Full name Hakan Unsal Playing position 1994–2002 Galatasaray Role Footballer Spouse Ayla Unsal (m. 1998) Date joined 2002 | Place of birth Sinop, Turkey 1993–1994 Karabukspor Name Hakan Unsal Height 1.78 m Position Defender | |
 | ||
Date of birth (1973-05-14) May 14, 1973 (age 42) Nominations Milliyet Sports Award for Footballer of the Year Similar People Arif Erdem, Umit Davala, Ergun Penbe, Bulent Korkmaz, Hakan Sukur | ||
Rivaldo Dive
Hakan Unsal (born 14 May 1973) is a Turkish former international footballer.
Contents
Hakan Unsal is remembered by many for his rocket left foot and his pinpoint passing as well as his nonstop desire for victory. He played most of his career at Galatasaray after joining from Karabukspor in 1993/94. After being a part of the squad that won the UEFA Cup in 2000, Hakan moved to Blackburn Rovers of the English Premiership in January 2002. 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 Caykur 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 Hakan 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 Unsal 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.
Unsal is also remembered for his high level of sportsmanship on the field.
Hakan currently works as a pundit for Turkish sports show Altipas. And he also presents a TV show on NTV Spor called 100% Futbol.