Kerem Bulut

Kerem Bulut was born on 3 February 1992 in Auburn, New South Wales to Turkish parents, Suleyman Bulut and Songul Soylemez.{{cite web |last1=Hills |first1=Brendan |last2=Rothfield |first2=Phil |title=Former Western Sydney Wanderers player Kerem Bulut charged over jail assault |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/former-western-sydney-wanderers-player-kerem-bulut-charged-over-jail-assault/news-story/133149806741fe85c07371b764a15b3d?amp&nk=a0c2919ab15cc6f47ee1fe89f4335d41-1698182984 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=24 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231024212935/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/former-western-sydney-wanderers-player-kerem-bulut-charged-over-jail-assault/news-story/133149806741fe85c07371b764a15b3d?amp&nk=a0c2919ab15cc6f47ee1fe89f4335d41-1698182984 |archive-date=24 October 2023 |date=4 April 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Lang |first1=Adelaide |title=Ex-Wanderers player Kerem Bulut suffered spectacular fall from fame |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/exwanderers-player-kerem-bulut-suffered-spectacular-fall-from-fame/news-story/f9a09c38b91b40655bee9d2f407873f0 |website=news.com.au |access-date=24 October 2023 |date=28 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Thomson |first1=Warren |title=Western Sydney Wanderers signing Kerem Bulut wants to prove he is not a 'bad boy' |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/western-sydney-wanderers-signing-kerem-bulut-wants-to-prove-he-is-not-a-bad-boy/news-story/a3bbd76eddb22fcd681e376538e9464a |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=24 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901210117/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/western-sydney-wanderers-signing-kerem-bulut-wants-to-prove-he-is-not-a-bad-boy/news-story/a3bbd76eddb22fcd681e376538e9464a |archive-date=1 September 2016 |date=1 September 2016}} His father spent time in prison during his upbringing and later married his stepmother, Nicola Papadopoulos. He has a younger brother and a younger sister named Melike, who owns a coffee shop in Auburn with his friend.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=The guidance from Sonny Bill Williams that kept Wanderers' Kerem Bulut from falling back into trouble |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/the-guidance-from-sonny-bill-williams-that-kept-wanderers-kerem-bulut-from-falling-back-into-trouble-20161028-gsd1vs.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=24 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231024213224/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/the-guidance-from-sonny-bill-williams-that-kept-wanderers-kerem-bulut-from-falling-back-into-trouble-20161028-gsd1vs.html |archive-date=24 October 2023 |language=en |date=28 October 2016}} Bulut attended Granville Public School and Granville Boys High School, before graduating from Westfields Sports High School. He started playing football at the age of five at Mona Park in Auburn.

During his senior career, Bulut was represented by Khoder Nasser and mentored by Sonny Bill Williams. Although born in Auburn, court documents suggest that Bulut resided with his grandmother in Rockdale.

File:Kerem Bulut.jpg

Bulut was signed to the youth team of Sydney FC from NSWIS in 2008 for the 2008–09 A-League National Youth League scoring his first goal in a 2–1 win against Adelaide United on 11 October 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=24152&pageid=2776 |title=Official Hyundai A-League | Home |publisher=A-league.com.au |access-date=22 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117141834/http://a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=yleague_newsdisplay&id=24152 |archive-date=17 November 2010 }} Bulut would only score three goals in the season before spending 2009 with the AIS. Bulut returned to Sydney for the 2009–10 A-League National Youth League season. He was immediately picked up as one of the brightest and most talented players in Australia, and it was rumored early on that he would either be signed by Sydney FC to the first-team, but was also linked with clubs in Spain and Turkey. He scored 13 goals in 27 appearances for the Youth Team, but Sydney failed to reach the finals. He immediately went on trial with several clubs in Europe, including FK Mladá Boleslav after recommendations from Sydney FC senior manager Vítězslav Lavička.{{cite news|url=http://boleslavsky.denik.cz/fotbal_region/bulut20100207.html|title=Kerem Bulut: O Česku jsem toho příliš mnoho nevěděl|newspaper=Boleslavský Deník|date=2 February 2010|publisher=boleslavsky.denik.cz|access-date=3 July 2010|last1=Bílek|first1=Jaroslav}}

