Is Alpay Özalan A-List?
No — Alpay Özalan is currently ranked C tier — recognizable within their niche but with limited mainstream visibility.
Reached A-list in 2002
World Cup Success
Lost A-list status in 2003
Dropped to B tier — Move to Aston Villa
Ranking Timeline
Breakthrough with Besiktas
Established himself as a key defender in the Turkish league, gaining recognition for his strong performances.
Move to Siirtspor
Joined Siirtspor in a high profile move, but stayed just a short time before transferring to Fenerbahçe.
Move to Fenerbahçe
Became a key player and earned a reputation as a tough defender.
World Cup Success
Starred in the 2002 World Cup, where Turkey finished third. Selected for the Team of the Tournament.
Move to Aston Villa
Joined Aston Villa, marking a significant step in his career and exposure to the Premier League.
Departure from Incheon United
Contract terminated by mutual consent after just a few months.
Retirement from Football
Formally retired from professional football.
Enters Politics
Became a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey for the Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Political Career
Continues his career in politics, maintaining a relatively low profile in the sports world. Net worth sees slight increase.
Last updated: February 21, 2026