Merih Demiral
{{short description|Turkish footballer (born 1998)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Merih Demiral
| image = Demiral in the international match in September 2020 (Cropped).jpg
| upright = 0.75
| caption = Demiral with Türkiye in 2020
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1998|3|5|df=yes}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/267178/merih-demiral |title=Merih Demiral: Overview |publisher=ESPN |access-date=21 April 2023 |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703164104/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/267178/merih-demiral |url-status=live }}
| birth_place = Karamürsel, Turkey
| position = Centre-back
| currentclub = Al-Ahli
| clubnumber = 28
| youthyears1 = 2009–2011
| youthclubs1 = Karamürsel Idmanyurduspor
| youthyears2 = 2011–2016
| youthclubs2 = Fenerbahçe
| years1 = 2016–2017
| clubs1 = Alcanenense
| caps1 = 12
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2017
| clubs2 = → Sporting CP B (loan)
| caps2 = 3
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2017–2019
| clubs3 = Sporting CP B
| caps3 = 26
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2018–2019
| clubs4 = → Alanyaspor (loan)
| caps4 = 16
| goals4 = 1
| years6 = 2019
| clubs6 = → Sassuolo (loan)
| caps6 = 14
| goals6 = 2
| years7 = 2019–2022
| clubs7 = Juventus
| caps7 = 21
| goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2021–2022
| clubs8 = → Atalanta (loan)
| caps8 = 28
| goals8 = 1
| years9 = 2022–2023
| clubs9 = Atalanta
| caps9 = 28
| goals9 = 1
| years10 = 2023–
| clubs10 = Al-Ahli
| caps10 = 44
| goals10 = 2
| nationalyears1 = 2014–2015
| nationalteam1 = Turkey U17
| nationalcaps1 = 7
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2015
| nationalteam2 = Turkey U18
| nationalcaps2 = 2
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2015–2016
| nationalteam3 = Turkey U19
| nationalcaps3 = 10
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| nationalyears4 = 2018
| nationalteam4 = Turkey U20
| nationalcaps4 = 9
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2016–2018
| nationalteam5 = Turkey U21
| nationalcaps5 = 13
| nationalgoals5 = 0
| nationalyears6 = 2018–
| nationalteam6 = Turkey
| nationalcaps6 = 53
| nationalgoals6 = 4
| club-update = 20:34, 18 April 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 22:55, 19 November 2024 (UTC)
}}
Merih Demiral (born 5 March 1998) is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli and Turkish national team.
Club career
=Early years=
Product of the Fenerbahçe youth system, Demiral was signed by Portuguese side Alcanenense in 2016.{{cite web |url=https://www.ojogo.pt/futebol/1a-liga/sporting/noticias/turco-merih-demiral-chega-emprestado-5598761.html |title=Turco Merih Demiral chega emprestado |trans-title=Turk Merih Demiral is loaned out |publisher=O Jogo |last1=Toucedo |first1=Rafael |language=pt |date=11 January 2017 |access-date=15 January 2020 |archive-date=15 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115161446/https://www.ojogo.pt/futebol/1a-liga/sporting/noticias/turco-merih-demiral-chega-emprestado-5598761.html |url-status=live }}
In January 2017, he was loaned out to Sporting B, and made his professional debut in the Segunda Liga for the latter club on 5 February 2017 in a 1–1 home draw against Famalicão.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/02/05/portugal/liga-de-honra/sporting-b/fc-famalicao/2284530/|title=Game Report by Soccerway|publisher=Soccerway|date=5 February 2017|access-date=21 February 2018|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711053759/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/02/05/portugal/liga-de-honra/sporting-b/fc-famalicao/2284530/|url-status=live}} At the end of the season, he was signed outright by the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.ojogo.pt/futebol/1a-liga/sporting/noticias/demiral-quer-convencer-jesus-na-pre-temporada-8518737.html |title=Demiral quer convencer Jesus na pré-temporada |trans-title=Demiral wants to convince Jesus during the pre-season |publisher=O Jogo |last=Tornesi |first=Duarte |language=pt |date=30 May 2017 |access-date=15 January 2020 |archive-date=15 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115161442/https://www.ojogo.pt/futebol/1a-liga/sporting/noticias/demiral-quer-convencer-jesus-na-pre-temporada-8518737.html |url-status=live }}