After being on trial for numerous weeks with Mladá Boleslav, it was confirmed by the Czech club that they had signed Bulut.{{cite news|author=boleslavský |url=http://boleslavsky.denik.cz/fotbal_region/bulut20100207.html |title=Kerem Bulut: O Česku jsem toho příliš mnoho nevěděl – Boleslavský deník |newspaper=Boleslavský Deník |date=6 February 2010 |publisher=Boleslavsky.denik.cz |access-date=22 October 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tyden.cz/rubriky/sport/fotbal/gambrinus-liga/boleslav-ma-mladika-od-lavicky-ze-sydney-australie-zuri_166895.html|title=Boleslav má mladíka od Lavičky ze Sydney. Austrálie zuří|date=27 April 2010|publisher=tyden.cz|language=cs|access-date=3 July 2010}} Bulut had signed a contract with the club until 30 June 2012. Signed to the club's first-team, he became one of four teen-aged players and one of five foreigners in the 25-man squad. Immediately thrown into the squad's first 11, he debuted on 18 July 2010 by starting in a 2–0 victory against Ústí nad Labem.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/07/18/czech-republic/czech-liga/fk-usti-nad-labem/fk-mlada-boleslav/946963/ |title=Ústí nad Labem vs. Mladá Boleslav |publisher=Au.soccerway.com |date=18 July 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011}} On 24 July 2010 he again started in a 1–1 draw against České Budějovice.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/07/23/czech-republic/czech-liga/fk-mlada-boleslav/sk-dynamo-ceske-budejovice/946969/ |title=Mladá Boleslav vs. České Budějovice |publisher=Au.soccerway.com |date=23 July 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011}} Two league rounds later he scored his first goal in Gambrinus liga in a home match against Příbram.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/08/08/czech-republic/czech-liga/fk-mlada-boleslav/1fk-pribram/946985/ |title=Mladá Boleslav vs. 1. FC Příbram |publisher=Soccerway.com |date=8 August 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011}} Due to his criminal charge he was absent from the club from October 2010 to April 2011 where his first game back was in a 3–1 loss to Viktoria Plzeň on 8 May.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/05/07/czech-republic/czech-liga/fc-viktoria-plzen/fk-mlada-boleslav/950962/ |title=Viktoria Plzeň vs. Mladá Boleslav – 7 May 2011 – Soccerway |publisher=Uk.soccerway.com |date=7 May 2011 |access-date=22 October 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/808/australia/2011/04/18/2447281/mlada-boleslav-youngster-kerem-bulut-i-am-thankful-for-my-second- |title=Mlada Boleslav youngster Kerem Bulut: I am thankful for my second chance |publisher=Goal.com |date=18 April 2011 |access-date=22 October 2011}} Bulut was part of the Mladá Boleslav squad which won the 2010–11 Czech Cup, beating Sigma Olomouc in the final having won 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/05/25/czech-republic/pohar-cmfs/fk-mlada-boleslav/sk-sigma-olomouc/1109496/ |title=Mladá Boleslav vs. Sigma Olomouc – 25 May 2011 |publisher=Soccerway |date=25 May 2011 |access-date=22 October 2011}}

On his 2011–12 season debut on 14 August, he scored Mladá Boleslav's second goal in a 4–1 away win to Baník Ostrava.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/08/13/czech-republic/czech-liga/fc-banik-ostrava/fk-mlada-boleslav/1126005/ |title=Baník Ostrava vs. Mladá Boleslav – 13 August 2011 – Soccerway |publisher=Au.soccerway.com |date=13 August 2011 |access-date=22 October 2011}} On 6 January 2012, it was reported that Mladá Boleslav agreed to release Bulut from his contract to allow him to move to Turkish Süper Lig club Eskişehirspor, who had offered him a six-month deal with the option to buy him at the end of the loan period after the 2011–12 season. Bulut also received interest from a number of German Bundesliga clubs. It was reported that Bulut had been frustrated that no one at Mladá Boleslav spoke fluent English and sources close to him reported that he felt his concerns were lost in translation with club officials.{{Cite web |url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1088223/bulut-set-for-turkish-delight |title=Bulut set for Turkish delight : The World Game on SBS |access-date=25 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109075154/http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1088223/Bulut-set-for-Turkish-delight |archive-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=dead }} On 31 January 2012, it was announced that Bulut had officially transferred to Eskişehirspor.{{cite news|url=http://www.htspor.com/futbol/haber/711474-es-este-hareketli-saatler|title=Es-Es'te hareketli saatler!|newspaper=Haberturk.com|date=31 January 2012|publisher=HTSPOR|language=tr|access-date=31 January 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sakaryagazetesi.com.tr/haber_detay.asp?gorus=156827&hab=Manisa%20yolculu%C4%9Fu%20bug%C3%BCn|title=Kerem Eskişehir´de|date=31 January 2012|publisher=sakaryagazetesi|language=cs|access-date=31 January 2012}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} However, Bulut then returned to Mladá Boleslav during the 2011–12 season and was re-registered to the club with the number No. 16 shirt. He re-debuted in a 2–0 home victory against Sparta Praha on 22 April, where he was substituted onto the field in the 90th minute for Jan Chramosta.{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/04/22/czech-republic/czech-liga/fk-mlada-boleslav/ac-sparta-praha/1126193/|title = Mladá Boleslav vs. Sparta Prague - 22 April 2012 - Soccerway}}

