Born in Istanbul, Fatih began his professional career with local club Galatasaray. He signed his first professional contract with the club on 31 July 1995. However, he did not make any appearances for the team, and was transferred to Bakırköyspor the following season. Fatih made 29 appearances for the club, and earned his first cap for the Turkey national under-21 football team. At the end of the season, he returned to Galatasaray. He played for the club for four years, winning three Süper Lig titles and three Turkish Cup titles. He was also a part of the team that won the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup and 2000 UEFA Super Cup, assisting Mário Jardel's game winner against Real Madrid.