Okan Buruk

Lore & Background

As a midfielder, Buruk enjoyed a successful playing career spanning nearly two decades. He played for prominent clubs, including Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Beşiktaş, and İstanbul Başakşehir. During his time at Galatasaray, he won six Süper Lig titles, four Turkish Cups, and was an instrumental part of the squad that won the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup, making Galatasaray the first Turkish team to achieve this milestone. He was also named Man of the Match in Galatasaray's 2–1 victory over Real Madrid in the 2000 UEFA Super Cup. Internationally, Buruk earned 56 caps for the Turkey national team. He represented Turkey at UEFA Euro 2000 and was in the squad that won the bronze medal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the nation's best-ever finish in the tournament. As a manager, Buruk achieved notable success. He guided Istanbul Başakşehir to their first-ever Süper Lig title in the 2019–20 Süper Lig season, becoming only the second manager to achieve this without leading a Big 4 team. His managerial success continued with Galatasaray, where he led the team to four consecutive Süper Lig titles in the 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons. Buruk is recognized for his high-tempo pressing football and his player-management skills.

Reader's Guide

Okan Buruk began his professional football career with Galatasaray on 1 July 1992, playing until 30 June 2001. He transferred to Inter Milan in 2001, making his Serie A debut on 26 August 2001. He played for Inter until 30 June 2004. On 1 July 2004, he signed with Beşiktaş, winning the Turkish Cup on 3 May 2006. On 1 July 2006, he rejoined Galatasaray on a two-year contract, securing the 2007–08 Süper Lig title on 11 May 2008. On 1 July 2008, he signed a two-year deal with İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyespor, retiring on 22 May 2010 after a friendly match against the Czech Republic in Leipzig. As a manager, he served as assistant coach of the Turkey national team from November 2011. He signed with Elazığspor on 30 October 2013, resigning on 2 June 2014 after relegation. He then managed Gaziantepspor, Sivasspor, Göztepe (resigning on 22 March 2017), Akhisarspor (winning the Turkish Cup on 10 May 2018, parting ways on 14 June 2018), and Çaykur Rizespor (appointed 19 September 2018).

Did You Know?

• Buruk scored Turkey's first-ever goal in a UEFA European Championship final tournament, a header against Italy at Euro 2000.
• He scored a hat-trick against Moldova during the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
• His only appearance at the 2002 World Cup was as a substitute in the third-place play-off against South Korea.