On 15 August 2018, he joined Turkish club Alanyaspor on loan.{{cite web|url=http://www.alanyaspor.org.tr/Haberler-ID-763-haberler-transfer-hosgeldin-merih-demiral|title=Hoşgeldin Merih Demiral!|trans-title=Welcome to Merih Demiral!|publisher=Alanyaspor|language=tr|date=15 August 2018|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224032605/http://www.alanyaspor.org.tr/Haberler-ID-763-Haberler-transfer-hosgeldin-merih-demiral|archive-date=24 December 2018|url-status=dead}} On 29 January 2019, he permanently joined Alanyaspor for €3.5 million.{{cite web|url=https://gazetefutbol.de/deadline-day-gazetefutbols-transferticker/|title=Deadline-Day: GazeteFutbols Transferticker|first=Anil P. Polat Stellvertretender Chefredakteur GazeteFutbol|publisher=gazetefutbol.de|language=de|last=Hürriyet.de-Redaktion|date=31 January 2019|access-date=28 March 2019|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328043025/https://gazetefutbol.de/deadline-day-gazetefutbols-transferticker/|url-status=live}}
= Sassuolo =
On 30 January 2019, Demiral joined Italian club Sassuolo on loan with an obligation to buy.{{cite web|url=https://m.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/ufficiale-sassuolo-arriva-demiral-in-prestito-con-obbligo-di-riscatto-1208471|title=UFFICIALE: Sassuolo, arriva Demiral in prestito con obbligo di riscatto|trans-title=OFFICIAL: Sassuolo, Demiral arrives on loan with an obbligation to buy|publisher=tuttomercatoweb.com|language=it|access-date=30 January 2019|archive-date=9 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609082956/https://m.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/ufficiale-sassuolo-arriva-demiral-in-prestito-con-obbligo-di-riscatto-1208471|url-status=live}} He made his Serie A and club debut on 24 February, in a 1–1 home draw against SPAL,{{cite web|last=Pergolizzi|first=Dario|date=29 May 2019|title=Perché la Juventus vuole prendere Demiral|trans-title=Why Juventus want to get Demiral|url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/demiral-juventus-sassuolo/|publisher=www.ultimouomo.com|language=it|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629115431/https://www.ultimouomo.com/demiral-juventus-sassuolo/|url-status=live}} and scored his first goals both for the club and in Serie A—a brace in a 4–0 home win over Chievo—on 4 April.{{cite web |url=https://www.calcionews24.com/sassuolo-primo-gol-demiral-serie-a/ |title=Sassuolo, doppietta da sogno per Demiral: prime gioie in Serie A! |trans-title=Sassuolo, dream-like brace for Demiral: first joys in Serie A! |publisher=www.calcionews24.com |language=it |date=4 April 2019 |access-date=15 January 2020 |archive-date=15 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115162042/https://www.calcionews24.com/sassuolo-primo-gol-demiral-serie-a/ |url-status=live }}
=Juventus=
On 5 July 2019, Juventus officially announced the transfer of Demiral from Sassuolo, on a five-year contract for €18 million.{{cite news|title=Official: Merih Demiral is Bianconero!|url=https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2019/merih-demiral---bianconero-.php|publisher=Juventus FC|date=5 July 2019|access-date=5 July 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190705191518/https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2019/merih-demiral---bianconero-.php|archive-date=5 July 2019|quote="The Turkish defender joins Juventus from Sassuolo: he will be a Bianconeri until 30 June 2024."|url-status=live}} His salary was reportedly unfolded as €1.3 million per year.{{cite news|title=Merih Demiral'ın Juventus'taki maaşı belli oldu|url=https://skor.sozcu.com.tr/2019/07/14/merih-demiralin-juventustaki-maasi-belli-oldu-1352626/|publisher=Sözcü|access-date=14 July 2019|language=Tr|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190714111531/https://skor.sozcu.com.tr/2019/07/14/merih-demiralin-juventustaki-maasi-belli-oldu-1352626/|archive-date=14 July 2019|url-status=live}} He became the first Turkish player to play for the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/demiral-being-the-first-juve-turk-is-an-honor-chiellini-helps-me-77528 |title=Demiral: 'Being the first Juve turk is an honor, Chiellini helps me a lot' |publisher=www.calciomercato.com |date=20 August 2019 |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229194748/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/demiral-being-the-first-juve-turk-is-an-honor-chiellini-helps-me-77528 |url-status=live }} He made his club debut on 21 September, in a 2–1 home win over Verona in Serie A.{{cite news |url=https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/2019/09/21-61420528/serie_a_juve-verona_2-1_ramsey_e_cristiano_ronaldo_firmano_la_rimonta/ |title=Serie A, Juve-Verona 2-1: Ramsey e Cristiano Ronaldo firmano la rimonta |trans-title=Serie A, Juve–Verona 2–1: Ramsey and Cristiano Ronaldo mark the comeback |work=Tutto Sport |language=it |last1=Vaciago |first1=Guido |date=21 September 2019 |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=22 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922132003/https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/2019/09/21-61420528/serie_a_juve-verona_2-1_ramsey_e_cristiano_ronaldo_firmano_la_rimonta/ |url-status=live }} He subsequently made his Champions League debut on 11 December, in the club's final group match, earning praise in the media for his performance as he helped Juventus keep a clean sheet in a 2–0 away win over Bayer Leverkusen.