The Top 11 Turkish Footballers of All Time (Ranked)

Once perceived as the underdogs of international football, Turkey occupied a less than favorable position on the global stage. However, since the turn of the century, their narrative has taken a significant turn.

The national team's noteworthy performances at Euro 2000 and their remarkable third-place finish in the World Cup two years later marked a resurgence for this proud footballing nation, placing them back among the elite. This resurgence was further emphasized by the success of domestic powerhouse Galatasaray, who clinched victory in the 2000 UEFA Cup final against Arsenal and followed it up with a triumph over Real Madrid in the European Super Cup.

Although Turkey's prominence has somewhat diminished since their impressive showing at Euro 2008, the emergence of talents like Arda Guler, the teenage sensation signed by Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, signals hope for the future. Here, we honor the legendary figures whose achievements the next generation of players aspire to emulate.

Criteria for Ranking:

• International Achievement: Turkish players exclusively representing their national team are considered, focusing on performances in major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
• Club Success: Recognition is given to players who excel at elite levels, whether with Turkish clubs in European competitions or among Europe's top teams. Their impact on club achievements, individual honors, and performances in prestigious tournaments like the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League are taken into account.
• Longevity in the Game: The ability to sustain excellence over an extended period is valued. Factors include the duration of a player's career at the highest level, consistency in performance, and contributions made throughout their playing tenure.

11. Emre Belozoglu

1996 - 2011

Emre Belozoglu rose through the ranks of Galatasaray's esteemed youth system at the onset of the 21st century, captivating audiences with his tenacious and authoritative displays on the field. In 2001, the Italian powerhouse Inter Milan secured Emre's services for £5 million.

Following a stint of four seasons marked by sporadic opportunities at Inter, the dynamic midfielder made his move to the Premier League, joining Newcastle United with an Italian Cup triumph under his belt. Emre showcased his prowess as a dead-ball specialist and creative playmaker, yet his fiery temperament often landed him in hot water. Despite controversies overshadowing his career, he amassed a remarkable century of international appearances, placing him among Turkey's most capped players, with only three others boasting more caps.

10. Tuncay Sanli

2000 - 2015

Hailed as a star in Turkey, Tuncay Sanli traversed through various European top-flight leagues during his footballing career. Initially needing time to adapt, he found his stride notably in the English Premier League while representing Middlesbrough under the guidance of current England manager Gareth Southgate. Subsequently, he continued his journey with stints at Stoke City, Bolton Wanderers, and in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg.

Tuncay's esteemed standing stemmed primarily from his accomplishments on Turkish soil with Fenerbahce, where he clinched three Super Lig titles within a span of four years. Renowned for his unwavering determination and relentless effort on the field, the Turkish winger earned the moniker "Cesur Yurek," or "Brave Heart." Despite his allegiance to Fenerbahce, Tuncay garnered respect even from Galatasaray supporters, underscoring his undeniable talent and impact in Turkish football.

9. Nuri Sahin

2005 - 2021

Despite possessing immense talent, Nuri Sahin's career was plagued by persistent injuries, preventing him from realizing his full potential despite representing some of football's biggest clubs. According to Step to Health, a player typically participates in around 70 games per season. However, as players age, this number significantly decreases due to various factors such as the intensity of competitions and their physical condition.

As a result, a career spanning two decades would typically see a player compete in between 800 and 1000 matches for club and country. However, Sahin fell short of this mark, managing only 480 appearances, during which he scored 40 goals and provided 72 assists.

Sahin's most notable achievements occurred during his time at Borussia Dortmund, where he secured the Bundesliga title in 2011. The following season, he added a La Liga title to his resume with Real Madrid, although his playing time was limited, making just four appearances for Los Blancos. His subsequent loan spell at Liverpool in the following campaign saw minimal improvement, with Sahin featuring in only seven games. Ultimately, Sahin announced his retirement from professional football at the conclusion of 2021, at the age of 33.

8. Yildiray Basturk

1996 - 2010

In the realm of football, Yildiray Basturk's ascent to prominence came relatively late in his career. Another standout talent hailing from Turkey but born in Germany, he initially flew under the radar for an extended period. However, his fortunes changed dramatically following his standout performances for Bayer Leverkusen during the 2001/02 season.

Basturk emerged as a key figure in Leverkusen's remarkable journey to the Champions League final, a memorable campaign overshadowed by Zinedine Zidane's breathtaking volley. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, the midfielder carried his exceptional form into the 2002 World Cup in South Korea, where he featured in every match en route to Turkey's impressive third-place finish. Despite not securing any major titles—a unique distinction among the players mentioned—he was undeniably a highly skilled and influential figure within his generation of footballers.

7. Hakan Calhanoglu

2011 - Present

Hakan Calhanoglu stands out as Turkey's premier active player, and rightfully so. Like many of his compatriots, he was born in Germany and has become a stalwart figure as the captain of the national team, while also playing a pivotal role in Inter Milan's midfield.

In 2023, Calhanoglu came agonizingly close to becoming the first Turk to lift the Champions League trophy, as Inter finished as runners-up to Manchester City. The prospect of achieving such a milestone in Istanbul, where the final took place, would have been especially poignant for the 29-year-old. However, Inter rebounded from that disappointment by securing the Serie A title in 2024. For Calhanoglu, a former AC Milan midfielder, the triumph held particular significance as his side clinched their 20th league crown with a victory against their city rivals.

