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Ersen MartinTurkish footballer
Date of Birth: 23.05.1979
Country:  Turkey |
Content:
- Early Career and Bundesliga Debut
- Journey in Turkey
- Success with Trabzonspor
- Transfer to Recreativo and Debut Controversy
- Time at Recreativo and Sivasspor
- Later Career and Retirement
- International Appearances
- Personal Life and Passing
Early Career and Bundesliga Debut
Ersen Martin, a Turkish footballer, was born in Marktleuthen, Germany, and began his career with FC Nürnberg. He made his Bundesliga debut in the 1998/1999 season, playing 20 minutes in a 1-0 loss to SC Freiburg.
Journey in Turkey
After a brief stint in Germany, Martin moved to Turkey, where he represented numerous clubs over the course of 12 seasons. He featured for Beşiktaş, Siirtspor, Göztepe, Denizlispor, and Ankaraspor, making a total of 256 appearances and scoring 73 goals in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Success with Trabzonspor
In 2006/2007, Martin had a remarkable season with Trabzonspor. He finished as the eighth-highest scorer in the league and helped his team secure a fourth-place finish, qualifying for the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
Transfer to Recreativo and Debut Controversy
In August 2007, Martin agreed to join Spanish club Recreativo, but the deal fell through. FIFA intervened, declaring Martin a Spanish player due to his dual citizenship. He eventually made his debut in February 2008, receiving a red card after just eight minutes.
Time at Recreativo and Sivasspor
Martin's time at Recreativo was marked by his first goal and assist in April 2008. In July 2009, he signed with Sivasspor, where he scored in the UEFA Champions League. However, a poor first half of the season led him to move to Manisaspor.
Later Career and Retirement
Martin played for Kasımpaşa and Gençlerbirliği between 2010 and 2012, before ending his career with Eyüpspor in 2013.
International Appearances
Ersen Martin earned three caps for the Turkish national team, making his debut in 2004.
Personal Life and Passing
Martin's younger brother, Erkan, was also a footballer. In May 2022, Ersen Martin suffered a ruptured aorta and passed away in March 2024.
