Career Timeline of Hakan Çalhanoğlu: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Hakan Çalhanoğlu built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu is a professional footballer recognized for his skills as a midfielder. He currently plays for Inter Milan in Serie A and serves as the captain of the Turkish national team. Known for his set-piece abilities and playmaking skills, Çalhanoğlu has established himself as a key player for both his club and country.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2003: First Turk to score in Serie A

Çalhanoğlu scored his first league goal on 25 October in a 4–1 win at Chievo, becoming the first Turk to net in Serie A since Emre Belözoğlu in 2003.

2010: Career Beginnings at Karlsruher SC

In 2010, Hakan Çalhanoğlu began his professional career at German second division club Karlsruher SC.

February 2012: Promotion to Karlsruher SC First Team

In February 2012, Çalhanoğlu was promoted from the under-19 team to the first team of Karlsruher SC in the 2. Bundesliga.

August 2013: Hamburg and Bundesliga Debut

On August 11, 2013, Çalhanoğlu made his Hamburg and Bundesliga debut in a 3–3 draw against Schalke 04. On August 31, 2013, he scored his first goals for the club in a 4–0 win over Eintracht Braunschweig.

September 2013: Senior International Debut

On September 6, 2013, Çalhanoğlu made his senior international debut in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

2013: Senior Debut for Turkey

In 2013, Çalhanoğlu made his senior debut for the Turkey national team.

2013: FIFA U-20 World Cup

In 2013, Çalhanoğlu played for Turkey in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup on home soil, scoring against Australia.

February 2014: Contract Extension with Hamburg and Free Kick Goal

On February 5, 2014, Çalhanoğlu extended his Hamburg contract until 2018. On February 20, 2014, he scored a 41-yard free kick against Borussia Dortmund in a 3–0 win.

May 2014: First International Start

On May 25, 2014, Çalhanoğlu made his first start for Turkey in a friendly win against the Republic of Ireland.

July 2014: Transfer to Bayer Leverkusen

On July 4, 2014, Çalhanoğlu transferred from Hamburg to Bayer Leverkusen, signing a five-year contract for a transfer fee of €14.5 million.

2014: Debut and Nomination for Golden Boy Award

In 2014, Çalhanoğlu debuted for Bayer Leverkusen and was nominated for the 2014 Golden Boy Award.

2014: Transfer to Bayer Leverkusen

In 2014, Çalhanoğlu transferred to Bayer Leverkusen for €14.5 million after playing for Hamburger SV.

February 2015: Champions League Goal Against Atlético Madrid

On February 25, 2015, Çalhanoğlu scored the only goal as Leverkusen defeated Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last 16.

March 2015: First International Goal

On March 31, 2015, Çalhanoğlu scored his first international goal in a friendly win against Luxembourg.

May 2016: Goal Against England and UEFA Euro Selection

In May 2016, Çalhanoğlu became the first Turk to score against England and was selected in the 23-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2016.

2016: Goal Against CSKA Moscow

In 2016, Çalhanoğlu opened his 2016–17 goalscoring account on 14 September in the 2–2 home draw against CSKA Moscow in a Champions League group stage game — the 50th goal in his senior club career.

2016: UEFA European Championship

In 2016, Çalhanoğlu was part of the Turkey squad at the UEFA European Championship.

2016: Exclusion from national team

In November 2014, both Çalhanoğlu and Toprak were left out by Terim for a friendly against Brazil and a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Kazakhstan while Töre remained.

2016: UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying

On 10 October 2015, Çalhanoğlu secured a 2–0 away win over the Czech Republic in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying event.

July 2017: Signing with A.C. Milan

On July 3, 2017, Çalhanoğlu signed a four-year contract with Serie A club A.C. Milan and was assigned the number 10 jersey. The transfer fee was reported to be an initial €20 million, rising to €24 million.

2017: Signing with Milan

In 2017, Çalhanoğlu signed for Milan for an initial fee of €20 million.

March 2019: UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier

On 22 March 2019, Çalhanoğlu scored the second goal of Turkey's 2–0 victory over Albania in their opening UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier.

October 2019: Military Salute and Support for Turkish Offensive

On 11 October 2019, Hakan Çalhanoğlu participated in a "military salute" goal celebration after Cenk Tosun's goal in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Albania. That same day, he voiced his support for the Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria on Twitter, drawing criticism.

2020: UEFA European Championship

In 2020, Çalhanoğlu was part of the Turkey squad at the UEFA European Championship.

2020: Euro 2020 qualifier

In October 11 2019, Hakan Çalhanoğlu participated in a "military salute" goal celebration after Cenk Tosun's goal in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Albania.

June 2021: UEFA Euro 2020 Squad Selection

On 1 June 2021, Çalhanoğlu was named in the Turkish squad for the postponed UEFA Euro 2020.

June 2021: Signing with Inter Milan

On June 22, 2021, Çalhanoğlu signed a three-year contract with Serie A club Inter Milan on a free transfer.

2021: Move to Inter Milan

In the summer of 2021, Çalhanoğlu joined Inter Milan on a free transfer from Milan.

March 2022: National Team Captain

In March 2022, Çalhanoğlu became the captain of the Turkish national team.

October 2022: First Champions League Goal with Inter

On October 4, 2022, Çalhanoğlu scored his first Champions League goal with Inter in a 1–0 win over Barcelona.

March 2023: Player of the Match in Champions League

On March 14, 2023, Çalhanoğlu was named Player of the Match in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Porto.

June 2023: Contract Extension with Inter Milan

On June 5, 2023, Çalhanoğlu agreed to extend his contract with Inter Milan for another 4 years, until 2027.

November 2023: Penalty Record and Turkish Serie A Record

On November 4, 2023, Çalhanoğlu scored his tenth consecutive penalty and equaled Sükrü Gülesin's record as the highest Turkish scorer in Serie A with 36 goals.

June 2024: UEFA Euro 2024 squad selection

On 7 June 2024, he was called up to the 26-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2024, becoming the second Turkish player to feature in three European tournaments.