Arda Güler: The "Turkish Messi" Conquering Europe
At just 19 years old, Arda Güler is making waves across Europe with his dazzling performances and precocious talent. Already a Champions League winner and La Liga titleholder with Real Madrid, Güler has now propelled Turkey into the Euros quarter-finals, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in football. His rapid ascent in European football is nothing short of extraordinary, but his journey is only just beginning.
Güler’s impact at the Euros has been nothing short of spectacular. In his first game of the tournament, he scored the winning goal, earning the Man of the Match award and becoming the youngest player to score in his Euro debut at just 19 years and 114 days, taking the title away from Cristiano Ronaldo. Today, amid a torrential downpour that added a poetic intensity to the high-stakes knockout match, Güler delivered the two exquisite corners that led to Turkey’s goals. The first corner created chaos in the opposition box, leading to Turkey’s opener just 57 seconds into the match, the second-fastest goal in Euros history. The second corner was a pinpoint delivery that perfectly found Merih Demiral’s head for his second goal, making him the third teenager to score and assist in the Euros, sharing company with only Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Despite the challenging conditions, Güler's performance stood out in what was possibly the game of the tournament so far, marked by high intensity and dramatic moments. In his starts at the Euros, Güler has averaged two key passes per game, created two big chances, and maintained a 90% pass accuracy, showcasing his playmaking abilities and maturity on the grand stage. His silky dribbling, precise passing, and sharp vision have made him a standout player in the tournament, further cementing his status as a rising star.
Güler's journey to the top of Europe began in Turkey, where he was trained to use his left foot exclusively despite the family having no left-footed members. By the time he moved to Gençlerbirligi’s academy at nine, Güler had his career meticulously planned, confidently telling everyone he would move to Fenerbahce and then to Europe by 18. Despite those lofty expectations, spoiler alert, he was, of course, right, joining the Fenerbahce Academy at just 14, where he quickly made his mark. At Fenerbahce, Güler's progress was rapid. Despite his young age, he joined the under-19 team almost immediately and soon began training with the first team. His statistics during this period were outstanding; at just 16, he contributed 7 goals and 4 assists in 19 matches. In the playoffs, he was even more impressive, with 6 goal contributions in just 3 matches, earning his first team debut shortly after. Despite being only 16, in his first team debut, Güler replaced Mesut Özil, one of his idols, and proved he was no fluke. Over the next two months, he continued to impress, contributing 9 goal involvements in 6 matches and earning a call-up to the Turkish under-17 team, where he added 3 more goals in as many matches. His standout performances led Turkey’s under-17s to the Euros with two goals in the final qualification match.
In 2023, Güler’s talent caught the eye of Real Madrid, who secured his signing amid interest from top clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. His market value had soared, and Madrid paid nearly 25 million, including bonuses and a 20% sell-on fee, to bring the Turkish wonderkid to Spain. Güler's early days at Real Madrid were marred by injuries, including meniscus tendon damage just as he was preparing to make his debut. However, he quickly recovered and began to show glimpses of his extraordinary talent. In a Copa del Rey match, his debut, he nearly scored with a beautifully struck free kick that hit the post, and once fully fit, Güler made the most of his limited minutes. In the last five matches of the La Liga season, he scored six goals in 440 minutes, including a vital winner against Real Sociedad and a four-goal spree over three matches. His impressive performances led to a nomination for the Golden Boy Award and the honor of being the first Turkish player to win a Champions League medal.
Arda Güler, the "Turkish Messi," is not just living up to the hype; he is exceeding it. Europe's footballing stage is witnessing the emergence of a true superstar, and with his blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and mental toughness, Güler seems poised to continue his meteoric rise. With Turkey facing the Netherlands in the next round, there is a growing belief that with Güler leading the charge, Turkey can create Euros magic and upset some of the tournament's giants.
