Azar Karadas
Encyclopedia
Azar Karadas is a Turkish
Norwegian
footballer playing for Kasımpaşa S.K.
in the Turkish first division.
Although he can also play as a central defender, Karadas is renowned primarily as a centre forward.
of Turkish
origin, his surname meaning "Black stone" in Turkish
. He started his career in the small club Eid IL, moving to the professionals in 1999 with SK Brann.
On 13 March 2002, Karadas signed for Rosenborg BK, reportedly suffering death threats over this move. At his new club, his performances soon earned him a call-up to the Norwegian under-21s
, and it was not long before foreign eyes focused on the teenager. He further enhanced his reputation by scoring two goals against the mighty Inter Milan in a 2002–03 UEFA Champions League game, a 2–2 home draw. Karadas was linked with many of Europe
's major clubs, including Roda JC, Liverpool
and Udinese Calcio
, but Portugal
's Sport Lisboa e Benfica eventuall bought the 23-year old, and he joined the squad of veteran coach Giovanni Trapattoni
.
After one season at Benfica, where he scored four goals (including a brace at S.C. Beira-Mar in a 3–2 success) and helped the team win the national championship
after 11 years, Karadas was loaned to Premier League club Portsmouth
for the 2005–06 season. His spectacular volley which helped then-relegation-threatened Portsmouth earn a crucial 1–1 draw against Bolton Wanderers
, was the highlight of his campaign, and his only goal of the season, in 20 overall appearances.
A 16 June Norwegian press release reported that Benfica and Brann had agreed on a Karadas transfer back to Bergen
. The deal was speculated to be worth , where Karadas was to give up £435,000 worth of bonuses Benfica owed him. Only his personal contract was an issue, as the player refused to give up a £350,000 compensation which Benfica had to pay him whenever Karadas was sold from the Lisbon
club. Benfica believed that by selling Karadas to a bigger international club, they could receive a better transfer fee, and therefore his compensation would cost the club less than a Brann transfer would.
Despite being declared unwanted in Lisbon, Karadas returned to Benfica after his transfer to Brann fell through. His agent worked to find a new club for his cousin and on 16 August 2006, the news broke out that Karadas was in negotiations with German
side 1. FC Kaiserslautern
, which had been relegated to the second division
after 2005–06. The clubs finally agreed with a one-year loan deal.
Karadas made his debut in German football (and its second level) on 27 August 2006 in a 2–0 home league victory over SC Paderborn 07
. He started the match, but was substituted in the 61st minute. On 9 September, Karadas scored his first goal for Kaiserslautern in its 2–0 away victory over amateur side 1. FC Gera 03
in the first round of the German Cup. His first league goal came on 29 September 2006, in Kaiserslautern's 1–1 draw at SpVgg Unterhaching
. Until winter break, he made ten league appearances for the club, but did not score any further goals and was also sent off
with two yellow cards in derby at 1. FC Köln
, which ended in a 2–2 draw, on the final day before winter break. He finished with 11 games and one goal, as Kaiserslautern ended in sixth place.
On 24 August 2007, Karadas signed a contract with Brann, for a second spell with the club. In his comeback to Brann stadium, in a match against Sandefjord Fotball
on 2 September, he was greeted as a hero and a banner stating "Vi hatet deg så mye, fordi vi elsker deg så høyt!" (We hated you so much, because we love you so much!). That season, Brann won the Norwegian Premier League
, with four goals in only eight appearances from the player.
On 1 September 2009, Karadas signed a three-year contract with Kasımpaşa S.K.
of Turkey
.
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
Norwegian
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
footballer playing for Kasımpaşa S.K.
Kasimpasa S.K.
Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü is a Turkish football club located in Istanbul, Turkey. They play their home games in the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium. The club was founded in 1921 as Altıntuğ. They played in the Istanbul First League between 1939–1945 and 1946–1959. The club was promoted to the Turkish...
in the Turkish first division.
Although he can also play as a central defender, Karadas is renowned primarily as a centre forward.
