Ümit Davala

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Davala joined Galatasaray in 1997 after spells with VfR Mannheim, ASV Feudenheim, Türkspor Mannheim, Afyonspor, Diyarbakırspor and İstanbulspor. He won three successive Turkish championships. In 2000, he helped the club win the Turkish Cup by scoring two goals in the final against Beşiktaş. In the same year, he helped the club win the 2000 UEFA Cup final against Arsenal and the 2000 UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid. In September 2001, Davala transferred to Milan in a €5 million deal to follow his former coach at Galatasaray, Fatih Terim, who had been named head coach of Milan. However, in November, Terim was fired and replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, after which Davala lost his first-team place.

In Their Own Story

In June 2002, Davala was sold to Inter Milan in exchange for Dario Šimić, but was immediately loaned to Galatasaray. In July 2003, he was loaned to Werder Bremen, helping the club win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. In July 2004, he was signed permanently by Bremen, but injuries limited his appearances. A hip injury suffered in October 2005 proved too difficult, and over the winter break of the 2005–06 season, Davala was released by the club. He subsequently retired from professional football. At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he stood out for his mohawk hair style and scored a goal against PR China in the group stage, adding the winner against Japan in the second round. He also provided the cross that resulted in İlhan Mansız's golden goal against Senegal in the quarter-finals. Turkey would finish the tournament in third place.

Reader's Guide

Davala played as a defender or midfielder. At Galatasaray, he won four Süper Lig titles (1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000) and three Turkish Cups (1995–96, 1998–99, 1999–2000). His European highlights include the 2000 UEFA Cup final against Arsenal and the 2000 UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid. After leaving Galatasaray, he won the 2003–04 Bundesliga with Werder Bremen. Internationally, he earned 41 caps for Turkey, scoring 4 goals, and was part of the squad that earned a bronze medal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Following retirement, he played futsal for the Turkey national futsal team, was head coach of the Turkey national under-21 team until June 2008, and served as an assistant manager at Galatasaray in 2008 and again from June 2011. He also released several rap themed songs, including a collaboration with Kayahan.

Did You Know?

• Davala scored two goals in the 2000 Turkish Cup final against Beşiktaş.
• He transferred to Milan in September 2001 for €5 million to follow coach Fatih Terim.
• At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he scored the winner against Japan in the second round.
• He provided the cross for İlhan Mansız's golden goal against Senegal in the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals.
• After retiring from football, he played futsal for the Turkey national futsal team.