Profile

The identical twin of Halil Altıntop, his former team-mate at FC Schalke 04, Hamit was the more prominent of the two brothers during Turkey's successful march towards Austria and Switzerland, missing just one of the team's 12 qualifying matches. However, a broken toe sustained in the March friendly against Belarus cut short his season.

Born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to a guest worker family; played with brother at regional league level for SG Wattenscheid 09 before joining Schalke in 2003.

Five goals in debut Bundesliga campaign; four successive seasons in UEFA Cup with the Ruhr Valley club.

First goal in European club competition a spectacular strike in 2-2 home draw against AC Milan – just two minutes after entering as substitute.

Senior debut in February 2004; ten appearances in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament.

Scored first two international goals in same game – in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifier against Norway in Frankfurt as Turkey came from two goals down to draw 2-2; crucial result in qualifying success.

Alternated between right-back and midfield in qualifying competition.

Left Schalke for FC Bayern München in summer 2007; regular for most of double-winning campaign until injury kept him out of season's climax.

Did you know?

Hamit is the older of the two Altıntop twins by ten minutes.