Serdar Kurtuluş
A versatile Turkish defender whose career was defined by fierce loyalty to his boyhood club, Beşiktaş, where he became a fan favorite.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Turkish footballer·Birthday: July 23·Millennials
Biography
Serdar Kurtuluş emerged from the youth ranks of Beşiktaş, the Istanbul club that would become the defining chapter of his professional life. Breaking into the first team in the late 2000s, he carved out a role as a tenacious and adaptable defender, capable of playing across the back line. His commitment on the pitch, marked by hard tackles and a clear passion for the club's crest, resonated deeply with the demanding Beşiktaş supporters. While his career included brief spells elsewhere in Turkey and a stint in Qatar, his identity remained inextricably linked to the black-and-white jersey. His playing days concluded with a return to his spiritual home, cementing his status as a dedicated servant of the club rather than a globetrotting star.
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.
Serdar 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 Serdar 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
Serdar'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
- Made over 150 Süper Lig appearances for Beşiktaş, establishing himself as a first-team regular for several seasons.
- Won the Turkish Cup with Beşiktaş in the 2010-2011 season.
- Earned a call-up to the Turkish national team, making his senior international debut in 2012.
Did You Know?
He spent nearly his entire professional career at just two clubs: Beşiktaş and Kardemir Karabükspor.
Despite being a defender, he scored his first Süper Lig goal with a powerful long-range strike against Manisaspor in 2010.
He is known by the nickname 'Serdar-ı Ekber' among Beşiktaş fans.
“This club is my home; I will give everything for this jersey.”
