The 16-year-old broke down in his older brother’s arms

HALMSTAD. At the age of 16, Bleon Kurtulus had to make his Allsvenskan debut for Halmstads BK.

With victory against Hammarby and big brother Edvin.

Afterwards, he collapsed in his brother’s arms.

– The tears just came. Getting to make his debut against my brother, who means everything to me, was the final straw, he says.

They had talked about it for a long time. Checked the game schedule and thought that maybe it could be the Allsvenskan debut for the youngest brother Kurtulus, against the oldest brother Kurtulus.

– There has been a lot of talk before the match, me and Edvin have put up different scenarios here and there. Thanks to Magnus (Haglund), I was able to make a jump. Powerful of course. Powerful to do that to my brother, says Bleon.

“Means everything to me”

Eldest brother Edvin, 24, made his Allsvenskan debut for Halmstad in April 2021. Middle brother Egon, 20, a midfielder in Hammarby TFF, is still waiting for his chance after leaving HBK before last year. But the youngest Bleon was ahead.

– I turn 17 in June, so I’m still a little shit, haha.

When the match clock stood at 79, Halmstad’s experienced centre-back Marcus Olsson limped off the field. On the sideline, Bleon stood ready. On the field, in the opposing team, the person he looks up to the most in the whole world.

– Both my brothers mean everything to me. We are a very tight family. But I look up to Edvin the most, we have the same position and almost identical style of play. So I learn the most from him.

After the match, and after the 16-year-old centre-back impressed greatly during his introduction, the brothers met in a hug at midfield. Then came the tears.

– That’s where it broke out. To stand there with my brother and hug him after the game, after we won. That’s it.

“Was hoping he would get in”

The parents sat in Örjans Valls’ stands.

– There were both happy and sour faces. They were happy for me, sad for Edvin. But they are proud of me. Edwin too. He has given me so much support. Before the game he said “if you come in, play relaxed, play your game”. Having a big brother like that, it’s just so powerful.

In the mixed zone after the match, Hammarby players were subdued. Another away loss, and now significantly closer to the bottom than the top of the table. But Edvin Kurtulus still felt the joy for his brother.

– I was hoping that he would be allowed to come in. Extra fun that he got to make his debut now, that I got to be there when it happened. I’m happy for him. This is something he deserves. Now I just hope he gets more chances.

How is he as a player?

– A young, ambitious player who wants a lot. He is well advanced in his development. But now it’s about keeping his feet on the ground, working even harder and learning from the seniors in the team.

It was a nice hug you gave each other after the game.

– Yes, he became emotional, I am so happy for him. He has fought for this for a long time.