A professional football career that spanned from 2007 until November 2024, Ömer Toprak transitioned from a youth player in Ravensburg to an assistant coach at Real Sociedad. Born in 1989 in Germany to Turkish immigrant parents, he maintained dual citizenship throughout his tenure in various European leagues and represented the Turkey national team on the international stage.
Early Development and SC Freiburg
Toprak began playing football at TSB Ravensburg in 1994, later moving to FV Ravensburg in 2001. In 2005, he signed with SC Freiburg, securing a professional contract for the 2007–08 season. He performed with the reserve team in 22 games and the U19 squad before establishing himself in the first team. During the 2008–09 season, Freiburg achieved promotion to the top flight after winning the 2. Bundesliga, following a victory over VfL Osnabrück. Toprak contributed 4 goals across 26 league appearances during that campaign.
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A severe karting accident on 9 June 2009 resulted in burn injuries, forcing Toprak to miss the first half of the 2009–10 season. He recovered to resume training within four months, later scoring against Hamburger SV. In 2011, he joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen for a fee between €2 and €3 million to replace Sami Hyypiä. His tenure included Champions League appearances and a contract extension signed in 2014. After his time in Leverkusen, he moved to Borussia Dortmund, where he won the DFL-Supercup in 2019.
International Representation and Later Career
Toprak initially played for the Germany U19 team, helping them win the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. In 2011, coach Guus Hiddink called him up to the Turkey national team. His debut occurred on 15 November 2011 against Croatia during the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs at Stadion Maksimir. In August 2019, he joined Werder Bremen on loan with a purchase obligation, completing a permanent transfer in July 2020. He finalized his playing career after two seasons with Antalyaspor, which began in June 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 July 1989, Ravensburg
- Citizenship: Turkey and Germany
- Professional Debut: 2007
- Retirement: November 2024
- Positions: Association football player and coach
- Notable Honours: 2. Bundesliga 2008–09, DFL-Supercup 2019, 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Championship
Questions readers ask
Did Ömer Toprak play for the German national team?
He represented the Germany U19 team during the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, but played for the Turkey national team at the senior level.
What led to his departure from active play?
Toprak retired from professional football in November 2024 and transitioned into coaching.
