Hakan Balta

Hakan Balta in Gala Uniform (2013 )

Hakan Kadir Balta ( born March 23, 1983 in Berlin) is a Turkish football player in the service of Galatasaray.

Club career

In 2003, Vestel Manisaspor Hakan Balta committed Hertha BSC. In Manisa, the young defender had a successful time. Galatasaray wanted to Berlin in 2006 commit, but because of the great financial problems could not be subjected to change. One day after the draw between Vestel Manisaspor and Galatasaray Istanbul on September 2, 2007 Balta moved to the Bosporus. Galatasaray paid € 750,000 for Hakan. In the same season he was with Turkish Galatasaray football champions.

In the seasons 2011/12 and 2012/13 Balta was again with Galatasaray Turkish champion, but he lost in the 2012/13 season after various injuries his place to his teammate Albert Riera. His contract was nevertheless extended for a further two years with an option for another season until 31 May 2015.

National

Because of his German birthplace and his Turkish forefathers had Balta choice between the national teams of Germany and Turkey. He opted for Turkey.

The first international match for Turkey Hakan Balta completed against Norway on 17 November 2007. Additionally, he was nominated for the Turkish contingent of European Football Championship 2008. In preparation for the European Championship game against the Slovak selection Balta scored his first goal in the National Dress.

Private

Hakan Balta has apart from Turkish also the German nationality. He has two sons with his wife Derya.

Achievements

• With Galatasaray Istanbul: Turkish champion: 2008, 2012, 2013
• Turkish Super Cup Winner: 2008, 2012, 2013

• With the Turkish national football team: Semi-final: 2008