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2027111--leverkusen-vs-juventus/ |title=Leverkusen 0–2 Juventus |publisher=UEFA |last1=Thorogood |first1=James |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=13 January 2020 |archive-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227051507/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2020/matches/round=2001140/match=2027111/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/juventus-demiral-da-urlo-contro-bayer-leverkusen/lxhbpk6jqoa41qvuukb9st5wi |title=Juventus, Demiral da urlo contro il Bayer Leverkusen: arma in più per Sarri |trans-title=Juventus, Demiral outstanding against Bayer Leverkusen: an additional asset for Sarri |publisher=Goal.com |language=it |last1=Agresti |first1=Romeo |date=13 December 2019 |access-date=13 January 2020 |archive-date=13 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113173039/https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/juventus-demiral-da-urlo-contro-bayer-leverkusen/lxhbpk6jqoa41qvuukb9st5wi |url-status=live }}
He scored his first goal for the club on 12 January 2020, the opener in a 2–1 away win over Roma, which saw Juventus secure the unofficial title of "Winter Champions", though he was later substituted for Matthijs de Ligt after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury. As a result, he was expected to be ruled out for the remainder of the season, including Euro 2020.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jan/12/roma-juventus-psg-monaco-hellas-verona-genoa |title=Euro roundup: Zaniolo and Demiral likely to miss Euros after rupturing ACLs |work=The Guardian |date=13 January 2020 |access-date=13 January 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308103646/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jan/12/roma-juventus-psg-monaco-hellas-verona-genoa |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142546 |title=Roma 1 - 2 Juventus |publisher=Football Italia |date=12 January 2020 |access-date=13 January 2020 |archive-date=16 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316061248/https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142546 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/12-01-2020/quarto-d-ora-gol-infortunio-demiral-gioia-tanta-dolore-forte-36045562818.shtml |title=Demiral dalla gioia (del gol) al dolore (dell'infortunio): distorsione al ginocchio, domattina il verdetto |trans-title=Demiral from joy (for his goal) to pain (for his injury): knee strain, tomorrow the verdict |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |date=12 January 2020 |access-date=13 January 2020 |archive-date=13 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113125831/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/12-01-2020/quarto-d-ora-gol-infortunio-demiral-gioia-tanta-dolore-forte-36045562818.shtml |url-status=live }} He returned to action on 1 August, featuring as a substitute in Juventus' 3–1 home defeat to Roma in Serie A, with Juventus already confirmed as league champions.{{cite news |url=https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/2020/08/01-72394010/juve-roma_1-3_higuain_non_basta_ora_testa_alla_champions/ |title=Juve-Roma 1-3: Higuain non basta, ora testa alla Champions |work=www.tuttosport.com |language=it |last1=Baldini |first1=Sergio |date=1 August 2020 |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803092332/https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/2020/08/01-72394010/juve-roma_1-3_higuain_non_basta_ora_testa_alla_champions/ |url-status=live }}
== Loan to Atalanta ==
On 6 August 2021, Atalanta announced the signing of Demiral from Juventus on loan with an option to buy.{{Cite web|title=Benvenuto Demiral!|url=https://www.atalanta.it/news/benvenuto-demiral/|date=6 August 2021|website=atalanta.it|language=it|access-date=6 August 2021|archive-date=6 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806145423/https://www.atalanta.it/news/benvenuto-demiral/|url-status=live}} During the 2021–22 season, he accumulated a total of 42 appearances in all competitions, scored two goals, and provided three assists. Atalanta exercised the right to buy on 17 June 2022 for a fee of €20 million.{{cite web |url=https://www.atalanta.it/ |title=Demiral: esercitato il diritto di opzione |website=atalanta.it |language=it |date=17 June 2022 |access-date=6 August 2021 |archive-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804125915/https://www.atalanta.it/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://football-italia.net/atalanta-to-purchase-demiral-from-juventus-after-all/ |title=Atalanta to purchase Demiral from Juventus after all |last=Campanale |first=Susy |publisher=Football Italia |date=17 June 2022 |access-date=17 June 2022 |archive-date=17 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617184031/https://football-italia.net/atalanta-to-purchase-demiral-from-juventus-after-all/ |url-status=live }}