2012 saw Bulut have stints with Mladá Boleslav's first-team and under-21 team. He was registered with number #33 for the 2012–13 Gambrinus liga season and made his first appearance in a 1–0 home victory against Hradec Králové on 23 September 2012. Bulut had been substituted onto the field for Martin Nespor in the 68th minute.{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/09/23/czech-republic/czech-liga/fk-mlada-boleslav/fc-hradec-kralove/1315471/|title = Mladá Boleslav vs. Hradec Králové - 23 September 2012 - Soccerway}} Three days later, his first appearance in the 2012–13 Czech Cup came in a 1–1 away against Zenit Čáslav draw on 26 September 2012. Bulut played a full-90 minutes of the match as Mladá Boleslav eventually won 4–3 via a penalty shoot-out.{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/09/26/czech-republic/cup/fc-zenit-caslav/fk-mlada-boleslav/1390650/|title = Čáslav vs. Mladá Boleslav - 26 September 2012 - Soccerway}} Bulut ultimately went on to make three more league appearances. On 6 November 2012, Bulut scored in the 66th minute of Mladá Boleslva's second-leg Czech Cup 1–1 away draw against Třinec. Mladá Boleslav won the tie 4–1 on aggregate and advanced to the next round.{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/11/06/czech-republic/cup/fk-fotbal-trinec/fk-mlada-boleslav/1403260/|title = Třinec vs. Mladá Boleslav - 6 November 2012 - Soccerway}}

Having been on trial with Akhisar Belediyespor in Antalya, it was confirmed on in January 2013 that Bulut was officially transferred from Mladá Boleslav to Akhisar Belediyespor for the remainder of the 2012–13 Süper Lig season when he signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the club.{{Cite web |url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1137026/Bulut-makes-the-move-to-Turkey |title=Bulut makes the move to Turkey : The World Game on SBS |access-date=25 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120055656/http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1137026/Bulut-makes-the-move-to-Turkey |archive-date=20 January 2013 |url-status=dead }} He was presented with the number No. 99 shirt. He debuted in a 1–1 home draw against Eskişehirspor on 21 January 2013, when he was substituted onto the field for Ahmet Cebe in the 77th minute.{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/21/turkey/super-lig/akhisar-belediye-gs/eskisehirspor/1327706/|title = Akhisarspor vs. Eskişehirspor - 21 January 2013 - Soccerway}}

File:Kerem Bulut Wanderland.jpg in 2015]]

