İbrahim Üzülmez

Who is İbrahim Üzülmez?

İbrahim Üzülmez is a former Turkish footballer who retired after being sacked from his last club, Beşiktaş J.K., for which he used to be captain, after a disciplinary breach.

He was born to a family of farmers in İzmit. He would often sneak out of doing his farmer duties to go play football with friends. It was always his dream to play for Beşiktaş J.K. one day, as he listened to all their matches on the radio.

At the age of 16, he was spotted playing football with his friends in the small town of Gönen, some people passing by were so amazed by his skill that they took it upon themselves to call in scouts to watch his play. Gönenspor immediately signed him and he played there for 1 year. He was then transferred to slightly bigger club Karabükspor. Üzülmez then did his national military duties and on his return, he signed for Turkish Premier League team Gaziantepspor. Gaziantepspor was his first major professional team he played for, he stayed there for 1.5 years. When the transfer season opened, his dreams were made reality when Beşiktaş J.K. came knocking on his door.He really shined in the 2002/2003 season and was selected for the Turkish National Team. With legendary player Sergen Yalçın's departure from the club and Tümer Metin's shock signing with rivals Fenerbahçe; in 2006, Beşiktaş J.K. named its new captain, Üzülmez. His performance against Barcelona in 2000–01 UEFA Champions League group stage still remembered, He helped his team for a famous 3-0 win.