= Al-Ahli =
On 19 August 2023, Demiral joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli on a three-year contract.{{cite web |title=الأهلي يواصل صفقاته القوية ويضم "المقاتل" دميرال |url=https://www.alriyadh.com/2028248 |access-date=19 August 2023 |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819154439/http://www.alriyadh.com/2028248 |url-status=live }}
International career
Demiral represented Turkey at junior levels, including Under-17 and Under-19. He made his debut for the senior squad on 20 November 2018 in a friendly against Ukraine, as an 85th-minute substitute for Mert Müldür.{{cite web|publisher=ESPN|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/soccer/match?gameId=520333|title=Turkey v Ukraine game report|date=20 November 2018|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126221427/http://www.espn.co.uk/soccer/match?gameId=520333|url-status=live}} On 11 June 2021, Demiral scored an own goal in a 3–0 defeat against Italy in the first game of the UEFA Euro 2020 campaign; it was the first time in the tournament's history that the match opener kicked off with an own goal.{{Cite web|title='Juve's in his blood!' – Turkish defender Demiral nets historic own goal to open Euro 2020 against Italy {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/juves-in-his-blood-turkish-defender-demiral-nets-historic/nw6ifg89t4dczbg0y2hochaa|access-date=2021-06-11|website=goal.com|archive-date=9 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809102053/https://www.goal.com/en/news/juves-in-his-blood-turkish-defender-demiral-nets-historic/nw6ifg89t4dczbg0y2hochaa|url-status=live}}
On 7 June 2024, he was selected in the 26-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2024.{{cite news |date=7 June 2024 |title=A Millî Takımımızın EURO 2024 Aday Kadrosu Açıklandı |trans-title=EURO 2024 Candidate Squad of Our National Team Announced |url=https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=202&ftxtID=44561 |language=tr |publisher=Turkish Football Federation |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=7 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205837/https://tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=202&ftxtID=44561 |url-status=live }} In the round of 16 match against Austria, he was awarded player of the match by scoring a brace in a 2–1 victory, securing his country's qualification to the quarter-finals.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/match/2036204--austria-vs-turkiye/ |title=Austria 1–2 Türkiye |publisher=UEFA |date=2 July 2024 |access-date=2 July 2024 |archive-date=2 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702212650/https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/match/2036204--austria-vs-turkiye/ |url-status=live }} His first goal, netted just 57 seconds into the game, set a record as the fastest goal in the knockout stages of the European competition.{{cite web |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Peter |url=https://onefootball.com/fr/news/demiral-makes-euros-knockout-history-with-rapid-quick-goal-vs-austria-39708672 |title=Demiral makes EUROs knockout history with rapid-quick goal vs Austria 😲 |publisher=OneFootball |date=2 July 2024 |access-date=2 July 2024 |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703164106/https://onefootball.com/fr/news/demiral-makes-euros-knockout-history-with-rapid-quick-goal-vs-austria-39708672 |url-status=live }}
=Military salute during the Euro 2020 qualifier=
On 11 October 2019, following Cenk Tosun's goal in a 1–0 home win over Albania in a Euro 2020 qualifier, Demiral was one of the Turkish players who participated in a controversial "military salute" goal celebration.