26 Facts About Okan Buruk

Okan Buruk played for prominent clubs, including Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Besiktas, and Istanbul Basaksehir.

Internationally, Okan Buruk earned 56 caps for the Turkey national team.

Okan Buruk represented Turkey at UEFA Euro 2000 and was in the squad that won the bronze medal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the nation's best-ever finish in the tournament.

Okan Buruk is recognized for his high-tempo pressing football and his player-management skills.

On 1 July 1992, Okan Buruk began his professional football career with Galatasaray, where he played until 30 June 2001.

Okan Buruk played for Inter until 30 June 2004, he was known for his relentless energy and versatility in midfield.

Okan Buruk was a non-stop running player with energy; he mentioned that his former coach Hector Cuper yelled at him from the bench that he should stay at his position.

On 1 July 2006, Okan Buruk rejoined Galatasaray on a two-year contract.

On 1 July 2008, Okan Buruk signed a two-year deal with Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor.

Okan Buruk continued to play professionally until his retirement in 22 May 2010, after a friendly match against the Czech Republic in Leipzig.

Okan Buruk made 56 appearances for the Turkey national team, representing the country at UEFA Euro 2000 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

On 1 June 2016, Okan Buruk was appointed as the head coach of Goztepe, a club competing in the TFF 1.

Okan Buruk signed a three-year contract with the club, aiming to lead them back to the Super Lig after a prolonged absence.

Consequently, Okan Buruk resigned from his position on 22 March 2017, prior to the season's conclusion.

On 28 March 2017, Okan Buruk replaced Tolunay Kafkas as the manager of Akhisarspor with a 1.5-year contract.

Reports indicate that Okan Buruk, who was the lowest-paid manager in the Super League at the time, sought a salary increase in recognition of his achievements, but an agreement could not be reached.

On 19 September 2018, Okan Buruk was appointed as the head coach of Caykur Rizespor following the departure of Ibrahim Uzulmez.

On 28 May 2019, Okan Buruk announced his departure from Caykur Rizespor, citing personal reasons and expressing gratitude for his time at the club.

On 22 June 2022, Okan Buruk returned to Galatasaray, this time as head coach.

Okan Buruk signed a two-year contract with an additional option for one more year.

Okan Buruk is recognized for his tactical adaptability, high-pressing strategies, and emphasis on structured formations.

Okan Buruk's approach combined a disciplined defensive setup with efficient counter-attacking play, demonstrating his ability to adapt tactics based on the squad's strengths.

Okan Buruk's leadership has been instrumental in maintaining team focus and cohesion throughout the season.

Okan Buruk successfully integrated high-profile players like Mauro Icardi and Victor Osimhen into the squad, aligning their roles with his tactical vision.

Okan Buruk married model and former Miss Turkey and Top Model of the World 2003 winner Nihan Akkus on 3 July 2007 and they had a son Ali Yigit, in 2009.

Okan Buruk's brother, Fuat, was a professional footballer and is currently a coach.