Mert Hakan Yandaş

Mert Hakan Yandaş (born 19 August 1994) is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe.

Professional career Early career Born in Bursa, he lost his father when he was only 9 years old. His father was also an amateur football player and in an interview, he said that he grew up in a family that loved football and that he promised his father to be a football player when he was little.

He spent part of his youth in Bursa Güven and Yeşil Bursa and his first season as a senior in amateur football. Mert Hakan made his first professional contract with Altınordu.

In the 2014–15 season, he loaned to Tire 1922. He made a very strong start with new coach Taha Evke in there and became one of the key players who took more responsibility on the field,

He made his professional debut for Sivasspor in a 2–0 Süper Lig win over Yeni Malatyaspor on 19 August 2017. On 21 September 2017, he scored his first goal with the team against Bugsaşspor in a 3–0 win Turkish Cup match.

Fenerbahçe On 11 August 2020, Yandaş transferred to Süper Lig powerhouse Fenerbahçe on a free transfer, signed four years deal. On 21 September 2020, he made his debut in a 0–0 tie against Hatayspor in 2020–21 Süper Lig season. On 21 November 2020, he scored his first goal against Gençlerbirliği in Süper Lig match, netting the first goal in a 5–1 away game victory.

In the 2021–22 season, Yandaş was made vice-captain after Altay Bayındır and Mesut Özil. On 16 September 2021, he made his continental debut in his career against Eintracht Frankfurt in UEFA Europa League away game which finished 1–1. On 4 November 2021, he captained Fenerbahçe for the first time in a 3–0 UEFA Europa League win over Royal Antwerp, where he also scored a goal from outside the box. On 21 June 2024, Fenerbahçe extended his contract for two years. On 16 February 2025, he made his 100th Süper Lig appearances for Fenerbahçe against Kasımpaşa in a 3–1 home win.

On 5 August 2025, Yandaş became captain of Fenerbahçe, but lost his role to Milan Škriniar due to his betting allegations.

Betting investigation

As part of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and known to the public as the “Football Betting Investigations”, he was detained on 5 December 2025, after it was determined that he had placed bets on legal betting sites through another person. On 27 February, an indictment has been prepared against him, seeking a prison sentence ranging from 4 to 13 years. On 3 April, the court issued a release order for him.

International career

Without any youth international experience, Yandaş made his debut with the Turkey national football team in a 1-0 UEFA Nations League loss to Hungary on 3 September 2020.

Playing style Yandaş is a modern midfielder known for his strong passing and shots from outside the box. He is known for his good technique. He plays mainly as an attacking or a central midfielder but can also operate in several other positions and has been used as a deeper creative midfield position and on occasion, a box-to-box role, winger or second striker.

His nickname is Commandante to his combative nature and dominance on the field.

Career statistics Club

International As of match played 3 September 2020.

Honours Altınordu TFF 2. Lig: 2013–14

Fenerbahçe Turkish Cup: 2022–23 Turkish Super Cup: 2025