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50019304 |title=Turkey v Albania (1–0) |website=BBC Sport |date=11 October 2019 |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-date=19 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019102214/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50019304 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/uefa-to-examine-turkey-military-celebrations-calhanoglu-and-demi-82485 |title=UEFA to examine Turkey 'military' celebrations: Calhanoglu and Demiral at risk |website=Calciomercato.com |date=12 October 2019 |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017125328/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/uefa-to-examine-turkey-military-celebrations-calhanoglu-and-demi-82485 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50041529 |title=Euro 2020: Uefa probes Turkey footballers' military salute |website=BBC Sport |date=14 October 2019 |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202172312/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50041529 |url-status=live }} The same day, he stated his open support for the Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria on Twitter; while his post was praised by Turkish supporters of the country's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, it also drew criticism from numerous football fans of Juventus on social media, as well as those of other clubs, some of whom asked for the club to take disciplinary actions against the player; others even demanded that Demiral be dismissed by the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/francia-turchia-demiral-esulta-saluto-militare/1w6f0y9apderw1e5cykuehk98f|title=Francia-Turchia, Demiral protagonista: grande prova e nuovo saluto militare|trans-title=France–Turkey, Demiral protagonist: great performance and new military salute|website=Goal.com|language=it|access-date=15 October 2019|archive-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022050654/https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/francia-turchia-demiral-esulta-saluto-militare/1w6f0y9apderw1e5cykuehk98f|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.open.online/2019/10/14/francia-turchia-demiral-ci-ricasca-e-ripropone-il-saluto-militare/|title=Francia-Turchia, lo juventino Demiral insiste: esulta col saluto militare pro-Erdogan|trans-title=France–Turkey, the Juventus player Demiral insists: celebrates with a pro–Erdogan military salute|website=Open|language=it|date=14 October 2019|access-date=15 October 2019|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224022406/https://www.open.online/2019/10/14/francia-turchia-demiral-ci-ricasca-e-ripropone-il-saluto-militare/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/demiralout-trending-juventus-fans-want-defender-due-to-political-81989|title=DemiralOut trending: Juventus fans want defender due to political views|website=Calciomercato.com|access-date=17 October 2019|archive-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022053305/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/demiralout-trending-juventus-fans-want-defender-due-to-political-81989|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://it.eurosport.com/calcio/serie-a/2019-2020/demiral-e-under-nella-bufera-per-i-tweet-a-sostegno-dell-offensiva-in-siria_sto7494708/story.shtml |title=Demiral, Calhanoglu e Under nella bufera per i tweet a sostegno dell'offensiva turca contro i curdi |trans-title=Demiral, Calhanoglu and Under in turbulence for their tweets supporting the Turkish offensive against the Kurds |website=Eurosport |language=it |last=Dolci |first=Stefano |date=11 October 2019 |access-date=29 October 2019 }}
=Euro 2024 ban and wolf salute=
On 2 July 2024, after the match against Austria in the Euro 2024 in Germany, Demiral displayed the so-called wolf salute, which is associated with Turkish nationalism, pan-Turkism, and the Grey Wolves organization.{{cite book |author=Matusitz, Jonathan |chapter= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SS-PBAAAQBAJ |title=Symbolism in Terrorism: Motivation, Communication, and Behavior |location= |date=2014 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |volume= |pages=12 |series= |isbn=9781442235793}} The salute is banned in Austria.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-04 |title=Germany summons Turkish ambassador over rightist 'wolf' goal celebration at soccer tournament |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/germany-euros-soccer-turkey-wolf-goal-celebration-recep-tayyip-erdogan-rcna160315 |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=5 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705074532/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/germany-euros-soccer-turkey-wolf-goal-celebration-recep-tayyip-erdogan-rcna160315 |url-status=live }} At the press conference, he stated that it was an expression of Turkish pride and he intends to do it again when the opportunity arises. In addition to criticism from politicians and journalists,{{cite news |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/fussball-em-tuerkei-oesterreich-wolfsgruss-demiral-rechtsextrem-uefa-lux.UaK4WonSA6bg5RKE5JWVTw |title=Uefa ermittelt gegen Demiral wegen des 'Wolfsgrußes' |trans-title=Uefa investigation against Demiral because of "Wolf salute" |website=Süddeutsche Zeitung|language=de |date=3 July 2024 |access-date=3 July 2024|publisher=Südwestdeutsche Medien Holding}} UEFA started an investigation for alleged inappropriate behaviour.