Umut Güzelses

Umut Güzelses (אומיט גונזאלס; born 15 May 1987) is a Turkish-Israeli former footballer.

Childhood in Israel
The Güzelses family are Sephardi Jews, descendants of refugees who fled the Spanish Inquisition. They emigrated to Israel when Umut was three years old, but found acclimation to be difficult.

Professional career in Israel
Umut began his career with Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv. In order to keep his Turkish citizenship and avoid conscription in to the Israeli army, he joined the Turkish army for a term of three months.

Hapoel was reluctant to let him go after Umut's father said that he had an offer from a top flight Turkish club. It was only after Umut's father climbed on top of one of the floodlights at the club's training ground and threatened to jump, that Umut was released from his contract.

Professional career in Turkey
In 2005, Umut joined Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe. He made his debut in a match against Sivasspor on 11 November 2006. He was brought on in the 89th minute.

He is currently on loan with Maccabi Herzliya after being on loan with Hapoel Tel Aviv in the previous season. His contract with Fenerbahçe expires 31 May 2011.

Career notes
Umut signed a four-year contract with Fenerbahçe on 1 June 2007 and was subsequently loaned to Hapoel Tel Aviv. Umut chose to play for Turkey U21 and played against Albania on 17 January 2007 for U21 level.