Merih Demiral: A Rising Star in Football
Merih Demiral, born on May 5, 1998, in Kocaeli Province, Turkey, has become a prominent figure in the world of football. Starting his career at Fenerbahce Junior Club, Demiral's journey has seen him play for various clubs across Europe, including Juventus, Atalanta, Sassuolo, and Sporting Lisbon. His professional career began in 2018 with the Turkish national team, where he quickly made a name for himself.
Standing at 193 cm, Demiral's height and skill have made him a formidable defender. His early career saw him captaining the Turkish youth team and achieving third place in the Mauricio Revello Championship in 2018. This success set the stage for his subsequent transfers and accomplishments.
Controversial Celebrations and Political Tensions
Demiral's recent actions have sparked significant controversy. On July 3, 2024, during a Euro 2024 quarter-final match, he made a 'Gray Wolves' salute after scoring a goal. This gesture, associated with the ultra-nationalist and far-right group in Turkey, led UEFA to suspend him for two matches. The Turkish Minister of Sports condemned UEFA's decision, calling it 'unfair and biased.'
The incident has also led to diplomatic tensions between Turkey and Germany. German ministers criticized Demiral's gesture, with the Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stating that 'symbols of the Turkish extreme right have no place in our stadiums.' In response, Turkey's Foreign Ministry defended Demiral, describing the gesture as a historical and cultural symbol.
The controversy has further escalated with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan modifying his agenda to attend the Euro Cup quarterfinal match in Berlin. This move underscores the heightened diplomatic friction between the two nations, both of which share a complex history and a significant Turkish diaspora in Germany.
- Demiral has had an illustrious career, playing alongside notable players like Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. He won three championships with the club, including the Italian League Championship in the 2019-2020 season, the Italian Cup during the 2020-2021 season, and the Italian Super Cup in 2021.
- Despite his footballing success, Demiral's political gestures have overshadowed his achievements. The 'Gray Wolves' salute has been a point of contention, with German officials labeling it as a symbol of terror and fascism. The German Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, and Kurdish activist Düzen Tekkal have both condemned the gesture, calling for a ban on the Gray Wolves in Germany.
- The Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Germany has highlighted the far-right ideology of the Gray Wolves, noting that anti-Semitism and racism are central elements of their beliefs. With an estimated 12,500 followers in Germany, the movement is closely monitored by German secret services.