Bulut signed for Western Sydney Wanderers on 13 January 2015.{{cite web |title=Wanderers sign Bulut and Gallaway |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/wanderers-sign-bulut-and-gallaway |publisher=Western Sydney Wanderers |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006230023/https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/wanderers-sign-bulut-and-gallaway |archive-date=6 October 2023 |date=13 January 2015}} Initially registered for the AFC Champions League, Bulut’s registration for the A-League was accepted on 27 February 2015 as an injury replacement player.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Western Sydney Wanderers striker Kerem Bulut set to debut against Sydney FC |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/western-sydney-wanderers-striker-kerem-bulut-set-to-debut-against-sydney-fc-20150227-13qg0r.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231025080832/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/western-sydney-wanderers-striker-kerem-bulut-set-to-debut-against-sydney-fc-20150227-13qg0r.html |archive-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=27 February 2015}} He made his debut for Wanderers on 28 February 2015, scoring two goals in a 4–3 Sydney Derby loss to Sydney FC at Parramatta Stadium.{{cite web |title=A-League: Sydney FC continue Wanderers' woes |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/aleague-sydney-fc-continue-wanderers-woes/news-story/02c0e8aaa90725a7ba96a30c0b547f1e?amp&nk=44e3682c6f33a559e7bf754565dabb3d-1698225165 |website=The Australian |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231025091237/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/aleague-sydney-fc-continue-wanderers-woes/news-story/02c0e8aaa90725a7ba96a30c0b547f1e?amp&nk=44e3682c6f33a559e7bf754565dabb3d-1698225165 |archive-date=25 October 2023 |date=28 February 2015}}{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Terry Antonis saves Sydney FC after Western Sydney Wanderers claw back three goals in thrilling derby |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/terry-antonis-saves-sydney-fc-after-western-sydney-wanderers-claw-back-three-goals-in-thrilling-derby-20150228-13rmu5.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231025075901/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/terry-antonis-saves-sydney-fc-after-western-sydney-wanderers-claw-back-three-goals-in-thrilling-derby-20150228-13rmu5.html |archive-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=28 February 2015}} Despite being charged by police with intimidation, Bulut was cleared to play for Wanderers in their fixture against Melbourne Victory,{{cite web |last1=Habashy |first1=Angela |title=A-League round 21: Wanderers select Kerem Bulut to play Victory despite charges pending |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/aleague-round-21-wanderers-select-kerem-bulut-to-play-victory-despite-charges-pending/news-story/cbc9a5edd8d7bf25879deb82783b3084 |website=Fox Sports |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=13 March 2015}} who they would lose 1–0 to on 13 March 2015.{{cite web |title=Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne Victory |url=https://www.ultimatealeague.com/match/?match_id=1361 |website=Ultimate A-League |access-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=13 March 2015}} Subsequently, Bulut scored two goals in the following fixture against Brisbane Roar on 25 March 2015 where they would win 4–1 at Suncorp Stadium.{{cite web |last1=Hassett |first1=Sebastian |title=Roar thumping gives Tony Popovic belief Wanderers can salvage season |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/roar-thumping-gives-tony-popovic-belief-wanderers-can-salvage-season-20150326-1m81rc.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=26 March 2015}}

Bulut scored his first goal in the AFC Champions League on 7 April 2015 in a 1–1 home draw to Seoul.{{cite web |title=Western Sydney Wanderers miss chance to steal march after ACL draw with Seoul |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/apr/08/western-sydney-wanderers-fc-seoul-match-report |website=The Guardian |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=25 October 2023 |date=7 April 2015}}{{cite web |title=Bulut strike not enough for Wanderers to overcome Seoul |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/article/bulut-strike-not-enough-for-wanderers-to-overcome-seoul/2cowawa8e |website=SBS Sport |access-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=7 April 2015}} After accumulating a tally of five league goals in seven appearances, Bulut was offered a contract by Western Sydney Wanderers but rejected the offer by the club for being below the average players' salary in the competition.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Kerem Bulut may leave Western Sydney Wanderers |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kerem-bulut-may-leave-western-sydney-wanderers-20150416-1mmowq.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231025083227/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kerem-bulut-may-leave-western-sydney-wanderers-20150416-1mmowq.html |archive-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=17 April 2015}} He departed the club with six goals in 13 appearances, following the end of his contract on 30 May 2015 which upset fans who posted on social media and held banners, asking the Wanderers to re-sign the striker.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Western Sydney Wanderers axe Tomi Juric, Kerem Bulut, Ante Covic and more |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/western-sydney-wanderers-axe-tomi-juric-kerem-bulut-ante-covic-and-more-20150515-gh2tm0.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231025083101/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/western-sydney-wanderers-axe-tomi-juric-kerem-bulut-ante-covic-and-more-20150515-gh2tm0.html |archive-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=15 May 2015}}

On 29 June 2015 Bulut signed a three-year contract with Greek Superleague club Iraklis.{{cite web | url=http://fciraklis.gr/anakinosi-apoktisis-kerem-bulut/ | title=Ανακοίνωση απόκτησης Kerem Bulut | publisher=Iraklis FC | date=29 June 2015 | access-date=29 June 2015 | language=el | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701234454/http://fciraklis.gr/anakinosi-apoktisis-kerem-bulut/ | archive-date=1 July 2015 | url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Former Young Socceroo striker Kerem Bulut signs with Greek club Iraklis|url=http://www.espnfcasia.com/western-sydney-wanderers/story/2508292/aussie-striker-bulut-joins-greeces-iraklis |work=ESPN Soccernet SE Asia|date=29 June 2015|access-date=1 July 2015}}

