A professional footballer playing as a defensive midfielder for Serie A club Inter Milan, Hakan Çalhanoğlu began his career in 2010 at German second division club Karlsruher SC. Born in Mannheim in 1994, he currently represents and captains the Turkey national team, having made his senior international debut in 2013 after advancing through youth levels.
Early Career and Move to Hamburger SV
Çalhanoğlu progressed from the under-19 team to the Karlsruher SC senior squad in February 2012. After the team's relegation to the 3. Liga, he signed a four-year agreement with Hamburger SV in the summer of 2012, spending an additional season on loan at his original club, where he helped them return to the second tier. His Bundesliga debut occurred on 11 August 2013 during a 3–3 draw against Schalke 04. During his tenure at Hamburg, he scored a notable 41-yard free kick against Borussia Dortmund on 20 February 2014, eventually extending his contract until 2018 before his departure later that year.
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On 4 July 2014, Çalhanoğlu moved to Bayer Leverkusen for a €14.5 million fee. His three-season tenure included 115 official appearances and 28 goals. He gained prominence in the UEFA Champions League, notably scoring against Atlético Madrid in 2015. However, his time at the club was also marked by a four-month FIFA ban issued in February 2017. This disciplinary action followed a breach of contract related to a 2011 agreement with the Turkish club Trabzonspor, which resulted in a €100,000 fine.
Transition to Italian Football
Çalhanoğlu joined AC Milan on 3 July 2017 on a four-year contract for an initial fee of €20 million, receiving the number 10 jersey. His competitive debut for the Rossoneri occurred in the Europa League against Universitatea Craiova. Following his time at AC Milan, he joined city rivals Inter Milan on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. Throughout his international career for Turkey, he has been involved in multiple tournament squads, including participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 February 1994, Mannheim
- Primary position: Defensive midfielder
- Initial transfer fee to AC Milan: €20 million
- Senior international debut: 2013
- Current club: Inter Milan
- Citizenship: Turkey and Germany
- 2016–17 FIFA ban duration: Four months
Questions readers ask
Which professional clubs has Hakan Çalhanoğlu played for?
He has played for Karlsruher SC, Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan, and Inter Milan.
What caused his four-month suspension from FIFA?
The ban was a result of a breach of contract regarding an agreement signed with Trabzonspor in 2011 while he was at Karlsruher SC.
