Burak Yılmaz holds the distinct status as one of only two players in Turkish football history to have represented the Istanbul big three clubs—Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray—alongside Trabzonspor. Born in Antalya in 1985, the forward developed into a prolific goalscorer throughout a career spanning two decades across multiple continents, including significant spells in China and France.
Early Development and Antalyaspor
The son of former Antalyaspor goalkeeper Fikret Yılmaz, Burak Yılmaz began his professional career at Antalyaspor. He signed his first contract in July 2002 and debuted during the 2002–03 TFF First League season. Promoted to the senior squad at age 16, he eventually played 70 league matches for the club. His performance in the 2005–06 season helped secure the team's promotion to the Süper Lig, having scored 17 total league goals before departing for Beşiktaş.
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Yılmaz's career path involved frequent transitions between major Turkish clubs. Following his tenure at Beşiktaş and a stint at Manisaspor, he joined Fenerbahçe in 2008. He later moved to Trabzonspor in early 2010. Under manager Şenol Güneş, Yılmaz experienced a breakthrough, becoming the Süper Lig top scorer in the 2011–12 season with 33 goals. He secured two league titles during a subsequent four-year spell at Galatasaray, where he also established himself as a prominent figure in the UEFA Champions League, notably finishing as a top scorer in the 2012–13 group stage.
International and Global Impact
Beyond his domestic success, Yılmaz represented Turkey at various youth levels from 2001 until his senior debut against Azerbaijan in 2006. He concluded his international career in 2022, retiring with 31 goals, placing him as the second-highest all-time goalscorer for the national team behind Hakan Şükür. His professional journey also included international appearances for Beijing Guoan in China, where he scored 28 goals, and a pivotal season at French club Lille, where he contributed to the team winning its first league title in ten years.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 July 1985, Antalya
- Educated at: Antalya High School
- Professional debut: 2002–03 season
- National team goal tally: 31
- Süper Lig top scorer seasons: 2011–12 and 2012–13
- Club record: 33 goals in 2011–12 regular season
- Last coached: Gaziantep
- Final national team appearance: 2022
Questions readers ask
Which clubs did Burak Yılmaz play for in Turkey?
He played for the Big Three Istanbul clubs—Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray—as well as Antalyaspor, Manisaspor, Eskişehirspor, and Trabzonspor.
How many goals did he score for the Turkish national team?
Burak Yılmaz scored 31 goals for the Turkish senior national team.
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