Turkish football is experiencing a significant resurgence, with Galatasaray heading to Manchester this week eager to showcase their place in this revitalizing landscape. The team’s recent success, highlighted by their advance to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals—marking Türkiye’s first progression past the group stage in over 15 years—is fueled by a wave of young talent including Arda Güler from Real Madrid and Kenan Yildiz from Juventus. Looking forward, a crucial World Cup playoff in March could see Türkiye compete in their first global tournament since a third-place finish in 2002.
Galatasaray, one of Türkiye’s largest clubs along with Fenerbahçe and Besiktas, has dominated domestically, securing the national title 26 times, including the last three consecutive seasons. However, their Champions League journey has been rocky, with the last advancement past the group stage occurring 12 years ago. Despite this, Okan Buruk’s side has all but secured a position in the tournament’s top 24 this season, following a crucial home draw against Atlético Madrid, allowing them to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium without the burden of needing a result.
“We’re going into the match after getting the draw against Atlético Madrid—it’s not 100% guaranteed—but with some confidence,” stated Ismael García, Galatasaray’s first-team coach. He expressed optimism, citing the shift from negative to positive pressure as his team aims to qualify for the top 16 and deliver a strong performance against the reigning champions.
Under Buruk’s management since 2022, Galatasaray has made ambitious signings to enhance their European prospects. Victor Osimhen returned from Napoli after a successful loan, while prominent names like Leroy Sané and Ilkay Gündogan joined from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, respectively. This influx of talent showcases Türkiye’s capacity to attract high-profile players beyond those in the twilight of their careers.
Furthermore, García noted the visible progress in Turkish football, contrasting it with previous times when only aging stars were drawn to the league. He emphasized that as clubs demonstrate success, they are increasingly capable of attracting quality players, enhancing the overall reputation of Turkish football. The current momentum extends beyond club performance, with the national team climbing to 25th in the FIFA World Ranking from 42 after a successful Euro 2024 run, indicating an upward trend in both club and national team dynamics.
Despite facing challenges, including a reputation marred by corruption and incidents of violence, García remains positive. He believes that consistent effort and planning can transform the landscape for Turkish football. Galatasaray’s recent performances in the Champions League reflect their growth, as they have secured notable victories against international clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool.
The anticipation builds as Galatasaray prepares to take on Manchester City, a match that presents another opportunity for them to establish their status as Champions League disruptors. With such emerging talent and a revitalized league, the future of Turkish football appears bright, filled with promise as the young side aims to showcase their skills on a grand stage.