Hakan Çalhanoğlu: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Karlsruher SC

Hakan Çalhanoğlu embarked on his professional journey with Karlsruher SC in the 2. Bundesliga in February 2012, following his promotion from the youth team. Although Karlsruher was relegated to the 3. Liga at the end of his first season, he stayed committed to the club, significantly contributing to their bounce back to the second tier by winning the third division the following season.

Hamburger SV

In the 2012 summer transfer window, Çalhanoğlu signed with Hamburger SV and was loaned back to Karlsruhe for a season. He made his Bundesliga debut for Hamburg on August 11, 2013, in a thrilling 3–3 draw against Schalke 04. His first goals for the club came in a 4-0 victory against Eintracht Braunschweig, where he netted twice after coming on as a substitute.

Bayer Leverkusen

In 2014, Çalhanoğlu transferred to Bayer Leverkusen for €14.5 million. His tenure at the club was marked by numerous significant performances, including a notable free-kick against Borussia Dortmund and helping the team secure victories in the UEFA Champions League.

AC Milan

Çalhanoğlu joined AC Milan in July 2017, donning the illustrious number 10 jersey. He made immediate impacts, contributing to the club's progress in European competitions and scoring crucial goals in Serie A.

Inter Milan

Joining Inter Milan in 2021 on a free transfer, Çalhanoğlu immediately made his mark by scoring and assisting on his debut against Genoa. He continued to deliver standout performances, including a pivotal goal and player of the match recognition in a Champions League match against Porto.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Çalhanoğlu began his international career with Turkey at the U-16 level and played in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored in a group stage victory.

Senior National Team

Çalhanoğlu made his senior international debut in 2013 and has since participated in multiple UEFA European Championships, scoring important goals and assuming the captaincy of the national team following Burak Yılmaz's retirement. He became the first Turk to score against England in 2016 and has continued to be a vital player for Turkey.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu is a prominent professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a midfielder. He plays for Serie A club Inter Milan, where he has established himself as a reliable playmaker and penalty taker. Having been born in Germany, Çalhanoğlu chose to represent Turkey at the international level, eventually becoming the team's captain. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for his extraordinary free-kick abilities and has made significant contributions to his clubs and country's success.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• Inter Milan: Serie A Champion (2023–24), Coppa Italia (2021–22, 2022–23), Supercoppa Italiana (2021, 2022, 2023)

Individual Achievements

• 1. Liga Player of the Season (2012–13)
• Turkish Footballer of the Year (2021)
• Serie A Player of the Month (December 2020, November 2021)
• Serie A Team of the Year (2022–23, 2023–24)
• Serie A Best Midfielder (2023–24)

Awards and Recognition

Çalhanoğlu's career has been marked by prestigious individual awards, including multiple recognitions as the best midfielder in Serie A, underlining his influence on the field.

Career Overview

Hakan Çalhanoğlu's career is characterized by his influence on the pitch, demonstrated by his role as a key player for top European clubs and his leadership in the Turkish national team. His legacy includes being a tactical leader and a free-kick specialist, contributing significantly to his teams' successes.

Off the Field

Çalhanoğlu has engaged with fans through social media and has shown support for various causes, although he has faced criticism for some of his public political stances. Nevertheless, his image as a talented and influential player remains strong.

Personal Life

Çalhanoğlu is married to Sinem Gündoğdu, and together they have three children. His dedication to family mirrors his commitment on the field. He has a brother and a cousin who are also involved in football, underlining a family legacy deeply intertwined with the sport.