Kerem Bulut made his Greek Super League debut for Iraklis FC on 30 August 2015 as a 65th-minute substitute for Lefteris Intzoglou in the 0–1 home loss to Panionios.{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/08/30/greece/super-league/iraklis-thessaloniki-fc/panionios-nfc/2088679/?ICID=PL_MS_08|title = Iraklis vs. Panionios - 30 August 2015 - Soccerway}} On 14 September 2015, Kerem Bulut made his first starting appearance in the Greek Super League for Iraklis at home to Levadiakos. On 5 December 2015, he scored his first goal with the club, helping Iraklis to beat Asteras Tripoli 2–1, and retain its unbeaten record against Asteras.{{cite web | url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/ellada/SuperLeague/diathrhse-thn-paradosh-o-hraklhs-2-1-ton-astera.3803694.html | title=Διατήρησε την παράδοση ο Ηρακλής, 2–1 τον Αστέρα | publisher=sport24.gr | date=5 December 2015 | access-date=6 December 2015 | language=el}} Bulut terminated his contract with Iraklis in July 2016, after not being paid for 5 months.{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/newly-released-bulut-could-return-home|title=Newly released Bulut could return home|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=4 July 2016}}

Bulut re-signed for Western Sydney Wanderers on 24 August 2016, following a successful trial and replaced Italian forward Federico Piovaccari, who was released at the end of the previous season.{{cite web |last1=Smithies |first1=Tom |title=Kerem Bulut re-signs for Western Sydney Wanderers and targets record goal haul |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/a-league/teams/western-sydney/kerem-bulut-resigns-for-western-sydney-wanderers-and-targets-record-goal-haul/news-story/d02dc55dd62ac04d80fda2a9c951c111 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=25 October 2023 |date=24 August 2016}}{{cite web |title=Kerem Bulut back at WSW in A-League deal |url=http://www.espnfc.com/western-sydney-wanderers/story/2936371/kerem-bulut-back-with-western-sydney-wanderers-in-a-league |website=ESPN |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=24 August 2016}} Bulut started in the first three league matches since his signing, remaining goalless in all three games.{{cite web |title=Wanderers coach Tony Popovic stays coy over whether Kerem Bulut will face Melbourne Victory |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/a-league/wanderers-coach-tony-popovic-stays-coy-over-whether-kerem-bulut-will-face-melbourne-victory/news-story/22157e07183226593ad81e49a4947db1 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=25 October 2023 |date=11 November 2016}} With Western Sydney Wanderers facing a goal-drought mid-season, Bulut was dropped from the squad by Tony Popovic despite the coach stating that he was “fit and not selected”.{{cite web |last1=Smithies |first1=Tom |title=Western Sydney Wanderers striker Kerem Bulut on outer despite side suffering goalscoring crisis |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/a-league/western-sydney-wanderers-striker-kerem-bulut-on-outer-despite-side-suffering-goalscoring-crisis/news-story/62927bf25b105f5d29127f3630946a33?amp&nk=a434c4095f990f6a44c4ca80be7119d0-1698216061 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=25 October 2023 |date=12 December 2016}} Popvic then openly criticised his poor performances at training as a reason for his absence.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Kerem Bulut dropped from Western Sydney Wanderers squad for training ground issues |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kerem-bulut-dropped-from-western-sydney-wanderers-squad-for-training-ground-issues-20161030-gsdyj1.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231025073447/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kerem-bulut-dropped-from-western-sydney-wanderers-squad-for-training-ground-issues-20161030-gsdyj1.html |archive-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=30 October 2016}} Bulut was released by Western Sydney Wanderers on 28 December 2016 with immediate effect.{{cite web |title=Kerem Bulut released |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/kerem-bulut-released |publisher=Western Sydney Wanderers |access-date=25 October 2023 |date=28 December 2016}}{{cite web |title=Western Sydney Wanderers release Kerem Bulut with immediate effect |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/western-sydney-wanderers-release-kerem-bulut-with-immediate-effect/news-story/d60922749784ce23444283440fbef995 |website=Fox Sports |access-date=25 October 2023 |language=en |date=28 December 2016}}{{cite web |title=Western Sydney Wanderers release Kerem Bulut from A-League contract |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/28/wanderers-release-kerem-bulut-a-league-contract |website=The Guardian |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=25 October 2023 |date=28 December 2016}}

On 28 January 2017, Bulut officially signed for 3rd Tier German side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. On 28 January 2017 had his debut against VfR Aalen after being subbed on in the second half.

Bulut moved to third tier Turkish side Menemen Belediye where he had a successful season scoring 9 goals in 28 games. The club missed out on winning the premiership and the automatic promotion spot by 2 points. His team were eliminated in the first round of the promotion play-offs, under the away goals rule following an 2-2 aggregate draw against Keciörengücü. Bulut exited the club following the season.