6. Hamit Altintop

2000 - 2018

Hamit Altintop, whose name translates to "Golden Ball" in English, is one of two brothers who proudly represented Turkey on the football pitch. Born in Germany to Turkish parents, Altintop, along with his younger brother Halil, made significant contributions to Turkish football despite their German upbringing, primarily featuring in the Bundesliga.

Altintop began his professional career at his hometown club, Schalke 04, where he spent four seasons before making the customary move to Bayern Munich—a path often trodden by top talents in Germany. After a fruitful four-year spell in Bavaria, Altintop ventured to Real Madrid.

During the 2012/13 season, Altintop found limited opportunities on the field, given the formidable competition within the Real Madrid squad, which included the likes of Xabi Alonso, Lassana Diarra, Mesut Ozil, Kaka, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Nevertheless, his acquisition by the Spanish giants speaks volumes about his remarkable talent and potential impact.

5. Rustu Recber

1988 - 2012

In the early 2000s, Rustu Recber emerged as one of the most coveted goalkeepers in the football world. Following a stellar performance at the 2002 World Cup, where Turkey secured a remarkable third-place finish, Recber's contract with Fenerbahce came to an end.

Opting to join Barcelona, Recber turned down offers from English giants Arsenal and Manchester United. However, his time at the Camp Nou was hindered by La Liga's non-European player quota, restricting him to just seven appearances.

Despite his brief and relatively underwhelming stint at Barcelona, Recber remains revered as Turkey's greatest goalkeeper of all time. With a record 120 appearances for his national team and a club career boasting an impressive average of conceding less than a goal per game, Recber's legacy in Turkish football endures.

4. Hakan Sukur

1987 - 2008

Hakan Sukur stands as the preeminent goalscorer in Turkish football history, boasting an impressive tally of 326 goals and 124 assists across 713 domestic matches. His prominence was particularly evident during Galatasaray's triumphant European campaign in 1999/2000, where his contributions were pivotal.

During that season, Sukur's prowess was on full display in the Champions League group stages, netting four times to aid Galatasaray's third-place finish. This achievement propelled the team into the UEFA Cup, where Sukur continued his scoring spree with six additional goals, including a memorable strike against Leeds United.

Following that successful season, Sukur secured a move to Inter Milan, although his time there was marked by sporadic opportunities due to stiff competition from Christian Vieri and Ronaldo. Subsequent loan spells at Parma and a brief stint at Blackburn Rovers followed before Sukur returned to Galatasaray, where he solidified his legacy as the club's all-time leading scorer with an unparalleled total of 249 goals, a record that remains unbroken to this day.

3. Nihat Kahveci

1997 - 2011

Nihat Kahveci stands out as one of the few Turkish players born in Turkey who transitioned from starting their career at a domestic club to making a significant impact in one of Europe's top leagues. His prolific scoring record speaks volumes, with 75 goals amassed in 195 appearances in La Liga for Real Sociedad and Villarreal.

During the 2002/03 season, Kahveci's exceptional form reached its peak as he notched an impressive 23 goals for Real Sociedad. This remarkable tally positioned him second in the league's top scorer chart, trailing only behind Roy Makaay, who recorded 29 goals. Kahveci's scoring prowess played a pivotal role in Real Sociedad's impressive campaign, propelling the team to a commendable second-place finish in the league standings, a mere two points adrift from the star-studded 'Galactico' ensemble of Real Madrid.

2. Arda Turan

2005 - 2022

Arda Turan stands out as one of Turkey's most renowned footballers to grace the ranks of footballing giants. His six-year stint in Spain saw him leave an indelible mark, with four seasons spent at Atletico Madrid and two at Barcelona. During his tenure at Atletico, Turan played a pivotal role in securing the Europa League title and a La Liga triumph. Upon his transition to Barcelona in 2015, he continued his winning ways, clinching another domestic crown with the Catalan powerhouse.

However, Turan's career was marred by instances of poor anger management, which often overshadowed his on-field achievements. A notable incident occurred during his loan spell at Istanbul Basaksehir from Barcelona, where he received a suspended three-year sentence for firing a gun at a hospital. Additionally, while playing for Atletico against Barcelona, Turan succumbed to a moment of frustration, launching his boot towards the assistant referee. Despite these lapses, Turan's talent on the pitch remained undeniable amidst the clouds of red mist.

1. Tugay Kerimoglu

1987 - 2009

Tugay Kerimoglu was a virtuoso with the ball at his feet, captivating fans with his intricate touches, precise passing, and powerful right foot. Rising through the ranks of Galatasaray's youth system, Tugay played a pivotal role in the club's UEFA Cup triumph in 2000.

His stellar performances caught the eye of Rangers, who secured his services during the January transfer window. After a season-and-a-half stint, Tugay made his move to Blackburn Rovers, where he spent eight illustrious years. Renowned for his mesmerizing displays on the pitch, he earned the affectionate moniker "The Turkish Delight," despite his well-documented habit of smoking.

During a post-match discussion with Sir Alex Ferguson, Mark Hughes suggested that Tugay would have been a prime candidate for Manchester United had he been younger. Although Sir Alex disagreed, he acknowledged Tugay as a unique talent, capable of gracing any team in the world. Both Blackburn Rovers and Galatasaray were fortunate to have him, with supporters from both clubs hailing him as a true legend.