A Turkish footballer who played for Galatasaray and the national team, later becoming a politician and serving as a member of parliament. He's known for his successful sports career and transition into politics.
Hakan Şükür, affectionately known as the "Bull of the Bosphorus" and "Kral" (King), is a Turkish former professional footballer who made his mark as one of the most prolific strikers of the modern era. With an impressive record of 383 goals throughout his club career, Şükür is remembered for his exceptional skills on the field, earning him numerous titles and accolades.
Born on September 1, 1971, in Sapanca, Sakarya Province, Turkey, Şükür began his football career with local club Sakaryaspor, making his professional debut at just 17 years old. His first goal came in a match against Eskiehirspor on February 26, 1989, which he scored as a substitute, securing a 2-2 draw.
In the summer of 1990, Şükür joined fellow first-division side Bursaspor, where he scored six goals in 27 games in his second season, helping the team to a sixth-place finish. This impressive performance earned him his Turkey national team debut.
In 1992, Şükür signed with Galatasaray, where he spent the majority of his professional career. During his three spells with the club, he won a total of 14 major titles, including three Gol Kral (Goal King) titles, awarded to the top goalscorer of the Süper Lig.
Şükür's impressive form at Galatasaray earned him international recognition, and he went on to represent Turkey 112 times, scoring 51 goals, making him the nation's top goalscorer and 19th in the world at the time of his retirement.
One of the highlights of Şükür's international career was his record-breaking goal in the 2002 World Cup, which he scored in just 11 seconds, making it the fastest ever in a World Cup match.
After retiring from football in 2008, Şükür ventured into politics and was elected as an Istanbul MP for the Justice and Development Party in 2011. However, he resigned from the party in December 2013 and has since lived in exile in the United States.
In 2016, a decree was issued stating that all medals awarded to Şükür were to be revoked, and he has been wanted for arrest in Turkey since August 2016 for his alleged involvement with the Gülen movement.
Hakan Şükür's legacy in the world of football is undeniable. He remains one of the most prolific strikers of the modern era, and his achievements on the field have inspired generations of footballers. Despite controversies surrounding his post-football career, Şükür's contributions to Turkish football cannot be overstated.
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