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, currently playing as a midfielder for Inter Milan in Serie A. Born in Germany, he represents the Turkish national team, where he also serves as the captain. Known for his set-piece abilities and playmaking skills, Çalhanoğlu has become a key player for both club and country.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2003: First Turk in Serie A

In 2003, Emre Belözoğlu was the last Turk to net in Serie A.

2010: Starts career at Karlsruher SC

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

February 2012: Promotion to Karlsruher SC First Team

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

August 2013: Hamburg and Bundesliga Debut

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

September 2013: Senior International Debut

On 6 September 2013, Çalhanoğlu made his senior international debut for Turkey 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 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on home soil, where they reached the last 16.

February 2014: Contract Extension with Hamburg and Free Kick Goal

In February 2014, Çalhanoğlu signed a two-year contract extension with Hamburg, keeping him at the club until 2018. That month, he also scored a notable 41-yard free kick against Borussia Dortmund.

May 2014: First International Start

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

July 2014: Transfer to Bayer Leverkusen

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

2014: Debut for Bayer Leverkusen and Golden Boy Award Nomination

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

2014: Moves to Bayer Leverkusen

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

February 2015: Champions League Goal vs. Atlético Madrid

In February 2015, Çalhanoğlu scored the only goal in Leverkusen's Champions League victory against Atlético Madrid.

March 2015: First International Goal

In March 2015, Çalhanoğlu scored his first international goal in a friendly match against Luxembourg.

May 2016: Scores Against England and Euro Squad Selection

In May 2016, Çalhanoğlu became the first Turk to score against England in a friendly. Later that month, he was selected for the UEFA Euro 2016 squad.

2016: UEFA European Championship

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

2016: UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifying Goal

On 10 October 2015, Çalhanoğlu scored his first competitive goal for Turkey, helping them secure a 2-0 win against the Czech Republic in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying event.

2016: Goal against CSKA Moscow

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

2016: UEFA Euro 2016

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

July 2017: Signs with A.C. Milan

On July 3, 2017, Çalhanoğlu signed a four-year contract with Serie A club A.C. Milan for an initial fee of €20 million. He was assigned the number 10 jersey.