Bülent Korkmaz

Lore & Background

Korkmaz started his career at Galatasaray Futbol Akademisi as a goalkeeper in 1979, changing to defender on his youth coach's advice. He was offered a professional contract by Bayer Leverkusen at age 16 but chose to stay at Galatasaray, being promoted to the senior squad in 1987. During the 2000 UEFA Cup Final, he dislocated his shoulder but continued after physio treatment, and Galatasaray won. The injury caused him to miss UEFA Euro 2000. He was part of the Turkey squad that finished third at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and third at the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, and also represented Turkey in EURO 96.

Reader's Guide

Korkmaz's coaching career includes assistant manager at Gençlerbirliği S.K. (2005), head coach at Kayseri Erciyesspor (2007, reaching Turkish Cup final but relegating), Galatasaray (2009, sacked after 7 wins in 15 games), Karabükspor (2011, avoiding relegation and reaching Turkish Cup semi-finals), İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyespor (2012, relegated and contract terminated in 2013), and a return to Antalyaspor on 26 June 2026.

Did You Know?

• His younger brother Mert Korkmaz also played for Galatasaray and earned 5 caps for Turkey.
• He was invited to play in a FIFA XI squad against a Japan & Korea XI at the World Dream Soccer exhibition on 3 January 2001.