Arda Guler, the young football sensation from Turkey, is making headlines with his breathtaking performances. Born on February 25, 2005, Guler is a professional footballer who plays midfield both for La Liga's powerhouse, Real Madrid, and the national team of Turkey. At just 18, Guler has shown the potential that only a select few can match, earning him the nickname of a "wunderkind".
Güler's football journey began with Genclerbirligi, an Ankara-based club, and soon, he moved on to Fenerbahce, one of Turkey's most prestigious football clubs. In just a few years, Guler has demonstrated his unparalleled talent on the field, catching the eyes of top European clubs.
A Promising Start
Guler kickstarted his youth career at Genclerbirligi in 2014 and moved to Fenerbahce's youth ranks five years later. In 2021, he made a significant leap by signing a professional contract with Fenerbahçe. He's been marked as a football prodigy right from his early years.
Stellar 2021-22 Season
The 2021-22 season was pivotal for Guler. He made his senior debut against the Finnish club HJK in the UEFA Europa League play-off round. Moreover, his assist in his first Super Lig match was crucial for Miha Zajc's winning goal.
Youngest Goal Scorer
By March 2022, Guler had not only secured more playing time but also made history by becoming Fenerbahce's youngest-ever goal scorer in Super Lig, achieving this remarkable feat just weeks after his 17th birthday.
Impressive Statistics
Güler finished the 2021-22 season with 3 goals and 3 assists in just 255 minutes of play, a testament to his efficiency and goal-scoring prowess, and what's even more impressive is that this was only the beginning.
Interest from Top European Clubs
His outstanding performances have caught the attention of some of the biggest European clubs, such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, hinting at his growing reputation in the football world.
The Legendary Number 10
In the 2022-23 season, Guler inherited the revered number 10 jersey from Mesut Ozil, a number deeply connected with Fenerbahce's fans and its legend, Alex de Souza. This is a clear indication of the club's faith in Guler's talent and potential.
Exceptional Performances
Guler started the 2022-23 season with a bang, scoring two goals in his first game. He also marked his first goal in European competitions, contributing significantly to Fenerbahce's successes during the season.
Joining Real Madrid
The climax of Guler's journey with Fenerbahce was his signing with Real Madrid on a six-year contract. The Spanish giants paid a staggering €20 million release clause to secure his services, an amount surpassing his previous clause with Fenerbahce, signalling their belief in his potential.
International Career
Guler has represented Turkey at various youth levels up to the U21s. His debut with the senior Turkish national team was marked by a 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic. Guler scored his first goal for his national team in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, indicating his rising stature in international football.
Conclusion
Arda Guler is the epitome of a modern-day midfielder who contributes at both ends of the pitch and can play a pivotal role in the midfield. With his current trajectory, he is certainly poised to become one of the greatest in the world of football.
