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Merih Demiral

Merih Demiral is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli and the Turkey national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Merih Demiral is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli and the Turkey national team. Born in 1998 in Karamürsel, Turkey, he has also played for clubs in Turkey, Portugal, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. He has represented Turkey at senior international level since 2018.

Early life

Merih Demiral was born in Karamürsel, Kocaeli, Turkey, on 5 March 1998. He began his youth career in Turkey before moving into senior football in Europe.

Club career

Demiral has played club football in Turkey, Portugal, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. His career includes appearances for Alanyaspor, Sporting CP, Sassuolo, Juventus, Atalanta, and Al-Ahli. He joined Al-Ahli in August 2023.

International career

Demiral has represented Turkey at multiple youth levels and later the senior national team. He has been a full international since 2018 and has played in major tournaments including UEFA European Championship finals.

Playing style

Demiral is a centre-back and is right-footed. He is 1.90 m tall and is described as physically strong.

Key facts

  • Demiral is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back.
  • He joined Al-Ahli in August 2023.
  • He has been capped by the Turkey national team since 2018.
  • His club career has included spells with Alanyaspor, Sporting CP, Sassuolo, Juventus, and Atalanta.
  • He was born on 5 March 1998 in Karamürsel, Turkey.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Merih Demiral play?
He plays as a centre-back, a defensive position in football.
Which club does Merih Demiral play for?
He plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
When was Merih Demiral born?
He was born on 5 March 1998.
What nationality is Merih Demiral?
He is Turkish.
Has Merih Demiral played for Turkey?
Yes. He has represented the Turkey national team at senior level since 2018.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merih_Demiral
    Supports: Birth date, place of birth, position, current club, and national team.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/267178/merih-demiral
    Supports: Current club, shirt number, nationality, height, and playing position.
  3. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/merih-demiral/profil/spieler/340879
    Supports: Date of birth, place of birth, height, preferred foot, current club, and club history.
  4. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/teams/players/250077686--merih-demiral/
    Supports: National team representation and player profile details.