Zengin was born in Kulu, Turkey – but moved to Stockholm, Sweden, together with his Turkish parents when he was a few weeks old.[2][3] He grew up in Botkyrka and started to play football at age six with the local club Norsborgs IF. In 1994, at age 9, he moved to Hammarby IF.[4]
Club career
In January 2009, Zengin signed a half-year loan contract with Beşiktaş. Beşiktaş had the option to buy him in summer for a fee of €400,000.[5]
Zengin played for his birth country Turkey in youth competitions, before choosing to represent the Sweden national team in senior competition, the country in which he grew up.[7]
He made his senior international debut for Sweden on 26 March 2013, playing from start in an away match against Slovakia.[8] He was a squad player for Sweden at Euro 2016, where he came on as a substitute in the last group game against Belgium.[9]
Zengin announced his retirement from international duty following the tournament, having represented Sweden 21 times, scoring 3 goals.[10][9]
Career statistics
International
Appearances and goals by national team and year[9]