Early Life and Football Career

İsmail Kartal was born on 15 June 1961 in the Anadolukavağı district of Istanbul. At the age of 64, Kartal is a Gemini. He began his football career at a young age, joining the youth academy of Sarıyer. Following his performances there, he launched his professional football career in 1980 with Gaziantepspor. His time at Gaziantepspor provided Kartal with valuable experience and insight into the challenges of Turkish football.

In 1983, he transferred to Fenerbahçe, where he played as a right-back for ten seasons. During this period, he appeared in 235 official matches and scored 15 goals. He participated in various competitions with the club, including Süper Lig titles, the Turkish Cup, and the Turkish Super Cup. He concluded his playing career in 1995 wearing the jersey of Adanaspor.

İsmail Kartal (AA).

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Kartal transitioned into coaching. He gained his first coaching experience with clubs in Turkey’s lower divisions. In 2014, he was appointed head coach of Fenerbahçe. During this tenure, the team won the Turkish Super Cup. His term ended in 2015.

In the 2017-2018 season, he took charge of MKE Ankaragücü, leading the club to win the TFF 1. Lig title and earn promotion to the Süper Lig in the same season. In subsequent years, he coached several teams including Sivasspor, Kasımpaşa, and Çaykur Rizespor.

In the 2021-2022 season, he served as interim head coach of Fenerbahçe, guiding the team to a second-place finish in the league. This ranking is recorded as one of the highest-point second-place finishes in the club’s Süper Lig history.

International Career

In 2025, Kartal embarked on an international chapter in his career when he was appointed head coach of Iran’s Persepolis FC. This move marked a turning point in his professional journey. In his first match with Persepolis, he secured a 2-0 victory against Tractor. During this period, he was named “Coach of the Month” by the Iranian football public.

Coaching Style and Philosophy

İsmail Kartal typically adopts a defense-oriented approach with his teams. He frequently employs the 4-2-3-1 formation, striving to maintain balance between defensive solidity and attacking efficiency. He places great emphasis on tactical discipline, clearly defining each player’s role to strengthen the team’s collective cohesion.

In Kartal’s football philosophy, a strong defense is paramount. His teams aim to win matches not by dominating possession but by organizing a disciplined defensive structure that denies opponents space and opportunities.

Key Achievements

2014-2015: Turkish Super Cup champion with Fenerbahçe

2018: TFF 1. Lig champion with Ankaragücü and promotion to the Süper Lig

2022: Süper Lig runner-up with Fenerbahçe (the club’s highest-point second-place finish in its history)

2025: Head coach of Persepolis, won first match and awarded “Coach of the Month” (Iran)

As of now, he continues as head coach of Persepolis in the Iranian Pro League.