Hakan Ünsal

Hakan Ünsal
Personal information
Full name Hakan Ünsal
Date of birth (1973-05-14) May 14, 1973
Place of birth Sinop, Turkey
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position Left wingback
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1993–1994 Karabükspor 26 (2)
1994–2002 Galatasaray 166 (11)
2002 Blackburn Rovers 8 (0)
2002–2005 Galatasaray 53 (1)
2005–2006 Çaykur Rizespor 4 (0)
Total 257 (14)
National team
1994–1995 Turkey U-21 12 (0)
1996–2004 Turkey 33 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Hakan Ünsal (born 14 May 1973) is a Turkish former international footballer.

Hakan Ünsal is remembered by many for his rocket left foot and his pinpoint passing as well as his ambition. He played most of his career at Galatasaray after joining from Karabükspor in 1993/94. After being a part of the squad that won the UEFA Cup in 2000, Ünsal moved to Blackburn Rovers of the English Premiership in January 2002. Blackburn had hoped to sign him in time for their upcoming appearance in the 2002 League Cup Final, however a work permit delayed his debut and he missed them lifting the cup.[1] His return to Galatasaray was rapid as he was once again in Galatasaray colours for the 2002/03 season. After leaving Galatasaray following the 2004/05 season, he had a brief stint with Çaykur Rizespor before retiring from football.

He played for Turkey national football team and was a participant at the 2002 FIFA World Cup where he collected his third place medal.

He is most famous for an incident during the World Cup when Brazil played Turkey. Rivaldo was about to take a corner and Ünsal kicked the ball at him as he was annoyed about the time Rivaldo was taking, delaying the game, as Brazil was winning 2-1. The ball hit Rivaldo on his legs but he collapsed dramatically holding his face and consequently Ünsal was sent off and Brazil went on to win the match. Rivaldo was fined, but the sanctions were criticized by many as being too lenient.

Ünsal is also remembered for his high level of sportsmanship on the field.

Honours

Galatasaray

Career statistics

Club Season League Cup Europe Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Karabükspor 1993-94 262----262
Total 2620000262
Galatasaray 1995-96 281----281
1996-97 292----292
1997-98 273----273
1998-99 313----313
1999-00 161--81161
2000-01 151--142293
2001-02 80----80
Total 154110022315411
Blackburn Rovers 2001-02 80----80
Total 80000080
Galatasaray 2002-03 241----241
2003-04 140----140
2004-05 150----150
Total 5310000531
Çaykur Rizespor 2005-06 40----40
Total 40000040

References

  1. ↑ "Cole struck by illness". BBC Sport. 22 February 2002. Retrieved 20 December 2016.

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