He made his international debut for Turkey in 1999, and earned a total of ten caps, scoring three goals.

During the 2004–05 season, he was loaned to Ankaraspor by manager Gheorghe Hagi due to his dip in form.

At the start of the 2006–07 season, Ümit regained his place on the team after the injury layoff, scoring his 100th goal in the Süper Lig on 18 September 2006, against Beşiktaş.

Ümit has great finishing ability, and he is usually in pursuit of sensational goals, particularly with volleys and bicycle kicks.

Ümit latched onto a 40-meter pass just inside the box, struck a one-time shot with his right foot, and curled it around the goalkeeper.