Olcay Şahan
A dynamic winger whose career bridged Germany and Turkey, becoming a creative force in Turkish football and later transitioning into management.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Turkish footballer·Birthday: May 26·Millennials
Biography
Born in Düsseldorf to Turkish parents, Olcay Şahan's football journey was shaped by the dual pull of his heritage and his birthplace. He began his professional career in Germany with Duisburg before making a pivotal move to Turkey in 2012, joining Beşiktaş. It was in Istanbul that he truly flourished, his technical skill and vision on the wing making him a fan favorite and a key component in the club's domestic successes. His performances earned him a place in the Turkish national team, where he capped a journey from German youth systems to representing the crescent and star. After stints with other Turkish clubs, Şahan hung up his boots and moved into coaching, aiming to impart his experience to a new generation of players.
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.
Olcay was born in 1987, 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 Olcay Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Olcay's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
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
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Turkish Süper Lig title with Beşiktaş in the 2015-2016 season.
- Helped Beşiktaş secure the Turkish Cup in 2021, contributing to a domestic double.
- Earned multiple caps for the Turkey national football team between 2013 and 2017.
Did You Know?
He was born in Germany and represented German youth national teams before switching to Turkey at the senior level.
His younger brother, Taner Şahan, is also a professional footballer.
He scored his first goal for the Turkish national team in a friendly against Belarus in 2013.
“I always gave everything for the jersey, whether in Germany or Turkey.”
