1. Mehmet Topal was born on 3 March 1986 and is a Turkish professional football manager and former player, who is currently in charge of Liga I club Petrolul Ploiesti.
12 Facts About Mehmet Topal
1. 2.
Mehmet Topal had a two-year spell with Spanish team Valencia.
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An international for Turkey between 2008 and 2018, Mehmet Topal amassed over 80 appearances and was selected for two European Championships.
4.
In September 2006, Mehmet Topal joined Super Lig powerhouse Galatasaray SK, moving to the club alongside Japanese Junichi Inamoto.
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Mehmet Topal appeared in only 11 games in his first season in Istanbul.
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Mehmet Topal scored his first goal with the Che at Sporting de Gijon, on 25 September 2010.
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Mehmet Topal played six matches to help his team reach the semi-finals of the latter competition, but overall played second-fiddle to legendary David Albelda during his stint even though the former was ostracised by manager Unai Emery for a period of time.
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Mehmet Topal contributed 27 appearances and three goals in his second season, as the club won the national championship after a three-year wait.
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On 11 August 2015, whilst he drove home after training accompanied by youth player Uygar Mert, Mehmet Topal's car was shot at by unknown men.
10.
On 26 June 2019, the 33-year-old Mehmet Topal left by mutual consent.
11.
Mehmet Topal started his managerial career on 6 June 2024, joining Romanian club Petrolul Ploiesti on a three-year deal.
12.
The club attributed his decision to personal reasons, a claim Mehmet Topal denied on his Instagram account.