Fehmi Alpay Özalan is a retired Turkish professional footballer who played as a central defender for clubs including Beşiktaş, Aston Villa, and Urawa Red Diamonds. A key member of the team that finished third at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he later transitioned into politics. He currently serves as a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
Fehmi Alpay Özalan, born in İzmir on 29 May 1973, established a high-profile career as a central defender across global leagues before transitioning into Turkish national politics. Recognized for his defensive presence, he accumulated 90 international appearances for Turkey, participating in two European Championships and playing a pivotal role in the country’s third-place finish at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Early Career and Turkish League Play
Özalan began his senior playing career at Soma Linyitspor in the TFF Third League. His early performances attracted attention from major domestic clubs, leading to his 1993 move to Beşiktaş. During his six-year tenure with the club, he played 148 matches and scored nine goals, while concurrently setting a record by receiving three red cards in six months. Following this stint, he briefly represented Fenerbahçe, where he made 26 appearances and scored three goals.
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Following his performance at Euro 2000, he signed with Aston Villa. He became a significant defensive presence until a series of incidents, including a high-profile confrontation with David Beckham during a 2003 Euro 2004 qualifier, damaged his standing in England. His contract was terminated by the club in October 2003. Despite the controversy, his performance in the 2002 World Cup earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
Global Club Transitions
After leaving England, Özalan played for South Korean side Incheon United and subsequently moved to Japan to represent the Urawa Red Diamonds, where he earned the best defender of the year award in his debut season. His later years included a tenure with 1. FC Köln in Germany. After retiring from professional play, he pivoted to football management, notably serving as the manager for Samsunspor FC.
Parliamentary Career
In the general elections held on 24 June 2018, Özalan was elected to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, representing the Justice and Development Party (AKP) for the province of İzmir. His political career has occasionally mirrored the confrontational style of his athletic past, including a documented 2021 brawl in parliament involving Republican People's Party politician Özgür Özel.
Fast facts
- Full Name: Fehmi Alpay Özalan
- Born: 29 May 1973, İzmir, Turkey
- International Caps: 90
- 2002 World Cup Result: Third place
- Political Party: Justice and Development Party (AKP)
- Professional Debut: Soma Linyitspor
- Languages: Turkish
Questions readers ask
Did Alpay Özalan win any individual awards during his football career?
Yes, he was selected for the Team of the Tournament at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and was named the best defender of the year during his first season with the Urawa Red Diamonds.
What political role does Alpay Özalan currently hold?
He is a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, representing the province of İzmir since his election in 2018.
