Murat Özen

Murat Özen is a Turkish sports journalist and media personality best known for his deep integration into the Beşiktaş JK fan community. He serves as the News Director of ortacizgi.com, a dedicated digital news portal he co-founded in 2019 to provide rapid updates on the Black Eagles. Beyond his editorial duties, Özen holds the formal title of Congress Member within the club, granting him voting rights on major governance issues including board elections and financial reports.

His work bridges the gap between official club administration and the grassroots supporter base. Operating from Istanbul, he maintains a significant personal brand across social platforms where he posts real-time analysis on transfers and management decisions. His unique position allows him to function simultaneously as an independent reporter and an insider stakeholder in one of Turkey's most prominent football institutions. [edit]

Born in Istanbul on January 20, 1985, Murat Özen grew up immersed in the city's intense football culture. His family had deep ties to Beşiktaş, which shaped his early interest in the sport and the passionate community surrounding it. He pursued higher education at Atatürk University, where he studied New Media and Journalism. This academic background provided the technical foundation he would later use to navigate the evolving landscape of digital sports reporting.

Before establishing his own platform, Özen worked as a freelance writer and content creator for smaller local outlets. He spent years building a reputation by actively contributing to various online forums and social media channels dedicated to Turkish football. During this period, he gained recognition for his detailed coverage of Beşiktaş affairs and his ability to synthesize complex club news into accessible updates. These years of groundwork allowed him to develop the network and credibility necessary to launch a specialized news outlet when the opportunity arose in 2019. [edit]

The pivotal moment in Murat Özen's career arrived in 2019 with the launch of ortacizgi.com. The site quickly established itself as one of the most visited sources for Beşiktaş news, distinguishing itself through rapid transfer updates, match analysis, and insider perspectives that traditional media often missed. As News Director, he oversees the editorial direction, ensuring the portal remains a primary source of truth for fans following the club's daily activities.

Özen has expanded his influence significantly beyond the website through a robust social media presence. On X (formerly Twitter), under the handle @Muratozen1903, he posts immediate reactions to club developments. His Instagram account @muratozen1903 and TikTok channel allow for direct engagement with supporters, where he has accumulated over 18,000 followers on TikTok alone. His YouTube channel further extends his reach with match commentaries and discussions on the Beşiktaş agenda, boasting over 10,000 subscribers. In September 2026, he reported on the intricate transfer saga involving Nicolas Raskin, highlighting his access to up-to-the-minute intelligence regarding potential player movements from Rangers. [edit]

Özen's public image is characterized by a professional yet passionate aesthetic, often associated with the colors black and white that define Beşiktaş. His content tone is analytical, urgent, and deeply invested in the club's performance, reflecting the intense emotional connection shared by the fanbase. He is viewed as a trusted voice who operates with a blend of insider access and journalistic integrity. His style avoids sensationalism in favor of direct, fact-based reporting that resonates with serious supporters. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Murat Özen's fame ranking outside the Top 1,000 global personalities, though he commands a highly influential niche audience within Turkish football. As of the August 2026 rankings, he is evaluated by the engine but not currently in the Top 1,000 due to his regional focus. His influence is concentrated among the "Black and White" fandom, the collective name for Beşiktaş supporters. While there is no specific name for his personal fanbase distinct from the general supporters, his work has mobilized fans during critical moments such as transfer windows and board elections. He is known for organizing and participating in fan campaigns that demand transparency from the club's management. His ability to translate complex administrative issues into accessible language for fans has made him a key influencer in the club's digital ecosystem. [edit]

Unlike many journalists who maintain strict neutrality, Murat Özen actively votes in the Beşiktaş congress, blending the roles of reporter and stakeholder. He frequently comments on the "Raskin transfer" saga, stating in early 2024 that the club was working to finalize the deal "in principle." A recurring theme in his commentary is the need for stability in the club's leadership. Fans often cite his ability to translate complex administrative issues into accessible language as a key reason for his popularity. He is also known for organizing and participating in fan campaigns that demand transparency from the club's management. [edit]

Public information regarding Murat Özen's private life is scarce, consistent with his professional focus on sports journalism rather than celebrity lifestyle. There are no verified public records of marriages, engagements, or high-profile romantic relationships. He has not publicly disclosed details about a spouse or children. He remains primarily identified by his professional roles and his dedication to Beşiktaş. His family background includes deep roots in Istanbul's football culture, though specific details about his parents or siblings remain unpublicized. [edit]

He frequently collaborates with other Beşiktaş journalists and analysts. His interactions with club officials are notable due to his Congress Member status, allowing him direct access to the club's decision-makers. [edit]

Public information regarding Murat Özen's private life is scarce, consistent with his professional focus on sports journalism rather than celebrity lifestyle. There are no verified public records of marriages, engagements, or high-profile romantic relationships. He has not publicly disclosed details about a spouse or children. As of 2026, he is reported to be single, though this status is based on the absence of public announcements rather than explicit confirmation. He remains primarily identified by his professional roles and his dedication to Beşiktaş. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN Editorial Team research places Murat Özen's net worth at approximately $250,000. This estimate reflects his earnings as a journalist and media personality rather than the massive salaries commanded by professional athletes. His income streams include his salary as News Director at ortacizgi.com, revenue generated from his YouTube channel, and potential brand partnerships related to his social media presence. While specific figures for individual projects are not public, his financial standing is considered stable within the Turkish sports media sector. The growth of his personal brand since 2019 has contributed to a steady increase in his overall wealth. [edit]