MEHMET TOPAL FIRST CONTRACT AS COACH

New chapter in Mehmet Topal career

10/06/2024

National football legend, former "A" team captain, former member of three biggest Turkish teams, has signed first contract in his coaching career.

In following three seasons (optional two + one), Mehmet Topal will lead Romanian "Super Liga" senior team Petrolul Ploiesti.

Founded 100 years ago (December 1924), with seven trophies in their portfolio (state champion`s 1929-30, 1957-58, 1958-59 and 1965-66; cup winner`s 1962-63, 1994-95 and 2012-13), Petrolul Ploiesti represent club with long and rich history and tradition in Romanian football.

Just finished season 2023-24 they have finished on 10th league table position with 35 points won from 30 games played.

Born 38 years ago, nicknamed "The Spider", on summer 2022 Mehmet has retired from players career, gained UEFA "A" coaching license after it.

In his great career, he has wore jerseys of Turkish powerhouses Galatasaray SK (2006~2010), Fenerbahce SK (2012~2019) and Besiktas JK (2021~2022).

Won with them six trophies: Galatasaray (champion`s title 2007-08, "Super Cup" winner`s 2008-09), Fenerbahce (champion`s 2013-14, national cup 2012-13, "Super Cup" 2014-15) and Besiktas (national cup 2021-22).

One season Mehmet was a member of Istanbul Basaksehir and he has took a part in their first and only champion`s title, 2019-20 "Super Lig" winner`s.

As Fenerbahce member, in season 2012-13 he has reached semi-final of "UEFA Europa League" (vs Benfica 1:0 home victory and 1:3 away defeat), this was his biggest success in European cups.

Worth of mentioning also is that two seasons (2010-11 and 2011-12) he was a member of Spanish Valencia CF (59 caps, 02 assists, 03 goals).

11 times national team captain, Mehmet was one of the player`s with most appearances in history of national "A" squad (81 cap, 02 goals scored).

Debuted for "A" team on February 2008, and in same year he has participated in Turkish football greatest success, third place on "UEFA EURO 2008". On this competition he has recorded four appearances.

On November 2018 he has played his last game for national squad (vs Ukraine 0:0).

When we look back from distance of two years after retirement, those seven years in Fenerbahce (2012~2019) are certainly the years in which he has shined the most as a player, team captain, club legend, written in hearts of the club fans for a long time.

Also in shirts of other teams where he has played, he is remembered as a great fighter, man who always gives his best on the pitch, who does not spare himself.

For sure all his qualities as a football player, but also as person, Mehmet will find a way pass to his players and to his coaching staff. 

Team of our company, wish to our client and close friend Mehmet Topal a loots of successes and luck in his first engagement as coach.

Golden Goal Sports Management | one dream, one goal