Ilhan Mansiz, Turkey's World Cup 2002 hero, was supposed to join Besiktas Youth Academy opening ceremony on 26 January 2010.

Thousands flocked to see Mansiz at the opening ceremony however it was reported that Mansiz changed his mind on the last minute and decided not to join the ceremony.

Mansiz had scored the “golden goal” against Senegal that carried the Turkish team into the semi-finals. He was touted as the successor of the legendary Turkish striker Hakan Sukur and was seen as the saviour of Turkish football.

This was not the first time the once golden boy of the Turkish football has shocked his fans. The talented striker left Besiktas for a Japanese club after a successful display at World Cup 2002 - the disappointment was his decision to choose a Japanese club although having received numerous offers from European giants. His preference of money over success at a higher level had disappointed many Turkish soccer fans.

Then came a return to Turkish league where Mansiz played (or rather say tried to play) for small league clubs such as Ankaragucu and Samsunspor. He couldnt reach the pinnacle he had reached in 2002. Still people believed he had talent. He was still considered a young player. Then he joined German club Hertha Berlin but failed to make a single appearance.

He left the football for a while because of his injury in one of the legs.

After his football career,he jumped to TV.He played in “Girls’ Dormitory” and “Doctors” TV series in Turkey.While he was acting in “Doctors” he also participated to an ice-skating contest in TV.This contest was a TV show.In the end,he won the contest and big money price and donated to Turkish Kidney Foundation.

There were rumours of Ilhan Mansiz returning to football. Several clubs including Bayern Leverkusen,Toronto FC,Columbus Crew,Red Bull New York and Central Coast Mariners teams were said to be interested in capturing Ilhan by short-term contracts.

However, like he disappointed thousands of fans on Australia Day, Ilhan keeps disappointing, falling short, never being able to fulfill his potential.