye of bigger European clubs. In October 2008 it was rumoured that Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
were interested in him. The 2008–09 season saw him finish as Bursaspor's top goalscorer in both the league and in all competitions, netting 11 goals in 30 appearances in the Super Lig and 14 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions.
There was much speculation in the summer 2009 transfer window regarding his transfer from Bursaspor
Bursaspor
Bursaspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Bursa. Formed in 1963, Bursaspor are nicknamed the Yeşil Timsahlar...
. 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...
giants Fenerbahçe were thought to be most likely to sign him, although there were stories saying that, Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
, Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
were also interested in him. Throughout the summer speculation continued with Manchester United, and they were said to be preparing a £3.5m bid for the stiker. However, no move occurred and in early August he started the season playing for Bursaspor.
2009–10 season
At the beginning of the 2009–10 Süper Lig season, Yıldırım again got off to a flying start, scoring two goals in as many games, in a win over Kasımpaşa
Kasimpasa S.K.
Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü is a Turkish football club located in Istanbul, Turkey. They play their home games in the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium. The club was founded in 1921 as Altıntuğ. They played in the Istanbul First League between 1939–1945 and 1946–1959. The club was promoted to the Turkish...
and a defeat to Eskişehirspor
Eskisehirspor
Eskişehirspor is a football club in Eskişehir, Turkey. Also known as Kırmızı Şimşekler or The Star of Anatolia. The club was founded in 1965 and started a football revolution in Anatolia. Eskişehirspor started a long term stay in the first league in Turkey when they were founded. This term lasted...
. After an injury in September he was sidelined for six weeks. He returned to action in November. He scored a hat-trick in a Turkish Cup game against Sivasspor
Sivasspor
Sivasspor is a Turkish sports club based in Sivas, Turkey formed in the year 1967. They play in the Turkish Süper Lig. Their manager is currently Riza Calimbay. They finished 15th in the 2010–11 Süper Lig. Their current captain is Hayrettin Yerlikaya....
in January 2010, sending Bursaspor through to the semi-finals against Fenerbahce. In May 2010 Green Crocs were crowned Champions, by just a single point. They are only the second club outside the Istanbul "Big Three" who have won the league. Trabzonspor were the other team, who last won in 1984.
2010-11 season
Like the year before, Sercan started well and scored the only goal in Bursaspor's 1-0 victory in the opening match against Konyaspor
Konyaspor
Konyaspor is a professional Turkish football club based in Konya. Konyaspor currently play in the Süper Lig. The club was founded in 1922 but then reformed in 1981. The club colours are green and white and they play their home games at Konya Atatürk Stadium....
. In March 2011, he was close to signing a 4-year contract with the Russian side FC Lokomotiv Moscow
FC Lokomotiv Moscow
The following years were rather successful as Lokomotiv were consistent in the national championships. However, performances after World War II suffered and actually in the space of five year Lokomotiv were relegated to the Soviet First League twice. In 1951, Lokomotiv came second and eventually...
, but he failed his physical due to knee problems and Lokomotiv decided not to sign him.
Galatasaray
On 5 September 2011, after days of negotiation, BursasporBursaspor
Bursaspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Bursa. Formed in 1963, Bursaspor are nicknamed the Yeşil Timsahlar...
finally agreed on a price with 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....
for Sercan. He agreed on a five year deal (until the 2015-2016 season) with Turkish
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
club. The club paid a €3 million + Musa Çağıran
Musa Çağıran
Musa Çağıran is a Turkish footballer who plays for Bursaspor.-Career:He signed for Galatasaray on 3 February 2010, signing a three-year contract but was allowed to see out the rest of the season at Altay.-Career statistics:...
to Bursaspor
Bursaspor
Bursaspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Bursa. Formed in 1963, Bursaspor are nicknamed the Yeşil Timsahlar...
