Born in Ankara, Özat initially played for Gençlerbirliği and for Fenerbahçe as a central defender or a defensive midfielder.

Mostly playing as a wingback and also supporting attackers, Özat was known for his unexpected long shots and rather successful crosses with his weak foot.

He played 41 times for the national team including at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in which they achieved third place.

Özat's career continued as an assistant manager of Köln under Zvonimir Soldo, between his resign on 21 December 2009.

After Ankaragücü, Özat also managed: Manisaspor, Elazığspor, Boluspor, Samsunspor, Mersin İdman Yurdu, Gençlerbirliği, Giresunspor and Adana Demirspor.