Emre Çolak
A technically gifted Turkish playmaker whose vision and left foot dazzled fans in Istanbul and La Liga before injuries cut his prime short.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Turkish footballer·Birthday: May 20·Millennials
Biography
Born in Istanbul, Emre Çolak's football journey was one of early promise and a career spent navigating between hometown adoration and foreign challenges. He emerged from Galatasaray's famed academy, becoming a symbol of local talent for the club's fervent supporters. His time at Galatasaray was marked by flashes of creative brilliance, often serving as the delicate, passing heartbeat in a team of more physical stars. In 2016, he sought a new stage, joining Deportivo La Coruña in Spain's top flight. There, his technical qualities found a fitting league, though the team's struggles limited his spotlight. Later spells in Saudi Arabia and Turkey saw him fight against persistent fitness issues. His career, while not laden with major trophies, represented the archetype of the pure number 10, a style of player increasingly rare in the modern game.
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.
Emre was born in 1991, 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 Emre Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Emre's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
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
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 150 appearances for Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, contributing to domestic success.
- Earned a move to La Liga with Deportivo La Coruña, showcasing his skills in one of Europe's top leagues.
- Represented the Turkish national team at multiple youth levels before earning a senior cap in 2013.
Did You Know?
His father, Kemal Çolak, was also a professional footballer who played for Galatasaray.
He scored his first La Liga goal against the legendary FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Despite his attacking midfield role, he was known for his intense work rate and defensive contributions.
“I gave my heart to this club from the first day I stepped on the pitch.”