Football career
Karadas was born in NordfjordeidNordfjordeid
Nordfjordeid is the administrative capital of the municipality of Eid, in Sogn og Fjordane county, western Norway. It is located close to the Eidsfjord, an arm of Nordfjord, below Hornindalsvatnet lake. The village of Stårheim is located about to the west, the village of Mogrenda is about to the...
of Turkish
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
origin, his surname meaning "Black stone" in Turkish
Turkish language
Turkish is a language spoken as a native language by over 83 million people worldwide, making it the most commonly spoken of the Turkic languages. Its speakers are located predominantly in Turkey and Northern Cyprus with smaller groups in Iraq, Greece, Bulgaria, the Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo,...
. He started his career in the small club Eid IL, moving to the professionals in 1999 with SK Brann.
On 13 March 2002, Karadas signed for Rosenborg BK, reportedly suffering death threats over this move. At his new club, his performances soon earned him a call-up to the Norwegian under-21s
Norway national under-21 football team
The Norwegian national under-21 football team, controlled by the Football Association of Norway, is the national football team of Norway for players of 21 years of age or under at the start of a UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship campaign...
, and it was not long before foreign eyes focused on the teenager. He further enhanced his reputation by scoring two goals against the mighty Inter Milan in a 2002–03 UEFA Champions League game, a 2–2 home draw. Karadas was linked with many of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
's major clubs, including Roda JC, Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
and Udinese Calcio
Udinese Calcio
Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and currently plays in the Serie A. Founded in 1896, Udinese is the second oldest club in the Serie A, after Genoa....
, but Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
's Sport Lisboa e Benfica eventuall bought the 23-year old, and he joined the squad of veteran coach Giovanni Trapattoni
Giovanni Trapattoni
Giovanni Trapattoni , sometimes known as "Trap" or "Il Trap", is an Italian football coach and former player, considered the most successful club coach in the history of Serie A. As a player he was part of Italy's squad at the 1962 FIFA World Cup....
.
After one season at Benfica, where he scored four goals (including a brace at S.C. Beira-Mar in a 3–2 success) and helped the team win the national championship
Portuguese Liga
The Primeira Liga , formerly called Primeira Divisão, currently named Liga ZON Sagres after their main sponsors, is the top professional association football division of the Portuguese football league system...
after 11 years, Karadas was loaned to Premier League club Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
for the 2005–06 season. His spectacular volley which helped then-relegation-threatened Portsmouth earn a crucial 1–1 draw against Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
, was the highlight of his campaign, and his only goal of the season, in 20 overall appearances.
A 16 June Norwegian press release reported that Benfica and Brann had agreed on a Karadas transfer back to Bergen
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway with a population of as of , . Bergen is the administrative centre of Hordaland county. Greater Bergen or Bergen Metropolitan Area as defined by Statistics Norway, has a population of as of , ....
. The deal was speculated to be worth , where Karadas was to give up £435,000 worth of bonuses Benfica owed him. Only his personal contract was an issue, as the player refused to give up a £350,000 compensation which Benfica had to pay him whenever Karadas was sold from the Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban...
club. Benfica believed that by selling Karadas to a bigger international club, they could receive a better transfer fee, and therefore his compensation would cost the club less than a Brann transfer would.
Despite being declared unwanted in Lisbon, Karadas returned to Benfica after his transfer to Brann fell through. His agent worked to find a new club for his cousin and on 16 August 2006, the news broke out that Karadas was in negotiations with German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
side 1. FC Kaiserslautern
1. FC Kaiserslautern
1. Fußball-Club Kaiserslautern, also known as 1. FCK, FCK or simply Kaiserslautern, is a German association football club based in Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate. On 2 June 1900, Germania 1896 and FG Kaiserslautern merged to create FC 1900...
, which had been relegated to the second division
2. Fußball-Bundesliga
- Changes in division set-up :* Number of clubs: currently 18. From 1974 to 1981 there were two conferences, each of 20 teams. In 1981–91 it had 20...
after 2005–06. The clubs finally agreed with a one-year loan deal.
Karadas made his debut in German football (and its second level) on 27 August 2006 in a 2–0 home league victory over SC Paderborn 07
SC Paderborn 07
SC Paderborn 07 is a German association football club based in Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia, currently playing in the 2. Bundesliga.-History:...
