Muhammet Akagündüz

Muhammet Akagündüz — Biography

Known by the nickname Aka, Muhammet Hanifi Akagündüz was born on January 11, 1978, in Bingöl. He moved with his family to Austria in 1987 and was naturalized as an Austrian citizen three years later, building a playing career as a forward who represented Austria at international level despite his Turkish roots.

He began his professional career in 1997 with the amateur side of Austria Wien, then went on to play for Austrian clubs including SV Gerasdorf, FCN Skt Pölten, Austria Wien, VfB Admira Wacker Mödling, SV Ried and Rapid Wien, while also turning out in Turkey's Süper Lig for Malatyaspor, Konyaspor, Kayserispor and Manisaspor, plus a spell in Italy with Hellas Verona.

After hanging up his boots, Akagündüz moved into coaching, remaining a familiar figure in the football ties that bind Austria and Turkey.