On 17 October 2018, the Turkish Football Federation were revealed to have handed Bulut a 4 year ban after he tested positive to cocaine use following a drug test in the last week of the season. Bulut confessed to the substance usage and accepted the four year ban, which due to FIFA anti-doping regulations applies to all FIFA affiliated associations worldwide through to 2022. After his return to Australia in 2019, Bulut and the Professional Footballers Australia players union attempted to have his ban overturned by reclassifying the cocaine use as a minor infraction and subject to rehabilitation rather than the long punishment. This effort failed, and he was forcibly retired from professional football.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/i-was-my-own-biggest-enemy-football-star-fights-to-overcome-drug-ban-20200515-p54tdc.html|title = 'I was my own biggest enemy': Football star fights to overcome drug ban|date = 30 May 2020}}

On 17 November 2010, Bulut was arrested, and on 18 November faced Burwood Court charged with a range of alleged offences including malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; robbery in company; participate in criminal group; assist criminal activity, affray and intimidation. Bulut, along with Ahmed Nahle, Rashid Ramadan and Ismail Hadife plotted to intimidate two court witnesses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/soccer-star-karem-bulut-on-gang-charges/news-story/32e56505a0fa63af80fc37a1c5547a3b?sv=6409039f09bdecd1e4979c6511fdf99f|title=Soccer star on gang charges|date=19 November 2010}} Ahmed Nahle, Rashid Ramadan, Ismail Hadife and a 16-year-old boy allegedly attacked the men with knives in a carpark in Auburn in September. The men suffered serious stab wounds. They were stabbed in the head, torso and leg.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/young-soccer-star-in-gang-attacks/news-story/3ac90ecaba8afd1afa3391b205dd7d91?sv=fd5f9c52da05b2574ddd05fd154a459e|title=Young soccer star in 'gang attacks'|date=19 November 2010}} The victims were to give evidence against Nahle, Ramadan and Hadife in court.

Bulut allegedly again confronted the men outside a nightclub in George St in the inner city. Later Bulut threatened to smash the victim's head after a chance encounter while driving.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thekennel.net.au/forum/index.php?threads/gang-link-sees-soccer-star-kerem-bulut-lose-bail.74747/|title=Gang link sees soccer star Kerem Bulut lose bail|date=31 December 2010 }} The judge was told Bulut was part of a gang called Muslim Brotherhood Militants.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/young-soccer-star-in-gang-attacks/news-story/3ac90ecaba8afd1afa3391b205dd7d91|title=Young soccer star in 'gang attacks'|date=19 November 2010}} The actions of Bulut are directly linked to previous crimes committed by members of MBM which involved the wounding of the same victims. They were robbed of their mobile phones and wallets at Bondi Beach on 12 November. He was granted conditional bail and was to face court again on 24 January 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.sportal.com.au/football-news-display/bulut-charged-for-gang-attack-102560 |title=Bulut charged for gang attack |publisher=Sportal.com.au |access-date=22 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628184315/http://www.sportal.com.au/football-news-display/bulut-charged-for-gang-attack-102560 |archive-date=28 June 2011 |url-status=dead }} On 7 April 2011 after a court hearing Bulut had his passport returned to him allowing him to return to his club Mladá Boleslav. It was hoped that playing as a professional footballer overseas will help him further distance himself from negative influences around him.{{cite web|last=Danks |first=Katherine |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/young-gun-kerem-buluts-dress-sense-defiance-in-court/story-e6freuzi-1226034927200 |title=Kerem Bulut returns to Mlada Boleslav |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=Australia |date=7 April 2011 |access-date=22 October 2011}}

In September 2011 the police case against Bulut was withdrawn after the victims became unwilling to give evidence against them.[https://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/twist-in-case-against-young-socceroo-kerem-bulut/news-story/2042662ec0b3f28f9436c0550ff4a06e?sv=844b50f337973dd70f6195c2001b3a19 Herald Sun] {{dead link|date=December 2022}} Police said without the evidence of the victim there is little, if any, prospect of a successful prosecution.

