Egemen Korkmaz
A commanding Turkish centre-back whose defensive grit and leadership became the bedrock of Besiktas's domestic dominance in the 2010s.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Turkish footballer·Birthday: November 3·Millennials
Biography
Born in Balıkesir, Egemen Korkmaz's football journey was one of steady ascent rather than instant stardom. His professional career began at Altay before he truly found his footing at Manisaspor, where his robust defensive displays caught the eye of Istanbul's giants. His 2008 move to Besiktas marked the defining chapter. Korkmaz wasn't just a defender; he was an on-field general, combining tactical intelligence with a fierce competitive spirit that endeared him to fans. He captained the side during a golden period, lifting the Turkish Cup in 2011 and the Turkish Super Cup, embodying the club's fighting heart. After a brief stint with Fenerbahçe, he returned to Besiktas to close his playing days. His transition into coaching was a natural progression, leveraging his deep understanding of the game to mentor the next generation, first as a sporting director and later as an assistant coach at Trabzonspor.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Egemen was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Egemen Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Egemen's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained Besiktas to victory in the 2011 Turkish Cup, a cornerstone of the club's success that decade.
- Won the Turkish Super Cup with Besiktas in 2009, securing silverware early in his tenure at the club.
- Earned 12 caps for the Turkish national team, representing his country between 2010 and 2013.
- Played a key defensive role in over 150 Süper Lig matches for Besiktas across two spells.
Did You Know?
He is known by the nickname 'Ejder' which translates to 'Dragon' in Turkish.
Despite being a formidable centre-back, he scored a memorable long-range goal against rivals Galatasaray in 2012.
He began his professional career as a midfielder before being converted into a defender.
“A clean sheet is the defender's art; it's not just stopping goals, it's organizing the silence.”