{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/running-competitions/disciplinary/updates/028f-1b472db4c7d7-cdf7c16b8ac8-1000/ |title=UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector appointed |website=UEFA|date=3 July 2024 |access-date=3 July 2024}} On 3 and 4 July 2024 Turkey and Germany respectively summoned the other nations ambassador to discuss the incident.{{cite news |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/sport/wegen-demirals-wolfsgruss-berlin-bestellt-turkischen-botschafter-ein-11958566.html |title=Wegen Demirals "Wolfsgruß": Bundesregierung bestellt türkischen Botschafter ein |website=Tagesspiegel |date=4 July 2024 |access-date=4 July 2024 |archive-date=4 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704105250/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/sport/wegen-demirals-wolfsgruss-berlin-bestellt-turkischen-botschafter-ein-11958566.html |url-status=live }} UEFA announced on 5 July that he would be banned for a total of two matches for failing to comply with the general principles of conduct and for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/running-competitions/disciplinary/updates/028f-1b4b5df93e8d-2aae45b09ee5-1000/ |title=Appeals Body decision: 2024 European Championship match, Austria - Türkiye |website=UEFA|date=5 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024}} The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said they would appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).{{Cite web |title=Turkey appeals Demiral match ban for extremism; They can still beat Oranje, says Kökçü {{!}} NL Times |url=https://nltimes.nl/2024/07/05/turkey-appeals-demiral-match-ban-extremism-can-still-beat-oranje-says-kokcu |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=nltimes.nl |date=5 July 2024 |language=en}} TFF president Mehmet Büyükeksi later that day acknowledged that, according to article 63 of UEFA statutes, the CAS has no authority over cases were a player has been banned for less than three matches and there is no way for the TFF to appeal his ban.{{cite news |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/sport/voreingenommenes-verhalten-gegenuber-auslandern-kein-einspruch-gegen-demiral-sperre-moglich-11968103.html |title= "Voreingenommenes Verhalten gegenüber Ausländern": Kein Einspruch gegen Demiral-Sperre möglich |website=Tagesspiegel|date=5 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024}} UEFA's ban on Demiral was criticised by some as hypocritical and of double standard by drawing comparisons with the lighter penalty received by Jude Bellingham for offensive gesture made at the same tournament and with political gestures made by footballers of other nations which had gone unpunished in previous editions of the tournament.{{cite news |title=Giving Turkish defender Merih Demiral 2-match ban shows UEFA's double standards |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/sports/giving-turkish-defender-merih-demiral-2-match-ban-shows-uefas-double-standards/3267448 |website=aa.com |access-date=23 July 2024}}{{cite news |title=UEFA's 2-match ban on Merih Demiral sparks allegations of Western hypocrisy |url=https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/uefas-2-match-ban-on-merih-demiral-sparks-allegations-of-western-hypocrisy-26686/ |website=turkiyetoday.com |access-date=23 July 2024}}
Style of play
Demiral is usually deployed as a centre-back, in either a three or four-man defence, although he is a versatile player, who is also capable of playing as a right-sided full-back.{{cite web|date=20 August 2019|title=Demiral looking to learn from 'idol' Chiellini at Juventus|url=https://en.as.com/en/2019/08/20/football/1566337303_759953.html|access-date=17 January 2020|publisher=as.com|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130125011/https://en.as.com/en/2019/08/20/football/1566337303_759953.html|url-status=dead}}
An aggressive and instinctive defender, his main traits are his physicality, tactical intelligence, tackling, composure, and determination, which allow to excel at reading plays, and also enable him to anticipate or mark his opponents well. A tall and physically strong defender, he is also known for his ability in the air, which enables him to defend opposing crosses and clear the ball away from his own penalty area.{{cite web|last1=Barbagallo|first1=Anthony|date=29 July 2019|title=Demiral as decisive as De Ligt|url=https://www.football-italia.net/141375/demiral-decisive-de-ligt|access-date=2 August 2020|publisher=Football Italia}} Despite his tall stature and imposing physique, he is also a mobile defender, which allows him to make recoveries, win back the ball effectively, or restrict his opponents' movements when defending off the ball.
