Bülent Korkmaz

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Korkmaz started at Galatasaray's academy as a goalkeeper in 1979 before switching to defender on his youth coach's advice. At 16, Bayer Leverkusen offered him a professional contract, but he chose to stay at Galatasaray, being promoted to the senior squad in 1987. He was part of the squad that reached the 1988–89 UEFA European Cup semi-finals. During the 2000 UEFA Cup Final against Arsenal, he dislocated his shoulder but refused to leave the game, continuing after on-field physio treatment as Galatasaray won after extra time. Despite the injury, he recovered in time to participate in UEFA Euro 2000, where he played in matches.

In Their Own Story

The 2000 UEFA Cup Final in Copenhagen was a battle of wills. With Galatasaray locked in extra time against Arsenal, Bülent Korkmaz felt his shoulder pop out of its socket. Pain shot through his arm, but the Great Captain waved off the stretcher. After quick treatment on the pitch, he returned to the heart of defense, organizing his teammates and clearing every ball that came near. When the final whistle blew, Galatasaray had won the cup. Korkmaz had played through agony for the club he loved. That shoulder injury, however, forced him to miss the UEFA Euro 2000 tournament—a sacrifice he made without regret.

Reader's Guide

Bülent Korkmaz was a one-club man, playing as a centre-back for Galatasaray for 18 consecutive seasons from 1987 to 2005. He won 8 Süper Lig titles (1987–88, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–00, 2001–02), 6 Turkish Cups, and 5 Turkish Super Cups. His European honors include the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup and 2000 UEFA Super Cup. He earned 102 caps for Turkey, finishing third at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and third at the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, and also played at EURO 96. After retiring, he managed several clubs including Galatasaray in 2009, leading Karabükspor to a Turkish Cup semi-final in 2011–12, and returning to Antalyaspor in 2026.

Did You Know?

• Korkmaz started his career as a goalkeeper at Galatasaray's academy in 1979 before switching to defender on his youth coach's advice.
• He dislocated his shoulder during the 2000 UEFA Cup Final but continued playing until the end after on-field treatment, helping Galatasaray win the cup.
• Despite the shoulder injury from the final, he recovered in time to play for Turkey at UEFA Euro 2000.
• His younger brother Mert Korkmaz also played for Galatasaray and earned 5 caps for Turkey.