04.11.2026 12:00
After receiving a negative response from Sergio Conceição for the head coaching position, Fenerbahçe reached an agreement again with its former captain Emre Belözoğlu by signing an 18-month contract. Belözoğlu aims for success at the helm of the team.
Fenerbahçe has reached an agreement again with its former player Emre Belözoğlu after receiving a negative response from Sergio Conceição for the head coaching role.
The yellow-navy team had been continuing under the management of Dirk Kuyt, who also wore the Liverpool shirt at one point, after İsmail Kartal left his post last month.
The 46-year-old Emre Belözoğlu, known in England especially for his three seasons at Newcastle United, wore the English club's shirt between 2005 and 2008. The former midfielder, who transferred to Fenerbahçe after leaving Newcastle, wore the yellow-navy team's shirt in different periods.
Belözoğlu, who ended his playing career in 2020, took his first step into coaching. The experienced coach, most recently in charge of Kasımpaşa, drew attention with his performance in the Süper Lig. Belözoğlu, who led his team to 17 points in the first 10 weeks of the season, helped Kasımpaşa rise to fifth place in the league.
Fenerbahçe brought Belözoğlu back to the helm of the team after reports that it had signed an 18-month contract with its former captain.
The club's statement included the following remarks:
“Emre Belözoğlu has always been a part of this great family, whether on the pitch as a player or on the sidelines as a head coach.
Now, as Fenerbahçe's Head Coach, he is on duty to lead the team to success.
Carrying this crest is a pride, and serving it is a responsibility.
Welcome home, Emre Belözoğlu!”
Belözoğlu had also previously served as head coach at Fenerbahçe. The former footballer, who took charge of the team in March 2021, continued his role for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Sergio Conceição, who has coached teams such as Porto and AC Milan, was also among the head coach candidates for the Istanbul representative. However, it was claimed that the Portuguese coach, known for his passion for cigarettes and cigars, wanted to evaluate the possibility of returning to one of Europe's five major leagues and therefore did not accept Fenerbahçe's offer.