After returning to Australia following his drugs ban, he was involved in several police incidents. Arrests for affray, assault and offensive language culminated in Bulut being held in remand at Silverwater Prison. In late March 2021 he was charged with multiple counts of assault against his cellmate with charges that carried a potential sentence of 25 years in prison.[https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/former-western-sydney-wanderers-player-kerem-bulut-charged-over-jail-assault/news-story/133149806741fe85c07371b764a15b3d Wanderers soccer star charged over jail bashing] Daily Telegraph {{dead link|date=December 2022}}

In July 2008 Bulut was selected to represent the Australia U-17 team at the 2008 AFF U-16 Youth Championship in Indonesia. In Australia's second group stage match on 11 July Bulut scored in a 6–0 win against Indonesia. On 13 July he scored a brace in the second half of a 4–1 win against Malaysia. On 15 July in Australia's final group stage fixture Bulut scored on 42 minutes as Australia drew 1–1 against Singapore. Australia went on to win the tournament, beating Bahrain 5–4 on penalties after drawing 1–1 after extra time. Having scored four goals in the tournament, Bulut converted one of Australia's five penalties in the final's shoot-out.{{cite web|url=http://www.aseanfootball.org/competitions_062008.asp|title=AFF U16 YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 2008|date=23 July 2008|publisher=AFC|access-date=3 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727202453/http://aseanfootball.org/competitions_062008.asp|archive-date=27 July 2010}} Bulut was then selected for Australia's U-17 squad for a tour in Turkey which saw him score for Australia in a 2–1 loss against the Turkey U-17 national team.{{cite web|url=http://sportsaustralia.com/articles/news.php?id=5412|title=Joeys complete Turkey tour in defeat|date=27 April 2009|publisher=SportsAustralia|access-date=3 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716122628/http://sportsaustralia.com/articles/news.php?id=5412|archive-date=16 July 2011|url-status=dead}}

Bulut was selected to play in the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship held in China. He scored Australia's second goal in its first group stage 4–1 win over Yemen.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=370&matchId=2975 |title=Official Home of Asian Football |publisher=The-afc.com |date=4 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011}} Bulut would again deliver for the Young Socceroos after 60 minutes in their second group stage fixture as Australia would beat Iran at 3–0 and secured a spot in the knock-out stages.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=370&matchId=2974 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913142938/http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=370&matchId=2974 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 September 2012 |title=Official Home of Asian Football |publisher=The-afc.com |date=6 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011 }} Australia were drawn with the UAE at the quarter-final stage when Bulut opened the scoring after just 6 minutes. The game was locked at 2–2 before Australia would eventually win after scoring 2 goals in extra-time.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=370&matchId=2967 |title=Official Home of Asian Football |publisher=The-afc.com |date=11 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011}} Bulut scored a brace in the semi-final against Saudi Arabia as Australia went on to win 2–0.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=370&matchId=2965 |title=Official Home of Asian Football |publisher=The-afc.com |date=14 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011}} Korea DPR would beat Australia 3–2 in the final, which saw Australia take the lead at 2–1 having been down 1–0, when Bulut scored both goals in the space of six minutes, as Australia went on to qualify for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Bulut was awarded the Golden Boot of the tournament having scored 7 goals{{cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=370&matchId=2963 |title=Official Home of Asian Football |publisher=The-afc.com |date=17 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/young-socceroos-down-in-asian-final/story-e6frfg8x-1225939971994 |title=Young Socceroos down in Asian final |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |date=18 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011}}{{cite news| url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/young-socceroos-through-to-asian-final-20101015-16m4v.html | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | title=Young Socceroos through to Asian final | date=15 October 2010}}{{cite web |last=Ormond |first=Aidan |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/186249,buluts-cruel-final-blow.aspx |title=Bulut's Cruel Final Blow – Australia News – Australian FourFourTwo – The Ultimate Football Website |publisher=Au.fourfourtwo.com |date=19 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011 |archive-date=1 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001015532/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/186249,buluts-cruel-final-blow.aspx |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/afc-u19-championship-2010/30958-bulut-gunning-for-afc-asian-cup |access-date=17 October 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/186088,disaster-at-the-death.aspx |title=Disaster At The Death – Australia News – Australian FourFourTwo – The Ultimate Football Website |publisher=Au.fourfourtwo.com |date=18 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930142421/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/186088,disaster-at-the-death.aspx |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://sportal.com.au/football-news-display/heartbreak-for-young-socceroos-100383 |title=Heartbreak for Young Socceroos – Football – Sportal Australia |publisher=Sportal.com.au |access-date=22 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503130852/http://www.sportal.com.au/football-news-display/heartbreak-for-young-socceroos-100383 |archive-date=3 May 2012 |url-status=dead }} After his performance at the tournament, the media had publicised Bulut as a talent that Sydney had lost due to snubbing him during selection.{{cite news| url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league/bulut-performer-sky-blues-left-to-ponder-another-one-that-got-away-20101019-16sja.html | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | first=Sebastian | last=Hassett | title=Bulut performer: Sky Blues left to ponder another one that got away | date=20 October 2010}}

