Volkan Demirel

Former Fenerbahçe and Turkey goalkeeper, last managed Bodrum.

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Volkan Demirel (born 27 October 1981) is a Turkish football coach, pundit and former international goalkeeper. He last managed Süper Lig club Bodrum.

Quick Facts

Born: 27 October 1981
Birthplace: Istanbul, Turkey
Height: 1.91 m / 6 ft 3 in
Position: Goalkeeper
Total caps: 447

Lore & Background

Demirel was born in Fatih, Istanbul to a family from Artvin with Georgian and Laz roots. He joined Kartalspor as an 18-year-old in 1999 and became the starting goalkeeper the following year. He played in 51 matches over the next two seasons, earning a transfer to Fenerbahçe at the start of the 2002 season. For many years, he was the starting goalkeeper of Fenerbahçe and the Turkey national team.

Reader's Guide

Demirel made his debut for Fenerbahçe on 26 April 2003. He won Süper Lig titles in 2003–04, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2010–11, and 2013–14, and Turkish Cups in 2011–12 and 2012–13. He was the starting goalkeeper for Turkey at UEFA Euro 2008, reaching the semi-finals. He left the national team in 2014 after a dispute with a fan. He retired on 2 September 2019 and became an assistant coach at Fenerbahçe, then managed Fatih Karagümrük, Hatayspor, and Bodrum.

Did You Know?

Demirel saved one penalty in the shootout against Sevilla in the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League Round of 16; the third Sevilla penalty was missed by the shooter, not saved.
He is married to former Miss Belgium Zeynep Sever and has two daughters, Yade and Yeda.
His nickname is 'Ayı Volkan' ('Volkan the Bear'), which he takes in good humour.