. He started the match, but was substituted in the 61st minute. On 9 September, Karadas scored his first goal for Kaiserslautern in its 2–0 away victory over amateur side 1. FC Gera 03
1. FC Gera 03
1. FC Gera 03 is a German association football club located in Gera, Thuringia.-History:The club was founded in 2003 through the fusion of TSV 1880 Gera-Zwötzen and SV 1861 Liebschwitz. The club is made up largely of players who used to play in higher divisions wityh a large number coming from the...
in the first round of the German Cup. His first league goal came on 29 September 2006, in Kaiserslautern's 1–1 draw at SpVgg Unterhaching
SpVgg Unterhaching
Spielvereinigung Unterhaching is a German sports club in Unterhaching, a semi-rural municipality on the southern outskirts of the Bavarian capital Munich....
. Until winter break, he made ten league appearances for the club, but did not score any further goals and was also sent off
Ejection (sports)
In sports, an ejection is one of several disqualifying actions assessed to a player or coach by a game official , usually for unsportsmanlike conduct....
with two yellow cards in derby at 1. FC Köln
1. FC Köln
1. FC Köln is a German association football club based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It was formed in 1948 as a merger of the clubs Kölner Ballspiel-Club 1901 and SpVgg Sülz 07....
, which ended in a 2–2 draw, on the final day before winter break. He finished with 11 games and one goal, as Kaiserslautern ended in sixth place.
On 24 August 2007, Karadas signed a contract with Brann, for a second spell with the club. In his comeback to Brann stadium, in a match against Sandefjord Fotball
Sandefjord Fotball
Sandefjord Fotball is a Norwegian professional football club, founded on September 10, 1998. The club plays in the Adeccoligaen. Their home ground is the Komplett.no Arena, located in Sandefjord, Vestfold....
on 2 September, he was greeted as a hero and a banner stating "Vi hatet deg så mye, fordi vi elsker deg så høyt!" (We hated you so much, because we love you so much!). That season, Brann won the Norwegian Premier League
Norwegian Premier League
Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official...
, with four goals in only eight appearances from the player.
On 1 September 2009, Karadas signed a three-year contract with Kasımpaşa S.K.
Kasimpasa S.K.
Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü is a Turkish football club located in Istanbul, Turkey. They play their home games in the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium. The club was founded in 1921 as Altıntuğ. They played in the Istanbul First League between 1939–1945 and 1946–1959. The club was promoted to the Turkish...
of Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
.
Career statistics
| Season | Club | Division | League | Cup | Totalt | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| 1999 1999 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 10*Molde - Tromsø 4-0*Vålerenga - Bodø/Glimt 1-1April 11*Brann - Lillestrøm 1-3*Rosenborg - Moss 5-0*Stabæk - Skeid 5-0*Strømsgodset - Kongsvinger 2-1*Viking - Odd Grenland 1-2-Round 2:April 17*Lillestrøm - Rosenborg 3-2April 18... |
Brann | Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| 2000 2000 in Norwegian football The 2000-season is the 95. season of competitive football in Norway.*2000 Tippeligaen *2000 Norwegian First Division*2000 Norwegian Football Cup*2000 Toppserien -Men's national team: UEFA Euro 2000... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
21 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 7 | |
| 2001 2001 in Norwegian football -Round 1: April 16: Brann - Moss 1-0 Lillestrøm - Bryne 0-0 Lyn - Strømsgodset 2-2 Molde - Bodø/Glimt 4-1 Odd Grenland - Sogndal 3-0 Stabæk - Tromsø 0-3 Viking - Rosenborg 4-3-Round 2: April 22: Bodø/Glimt - Odd Grenland 1-1 Bryne - Stabæk 0-1... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
23 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 27 | 8 | |
| 2002 2002 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 13: Molde - Brann 2-0April 14: Vålerenga - Bodø/Glimt 1-1April 21: Sogndal - Start 0-0April 28: Vålerenga - Sogndal 2-0August 4: Bodø/Glimt - Sogndal 2-1August 11: Odd Grenland - Vålerenga 1-3August 17: Molde - Rosenborg 1-2... |
Rosenborg | Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
23 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 27 | 6 |
