Alpay Özalan (born 29 May 1973 in İzmir) is a Turkish football player. The Turkish international defender is noted for being the victim of one of the most blatant displays of gamesmanship in recent times. In a 2002 World Cup group match between Turkey and Brazil, he was sent off, allegedly for kicking a ball into the face of Brazilian star Rivaldo. Rivaldo held his hands to his face as if he had been hit there by the ball, and the referee was successfully tricked into sending Alpay off. Television replays proved that Rivaldo was hit in the body, not the face. He later received a large fine from FIFA for this act.

Later, Alpay made a name for himself at the end of 2003 by clashing with England captain David Beckham. The incident caused a rift with Alpay and the English fans, and led to him leaving Premiership club Aston Villa for K-League side Incheon United's first foray into professional football in 2004.

Alpay spent less than six months with the team before moving to the J. League with Urawa Reds.