Emre Belözoğlu

Emre Belözoğlu (Turkish pronunciation: [emˈɾe beˈlœzoːɫu], born 7 September 1980) is a Turkish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. A playmaker, his past clubs include Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Atlético Madrid, İstanbul Başakşehir and Fenerbahçe. He is currently the director of football of Fenerbahçe.

Emre Belözoğlu
Belözoğlu with Fenerbahçe in 2019
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
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)
National team
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)
Teams managed
2020– Fenerbahçe (sporting director)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Belözoğlu was a part of the Turkish 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. Pelé named him in the FIFA 100, a list of the 125 greatest living footballers as a part of FIFA's centenary celebrations.[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. Emre gained much popularity and fame, and also hate because of his aggressive behaviour.

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 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 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 2-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 – 2nd 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 F.K. (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]

Fenerbahçe – 3rd spell (2019–2020)

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

International career
Belözoğlu captaining Turkey in 2010

Since making his international debut against Norway in 2000, Belözoğlu 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. 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]

Style of play

A versatile midfielder, Emre is capable of playing in the middle of the pitch as a central midfielder, as an advanced playmaker, or even on the left. He is mainly known for his technical ability and tactical sense.[21]

Personal life

Belözoğlu is a practising Muslim and has said; "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".[22]

Controversy
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.[23]

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.[24]

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 was charged by The Football Association in January 2007 and found not guilty by an independent commission in March.[25]

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.[26] Diouf subsequently decided not to press charges.[27]

In March 2007, Belözoğlu faced a third racism allegation, from Watford defender Alhassan Bangura.[28] He was cleared of any wrongdoing.[29]

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.[30] On 17 June 2014, Belözoğlu was sentenced to a two-and-a-half-month suspended prison sentence as a result of the abuse, with the crime constituted as an insult crime. He is the first Turkish footballer to be sentenced for racism.[31]

Career statistics

Club
Club Season League Cup[nb 1] Europe[nb 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
Total 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
Total 2630000263
Career Total 531 60 66 8 115 11 716 81

International
Turkey
YearAppsGoals
200041
200150
2002132
200370
200470
200570
200610
200781
200871
200961
201091
201161
201291
201320
201420
201500
201600
201710
201800
201960
Total1019

International goals

Honours

Galatasaray

Inter Milan

Newcastle United

Fenerbahçe

Atlético Madrid

  • UEFA Super Cup: 2012

Turkey

Individual

  • FIFA 100
  • Pirata d'Oro (Inter Milan Player of the Year): 2003[32]
  • Süper Lig Player of the Season: 2009–10

See also

Notes
  1. Includes Süper Kupa, Supercoppa Italiana, Football League Cup
  2. Includes UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup

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. "Emre Belozoglu Player Profile". World Soccer Magazine. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
  5. "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. "Yuvana hoş geldin Emre Belözoğlu" [Welcome back home Emre Belözoğlu]. Fenerbahçe S.K. (in Turkish). 2 July 2019. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  18. "Emre Belözoğlu'ndan emeklilik açıklaması!" [Retirement statement from Emre Belözoğlu!]. aspor.com.tr (in Turkish). 30 April 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
  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. "ECCO CHI E' EMRE, CENTROCAMPISTA DUTTILE, MA SEGNA GOL ALLA MARADONA" (in Italian). FC Internazionale. 9 May 2001. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  22. "Pride and prejudice?". Dadyal Online. 24 October 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  23. "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.
  24. "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
  25. "Emre cleared of racism charge". The Guardian. Press Association. 19 March 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  26. "FA to probe new Belözoğlu race claims". BBC Sport. London: BBC. 16 February 2007. Retrieved 16 February 2007.
  27. "Diouf drops Emre racism allegation". The Bolton News. 2 March 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  28. "Belözoğlu faces new racism allegation". BBC Sport. London. 1 March 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2007.
  29. "Problem kid Emre to team up with Arda at Atletico". Hürriyet Daily News. 30 May 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  30. "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.
  31. "Emre Belözoglu imprisoned". BBC Sport.
  32. 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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