| 2003 2003 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 12: Rosenborg - Vålerenga 1-0April 13: Lillestrøm - Bodø/Glimt 1-0April 21: Molde - Lillestrøm 4-0August 24: Tromsø - Lillestrøm 2-0August 31: Molde - Bryne 3-2September 14: Vålerenga - Bodø/Glimt 1-1September 21: Stabæk - Tromsø 2-2... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
22 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 27 | 8 | |
| 2004 2004 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 12: Lillestrøm - Fredrikstad 2-0-Round 3:April 25: Hamarkameratene - Stabæk 0-012 goals: Gylfi Einarsson, Lillestrøm11 goals: Markus Ringberg, Fredrikstad-Round 1:April 12: Aalesund - Haugesund 3-2 3. Fløya 18 10 3 5 47-22 33... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
15 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 18 | 6 | |
| 2005–06 | Portsmouth Portsmouth F.C. Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from... |
Premier League | 20 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 23 | 1 |
| 2006–07 | 1. FC Kaiserslautern 1. FC Kaiserslautern 1. Fußball-Club Kaiserslautern, also known as 1. FCK, FCK or simply Kaiserslautern, is a German association football club based in Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate. On 2 June 1900, Germania 1896 and FG Kaiserslautern merged to create FC 1900... |
2. Fußball-Bundesliga 2. Fußball-Bundesliga - Changes in division set-up :* Number of clubs: currently 18. From 1974 to 1981 there were two conferences, each of 20 teams. In 1981–91 it had 20... |
11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 |
| 2007 2007 in Norwegian football The 2007 season is the 102. season of competitive football in Norway.* Tippeligaen 2007 * Adeccoligaen 2007 * Norwegian Football Cup 2007* Toppserien 2007 -Men's national team:... |
Brann | Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
8 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 |
| 2008 2008 in Norwegian football The 2008-season is the 103. season of competitive football in Norway.*Tippeligaen 2008 *Adeccoligaen 2008 *Norwegian Football Cup 2008*Toppserien 2008 -Men's national team:... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
21 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 25 | 3 | |
| 2009 2009 in Norwegian football The 2009-season is the 104. season of competitive football in Norway.*2009 Tippeligaen *2009 Adeccoligaen *2009 Norwegian Football Cup*2009 Toppserien -Men's national team:... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
19 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 23 | 6 | |
| 2009–10 2009–10 Süper Lig The 2009–10 Süper Lig was the 52nd season since its establishment. The season commenced on 7 August 2009 with Istanbul B.B. hosting defending champions Beşiktaş at Atatürk Olympic Stadium. The last matches were played on 16 May 2010.Bursaspor won the league beating defending champions Beşiktaş 2–1... |
Kasımpaşa Kasimpasa S.K. Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü is a Turkish football club located in Istanbul, Turkey. They play their home games in the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium. The club was founded in 1921 as Altıntuğ. They played in the Istanbul First League between 1939–1945 and 1946–1959. The club was promoted to the Turkish... |
Süper Lig | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Süper Lig The 2010–11 Süper Lig is the 53rd season since its establishment. Bursaspor are defending champions having won their first Turkish championship last season. The season began on 14 August 2010 and concluded on 22 May 2011... |
Süper Lig | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | |
| Career Total | 211 | 38 | 28 | 13 | 239 | 51 | ||
Honours
- Norwegian LeagueTippeligaenTippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official...
: 2002, 2003 and 2007 - Norwegian CupNorwegian football cupThe Norwegian Football Cup is the main knockout cup competition in Norwegian football. It is run by the Football Association of Norway and has been contested since 1902, making it the oldest football tournament in the country. The tournament is commonly known as Cupen or NM, an acronym formed...
: 2003 - Portuguese LeaguePortuguese LigaThe Primeira Liga , formerly called Primeira Divisão, currently named Liga ZON Sagres after their main sponsors, is the top professional association football division of the Portuguese football league system...
: 2004–05