Hakan Calhanoglu: A Turkish Delight in Milan

Early Life and Career

Hakan Calhanoglu was born in Mannheim, Germany, to Turkish parents. He began his football career with local club Waldhof Mannheim, before moving to Karlsruher SC in 2009. After impressing at youth level, he made his senior debut for Karlsruhe in 2012 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in Germany.

International Career

Despite being born and raised in Germany, Calhanoglu opted to represent Turkey at international level. He made his debut for the Turkish national team in 2013 and has since become a regular starter. He played a key role in Turkey's qualification for the 2016 European Championship, and has also represented his country at the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

Club Success

After a successful spell with Karlsruhe, Calhanoglu moved to Hamburger SV in 2014. He continued to impress in the Bundesliga, and in 2017 he joined AC Milan for a reported fee of €20 million. At Milan, he has become an integral part of the team's midfield, and has helped them win the Serie A title in 2022.