Çalhanoğlu's 200 appearances for Inter

Taking the field against Liverpool at San Siro, Hakan Calhanoglu reached a significant milestone in his Nerazzurri career. Despite an unfortunate evening that saw him forced off with an injury in the 11th minute, the Turkish midfielder made his 200th appearance for Inter.

His journey with the club began in June 2021, when Hakan entered into the Inter world for the first time, choosing to wear the number 20 shirt – the number that Inter fans have learnt to recognise and admire him by. A constant presence in midfield, Çalhanoğlu played within a 3-5-2 setup in his first season: a new role for him, as he grew up as a trequartista. Hakan became an important player for Inter from the off, scoring and assisting on his debut against Genoa on 21 August 2021, earning the love of Inter fans, instantly.

His first season was a successful one: Calha played 46 matches, scored eight goals and recorded 12 assists, winning the Supercoppa and Coppa Italia (the latter being secured thanks to his goal in the final).

Çalhanoğlu reached new heights in his second season, thanks to his technical quality. In the 2022/23 season, the Turk played as a mezzala and then proved his worth when it came to directing play: this was the beginning of an important and decisive stage of his career. Hakan became a total player, who shone on European nights: his decisive goal against Barcelona will remain in the minds of all Inter fans for a long time, a match in which he was nominated MVP, just like in the two matches against Porto. In total, Çalhanoğlu made 49 appearances, scoring four goals and providing six assists: numbers that contributed to the Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia wins of that season.

Becoming the definite Inter regista, the 2023/24 season was the best for Hakan: the 20th Scudetto came at the end of a memorable season, which saw Hakan take centre stage. Çalhanoğlu scored 15 goals, 13 of which came in the Serie A: no other Inter midfielder has ever scored as many in the three point per win era. A special year, topped off by the Scudetto win and nomination as best midfielder by Lega Serie A. He also added the team's win over Napoli in the Supercoppa to this, the third of Calha's career.

Last season, Calha continued the brilliant work from previous years as he made 47 appearances in the 2024/25 season, scoring eleven times and providing eight assists. Important numbers that Calha is trying to replicate once again. In this first part of the season the midfielder has already played 18 times, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. In general, since his arrival to Inter, Hakan's numbers have been significant: with 45 goals scored, only Lautaro Martínz has scored more since the beginning of the 2021/22 season (115), but the Turkish international is first when it comes to chances created (375), chances created from set pieces (221), and assists from set pieces (23). In addition, 15 of his 45 goals have been from outside of the area: in all competitions only Kevin De Bruyne (16) has done better in the top five European leagues. He has also provided 34 assists in all competitions: since the start of the 2021/22 season, only Nicolò Barella has provided more in Serie A (38). Incredible numbers and unforgettable wins, that alone, don't tell the full story of Çalhanoğlu and Inter. A story of evolution, class and personality, making him a true "neroblu idol".