He gave an assist to Johan Elmander
Johan Elmander
Johan Erik Calvin Elmander is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Galatasaray and the Sweden national football team. He joined in a free transfer after his contract with English club Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League expired...
with his backheel on 9 September 2011 in a game between 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....
and Samsunspor
Samsunspor
Samsunspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Samsun. The club was formed through a merger of five clubs: 19 Mayıs, Akınspor, Fener Gençlik, Samsunspor, and Samsunspor Galatasaray. The club colours are red and white, and they play their home matches at Samsun 19 Mayıs...
which 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....
won 3-1
International career
Yıldırım has played at every age group for the Turkish Youth International TeamTurkey national youth football team
- Turkey National Under-19 Squad :The Turkey national under-19 football team is the national youth football team of Turkey.-Current Squad:* Coach: Abdullah Ercan* Assistant Coach: Soner Tolungüç...
. Whilst playing for the Under-16 level during 2006, he scored 12 goals in 10 games, including a hattrick and three braces. He currently has four caps for the senior squad.
He received his first call up to the Turkish
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...
senior squad by 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....
in March 2009, for two 2010 World Cup Qualifying
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...
games against Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
, however he was an unused substitute.
He made his debut for Turkey in a friendly against Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan national football team
The Azerbaijan national football team is the national football team of Azerbaijan and is controlled by Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan...
on 2 June 2009, coming on as a second half substitute for Tuncay Şanlı
Tuncay Sanli
Tuncay Şanlı , or simply Tuncay, is a Turkish footballer who plays for Bolton Wanderers, on loan from VfL Wolfsburg.His natural position is as a striker, but he can also play as an attacking midfielder or on either wing. Tuncay captains the Turkish national team...
. On 12 August 2009, in a friendly against the Ukraine
Ukraine national football team
The Ukraine national football team is the national football team of Ukraine and is controlled by the Football Federation of Ukraine. After Ukrainian Independence and breakaway from the Soviet Union, they played their first match against Hungary on 29 April 1992...
, he registered 2 assists in Turkey's 3–0 win. He scored his first goal for Turkey on 5 September 2009 in Turkey's World Cup qualification game against Estonia
Estonia national football team
The Estonia national football team represents Estonia in international association football. Team members are selected by the head coach of Estonian Football Association . Estonia play their home matches at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, Estonia....
.
Career statistics
Correct as of 5 September 2011| Club | Season | League | Cup | Europe | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Bursaspor Bursaspor Bursaspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Bursa. Formed in 1963, Bursaspor are nicknamed the Yeşil Timsahlar... |
2007–08 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 | |||||
| 11 | 1 | |||||||||
| 2008–09 | 30 | 11 | 5 | 3 | ||||||
| 35 | 14 | |||||||||
| 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... |
21 | 4 | 4 | 3 | ||||||
| 25 | 7 | |||||||||
| 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... |
22 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 31 | 8 | ||
| Total | 81 | 23 | 15 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 103 | 30 | ||
| 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.... |
||||||||||
| 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 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 3 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 84 | 23 | 15 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 106 | 30 | ||
International goals
Correct as of 26 May 2010| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 5 September 2009 | Kadir Has Stadium, Kayseri Kayseri Kayseri is a large and industrialized city in Central Anatolia, Turkey. It is the seat of Kayseri Province. The city of Kayseri, as defined by the boundaries of Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality, is structurally composed of five metropolitan districts, the two core districts of Kocasinan and... , Turkey Turkey Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe... |
2–1 | 4–2 | 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... |
|
| 2. | 26 May 2010 | Veterans Stadium, New Britain New Britain, Connecticut New Britain is a city in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. It is located approximately 9 miles southwest of Hartford. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 71,254.... , Connecticut Connecticut Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately... |
1–0 | 2–0 | Friendly | |
Individual
- He is the first Turkish footballer who scored in Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueThe 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...
in BursasporBursasporBursaspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Bursa. Formed in 1963, Bursaspor are nicknamed the Yeşil Timsahlar...
history. - BursasporBursasporBursaspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Bursa. Formed in 1963, Bursaspor are nicknamed the Yeşil Timsahlar...
top scorer in the Süper Lig, and in all competitions: 2008–09