More than eight years with his own team, an enduring love for beach soccer, and a clear promise to Union Vrede: giving everything for the team.

Not every football journey starts with a grand plan. Gregory Sahin's began with an invitation from a friend, somewhere in the summer of 2010 or 2011. Just come and play. From his very first steps on the sand, he caught the bug.

He played for NOH Shadow, a team of friends, and later founded his own team. After more than eight years, he chose a new challenge at Union Vrede. The drive of president Nikolay and the chance to finally play alongside people he had known for a long time persuaded him.

Gregory speaks honestly about himself. He doesn't call his play very technical, but he never lacks commitment. His conviction is clear: giving up is not for him.

That attitude also shines through when he looks back on the season. The national title and cup win made him proud, even though an injury midway through caused personal frustration. Another moment stayed with him in particular: the 3-3 draw against a Portuguese side, which showed him what Union Vrede can achieve when everyone works together.

His experience with the Belgian national team was limited to a single friendly match more than ten years ago. Yet representing a country remains an honor for him.

Now he looks ahead to Alanya. He doesn't promise personal statistics, but rather commitment: giving everything and contributing something in every match. And his belief reaches further than this tournament. Gregory continues to hope for a strong, consistent Belgian championship—sustained by people who refuse to let go of this sport.

Meet a teammate who expresses his ambition in what he is willing to give.

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a bit about who you are off the pitch?

My name is Sahin Gregory Mehdi. I am a simple person and have always been attracted to sports in general.

2. How did you discover beach soccer and why did you want to continue with it?

A bit by chance, in the summer of 2010 or 2011. A friend suggested just coming to play for once and from my very first steps I caught the bug.

3. Which teams have you played for and which encounters have influenced your path the most?

At NOH Shadow, a team of friends. Afterwards I founded my own team. After more than eight years I decided to play somewhere else for a change, more specifically at Union Vrede.

4. You have worn the colors of the Belgian national team. How did that adventure begin and what did that selection mean to you?

Unfortunately not really: only once in a friendly match, more than ten years ago.

5. Which match or memory with Belgium has stayed with you in particular? Is there an anecdote that our supporters don't know yet?

I don't have a reference match, because I never participated.

6. What has your international experience taught you that you still try to apply today?

For that single match I would say that it is always an honor to represent a country's flag.

7. How would you describe your playing style and role in the team? Which qualities do you think are essential to defend well on the sand?

Not really by the book, given my lack of technique. But I am always there to give the best of myself and show other qualities. Giving up? That is not in my dictionary.

8. How did you end up at Union Vrede and what convinced you to commit to this project?

The fact that Nikolay showed such an enormous will to move forward in this sport made me want to join and help him achieve his goals. In addition, there was the chance to play with players I have known for a long time, but with whom I had never stood on the pitch before.

9. You participated in the Euro Winners Challenge 2026 with Union Vrede and scored. What memory do you have of that tournament and that goal?

The 3-3 draw against the Portuguese side. We saw then that we could do great things if we worked closely together.

10. How did you experience the national title and cup win this season? Which moment with the group do you remember, apart from the trophies?

I was very happy for the team and the president, but also a bit frustrated because I got injured midway through the season. Still, I remain proud of this team.

11. Our team brings together different generations and backgrounds. How do you want to pass on your experience to the youngsters? And what do they give back to you?

As one of the oldest—haha—we get a lot of help from the youngsters thanks to their running and their drive. If I have to give them one piece of advice: enjoy it as much as possible and give everything you have. That way they can only leave the pitch with their heads held high.

12. What will be the most important thing to go to the World Winners Cup in Alanya as a strong and competitive team?

I think we already have very good Belgian players, I am convinced of that. But foreign players who come to help us and moreover have a very high level can only do us good.

13. What are your personal and collective ambitions for this tournament? What do you also expect from working with Casper Dorph?

My first ambition is to give everything for the team and work hard for the shirt. If I can contribute something extra in every match, that will only make me happy.

14. What would you like to see change in Belgian beach soccer? And what message do you want to give to the supporters of Union Vrede before our departure to Alanya?

I would very much like a strong and above all consistent championship. Unfortunately it is sometimes difficult to organize a good championship, but I keep believing in it. There are still people who love this sport and who will not let it go.