Regarded as a promising young defender in the media, due to his characteristics, he has been compared to Nemanja Vidić, whom Demiral himself has also cited as an inspiration.{{cite web|url=https://www.calciomercato.com/news/chi-e-merih-demiral-il-nuovo-vidic-che-la-juve-ha-preso-con-il-s-28236|title=Chi è Merih Demiral, il nuovo Vidic che la Juve ha preso con il Sassuolo|trans-title=Who is Demiral, the new Vidic that Juve acquired with Sassuolo|publisher=Calciomercato.com|last=Zanon|first=Federico|language=it|date=29 January 2019|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114163520/https://www.calciomercato.com/news/chi-e-merih-demiral-il-nuovo-vidic-che-la-juve-ha-preso-con-il-s-28236|url-status=live}} Another one of his influences is his Juventus teammate Giorgio Chiellini, to whom he has also been compared. He has also been likened to former Juventus defender Paolo Montero.{{cite web |url=https://www.tuttojuve.com/lettera-del-tifoso/lettera-del-tifoso-massimiliano-demiral-nuovo-chiellini-non-si-puo-cedere-478519 |title=LETTERA DEL TIFOSO Massimiliano: "Demiral nuovo Chiellini, non si può cedere" |trans-title=Letter from a fan called Massimiliano: "Demiral new Chiellini, he can't be given away" |publisher=www.tuttojuve.com |language=it |date=22 July 2019 |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=22 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722152642/https://www.tuttojuve.com/lettera-del-tifoso/lettera-del-tifoso-massimiliano-demiral-nuovo-chiellini-non-si-puo-cedere-478519 |url-status=live }}
Personal life
Merih Demiral married the Albanian model Heidi Lushtaku in 2021.{{Cite web |last1=TheSportsGrail |last2=Shukla |first2=Rizu |date=2024-07-03 |title=Who is model Heidi Lushtaku wife of Merih Demiral, biography, age, children and Instagram |url=https://thesportsgrail.com/who-is-model-heidi-lushtaku-wife-of-merih-demiral-biography-age-children-and-instagram/ |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=The SportsGrail |language=en}}
On 20 April 2022, Demiral and his wife became the parents of a son and made this public a month after the birth.{{cite news|url=https://telegrafi.com/heidi-lushtaku-behet-nene-per-te-pare-zbulon-lidhjen-futbollistin-e-juventusit-merih-demiral/|title=Heidi Lushtaku bëhet nënë për herë të parë – zbulon lidhjen me futbollistin e njohur Merih Demiral|trans-title=Heidi Lushtaku becomes a mother for the first time – reveals the relationship with the famous footballer Merih Demiral|language=Albanian|publisher=Telegrafi|date=20 May 2022|access-date=20 May 2022|archive-date=20 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520195221/https://telegrafi.com/heidi-lushtaku-behet-nene-per-te-pare-zbulon-lidhjen-futbollistin-e-juventusit-merih-demiral/|url-status=live}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 18 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/merih-demiral/374637/|title=M. Demiral|website=Soccerway|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-date=1 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191201132656/https://int.soccerway.com/players/merih-demiral/374637/|url-status=live}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Taça de Portugal, Turkish Cup, Coppa Italia, King's Cup}} !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcanenense
|12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 13 | 0 | |||
| Sporting CP B (loan)
|3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | ||||
| Sporting CP B
|LigaPro |26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 26 | 0 | |||
| Sporting CP
|colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Alanyaspor (loan)
|16 | 1 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 20 | 1 | |||
| Sassuolo (loan)
|14 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 2 | ||||
| rowspan="3"|Juventus
|Serie A |6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana}} | 0 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2020–21
|Serie A |15 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!21 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 32 | 1 | |
| Atalanta (loan)
|Serie A |28 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 12{{efn|Six appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League, six appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 42 | 2 | ||
| Atalanta