On 13 July Bulut was selected in Australia's 21-man squad for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.{{cite web |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/2009InsideFFA/default.aspx?s=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem_new&id=40309 |title=Football Federation Australia Home |publisher=Footballaustralia.com.au |access-date=22 October 2011 |archive-date=10 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810170243/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/2009InsideFFA/default.aspx?s=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem_new&id=40309 |url-status=dead }} Drawn into Group C Bulut played in Australia's opening group stage fixture which resulted in a 1–1 draw against Ecuador on 31 July.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145870/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514070255/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145870/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 May 2012 |title=FIFA U-20 World Cup: Australia 1:1 (0:1) Ecuador – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |date=31 July 2011 |access-date=22 October 2011}} Bulut then played another 90 minutes in a 3–2 loss to Costa Rica on 3 August, where his flick-on header was touched by Thomas Oar to score Australia's first goal.{{cite web|url=http://sportsaustralia.com/2011/08/04/young-socceroos-beaten-by-costa-rica-2 |title=Young Socceroos beaten by Costa Rica |publisher=SportsAustralia.com |date=4 August 2011 |access-date=22 October 2011}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145865/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514231314/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145865/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 May 2012 |title=FIFA U-20 World Cup: Australia 2:3 (1:2) Costa Rica – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |access-date=22 October 2011}} In Australia's last group stage match against Spain on 6 August, Bulut received the ball from a goal kick from Mark Birighitti before getting past a Spanish opponent and scoring past goal keeper Fernando Pacheco Flores to make the score line 4–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145866/report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514210829/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145866/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 May 2012 |title=FIFA U-20 World Cup: Australia 1:5 (1:5) Spain – Report |publisher=FIFA.com |access-date=22 October 2011}}{{cite web|last=Smithies |first=Tom |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/soccer/young-socceroos-smashed-by-spain/story-e6frey4r-1226110151326 |title=Young Socceroos smashed by Spain|work=The Daily Telegraph |location=Australia |date=7 August 2011 |access-date=22 October 2011}} The match finished 5–1 as Australia were eliminated from the tournament having finished in fourth position of their respective group with only one point.

On 27 January 2012 he was selected to play for the Australia Olympic football team against Uzbekistan national under-23 football team and United Arab Emirates national under-23 football team.{{cite web |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Amini-into-Under-23s-squad-as-Antonis-ruled-out/44812 |title=Amini into Under 23s squad as Antonis ruled out - Football Australia 2011 |website=www.footballaustralia.com.au |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231001531/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Amini-into-Under-23s-squad-as-Antonis-ruled-out/44812 |archive-date=31 December 2012 |url-status=dead}} Kerem Bulut made his debut for the Australia Olympic football team in a friendly under 23's international against the Philippines at the Al Nasr Stadium in Dubai, UAE on 16 February 2012.

Statistics accurate as of 7 February 2016

FK Mladá Boleslav'

• Czech Cup: 2010–11

Australia U-20

• AFC U-20 Asian Cup: runner-up 2010{{Cite web|url=https://perthglory.com.au/news/alex-pearson-selected-qantas-young-socceroos-squad/|title=Alex Pearson selected in Qantas Young Socceroos squad|date=20 September 2010 |access-date=March 13, 2025}}

• 2010 AFC U-19 Championship Golden Boot
• 7 Goals

{{reflist}}

• {{TFF|1563967}}
• {{UEFA|250026230}}
• {{Soccerway|kerem-bulut/135490}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160131101521/http://www.fkmb.eu/club/hrac.php?s=2011&=1&p=438 FK Mladá Boleslav profile]
• {{Fotbal DNES|new_id=3118|old_id=3010280}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bulut, Kerem}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Australian people of Turkish descent

Category:Australian Institute of Sport soccer players

Category:Sydney FC players

Category:A-League Men players

Category:Czech First League players

Category:Süper Lig players

Category:Australian expatriate men's soccer players

Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Germany

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany

Category:Akhisarspor footballers

Category:FK Mladá Boleslav players

Category:Iraklis F.C. (Thessaloniki) players

Category:Karşıyaka S.K. footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Czech Republic

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey

Category:Soccer players from Sydney

Category:Living people

Category:Western Sydney Wanderers FC players

Category:3. Liga players

Category:SV Wehen Wiesbaden players

Category:Australian men's soccer players

Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen