Name: Mehmet Topal

Nationality: Turkey

Position: Defensive midfielder / Central midfielder

Date of Birth: 3 March 1986

Place of Birth: Malatya, Turkey

Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 1 in)

Club Career (selected):

• 2003–2006: Gaziantepspor
• 2006–2010: Galatasaray
• 2010–2013: Valencia CF (Spain)
• 2013–2019: Fenerbahçe
• 2019–2022: İstanbul Başakşehir
• 2022–2023: İstanbul Başakşehir (final season / squad appearances varied)

International Career:

• National team: Turkey
• Senior debut: 2008
• Appearances (caps): 81
• Goals: 2
• Major tournaments: UEFA Euro 2008, UEFA Euro 2016

Playing Style & Strengths:

• Defensive-minded midfielder known for strong tackling and positional discipline.
• Excellent ability to read the game and break up opposition play.
• Good aerial presence due to height; effective at shielding the back four.
• Also capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker or centre-back in emergencies.

Honours (selected):

• With Galatasaray: Süper Lig champion (2007–08)
• With Fenerbahçe: Turkish Cup (2012–13)
• With İstanbul Başakşehir: Süper Lig champion (2019–20)
• Individual: Regularly recognized for defensive contributions and leadership on the field

Notable Facts:

• Nickname: "Örümcek" (The Spider) for his long legs and tackling reach.
• Well-regarded in Turkey for consistency and longevity at top Turkish clubs and for his role in the national team across multiple major tournaments.