Muzzy Izzet

Leicester City legend and Turkish international midfielder.

Mustafa Kemal "Muzzy" Izzet (born 31 October 1974) is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Chelsea, Leicester City, and Birmingham City between 1993 and 2006. Born in England, he played for the Turkey national team internationally. He was part of the Turkey squad for UEFA Euro 2000 and the squad that won bronze at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Quick Facts

Full name: Mustafa Kemal Izzet
Born: 31 October 1974
Birthplace: Mile End, London, England
Height: 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in
Position: Midfielder
Total caps: 296
Total goals: 39

Lore & Background

Izzet signed as a schoolboy for Chelsea but never made a first team appearance. He moved to Leicester City on loan in March 1996, making the move permanent for £800,000 after Leicester beat Crystal Palace in the play-offs. He formed a key midfield partnership with Neil Lennon. He won the League Cup with Leicester in 1996–97 and 1999–2000, and was a runner-up in 1998–99.

He submitted a transfer request in autumn 2001 but rejected a move to Middlesbrough. He withdrew his transfer request in March 2003 as Leicester secured promotion. He joined Birmingham City on a free transfer in June 2004. He scored his only goal for Birmingham against Bolton Wanderers in September 2004, an equaliser.

He suffered a knee injury on 3 October 2004 and retired in June 2006. He made a one-off return for Thurmaston Town in November 2009. He made nine appearances for Turkey, including at Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup.

Reader's Guide

Izzet is best known for his time at Leicester City, where he was a regular midfielder and won two League Cups. He later played for Birmingham City but was limited by injury. He represented Turkey at Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, where Turkey won bronze. After retiring, he runs a football academy with Steve Walsh and published his autobiography in September 2015.

Did You Know?

He assisted 14 of Leicester's 48 goals in the 2003–04 season, or 29% of the club's goals.
Izzet was awarded the Turkish State Medal of Distinguished Service.