|Serie A |28 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 28 | 1 | |||
| rowspan="3"|Al-Ahli
|20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 21 | 1 | |||
| 2024–25
|Saudi Pro League |24 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 9{{efn|Appearances in AFC Champions League Elite}} | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in Saudi Super Cup}} | 0 | 35 | 1 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!44 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 56 | 2 | |
| colspan="3"|Career total
!192 | 8 | 14 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 235 | 9 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 19 November 2024}}{{NFT player|72686|access-date=29 October 2019 }}
| class = "wikitable" style = "text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals | ||
| rowspan="7"|Turkey
|2018 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 11 | 0 |
| 2020 | 7 | 0 |
| 2021 | 12 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1 |
| 2023 | 6 | 0 |
| 2024 | 12 | 2 |
| colspan="2"|Total||53||4 |
|---|
Scores and results list Turkey's goal tally first.
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Merih Demiral !scope="col"|No. !scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | ||||||
| align="center"|1 | 13 November 2021 | Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey | {{fb|GIB}} | align="center"|4–0 | align="center"|6–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| align="center"|2 | 4 June 2022 | Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey | {{fb|FRO}} | align="center"|4–0 | align="center"|4–0 | 2022–23 UEFA Nations League C |
| align="center"|3 | rowspan=2|2 July 2024 | rowspan=2|Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany | rowspan=2|{{fb|AUT}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center" rowspan=2|2–1 | rowspan=2|UEFA Euro 2024 |
| align="center"|4 | align="center"|2–0 |
Honours
Juventus
- Serie A: 2019–20{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53544939 |title=Juventus 2-0 Sampdoria: Maurizio Sarri's side claim ninth straight Serie A title |work=BBC Sport |date=26 July 2020 |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=12 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212233913/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53544939 |url-status=live }}
- Coppa Italia: 2020–21{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/170906/coppa-juventus-end-atalanta-dream|title=Coppa: Juventus end Atalanta dream|date=19 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519232613/https://www.football-italia.net/170906/coppa-juventus-end-atalanta-dream|url-status=live}}
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2020
Turkey U20
- Toulon Tournament third place: 2018{{cite web|url=https://festival-foot-espoirs.com/smartphone/festival/archives/palmares.php|title=47è Festival International Espoirs|trans-title=47th Festival International Espoirs|publisher=festival-foot-espoirs.com|language=fr|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-date=8 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208182800/https://festival-foot-espoirs.com/smartphone/festival/archives/palmares.php|url-status=live}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{TFF player}}
- {{UEFA player}}
{{Al-Ahli Saudi FC squad}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Turkey squads
| bg = #E30A17
| fg = white
| bordercolor = #BF000B
| list1 =
{{Turkey squad UEFA Euro 2020}}
{{Turkey squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Demiral, Merih}}
Category:People from Karamürsel
Category:Men's association football central defenders
Category:Turkish men's footballers
Category:Turkey men's youth international footballers
Category:Turkey men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Turkey men's international footballers
Category:US Sassuolo Calcio players
Category:Alanyaspor footballers
Category:A.C. Alcanenense players
Category:Sporting CP B players
Category:Al-Ahli Saudi FC players
Category:Liga Portugal 2 players
Category:Saudi Pro League players
Category:UEFA Euro 2020 players
Category:UEFA Euro 2024 players
Category:Turkish expatriate men's footballers
Category:Turkish expatriate sportspeople in Portugal
Category:Turkish expatriate sportspeople in Italy
Category:Turkish expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Saudi Arabia