Top 15 Best Turkish Footballers Ever | Ranked!

A third place finish in the 2002 FIFA World Cup stated that Turkish footballers were on their way to establish themselves on the list of the greatest footballers on the global stage. But, Turkey’s presence on the global stage has only been reminded by some glimpses of good footballing displays by the country’s domestic club, Galatasaray rather than any collective achievement in any international tournaments so far. 

But, despite failing to impress for the country in the last few years, many Turkish footballers have taken the biggest leagues across the world by storm displaying the country’s aura in the game. Talk about Arda Guler, the teenage wonder boy from Turkey, who plays for the biggest club in Europe, Real Madrid. Just like him, many players from the proud footballing nation came under the spotlight for their incredible talent and achievements over the years. On that note, we have compiled a list of the best Turkish footballers of all-time.

A Detailed Compilation of Best Turkish Players of All-time

List of Best Turkish Football Players (Top 15)

15. Tuncay Sanli

Tuncay Sanli is one of the most celebrated Turkish footballers in history, thanks to an impressive club football journey that saw him featuring in some of the most prestigious European leagues. After enjoying a great spell in the English Premier League under Gareth Southgate, Sanli proved his worth in Bundesliga with Wolfsburg. 

However, the great Turkish winger savored success most on the home soil when he won three Super Lig titles with Fenerbahce. His lively character on the pitch earned him the nickname – “Cesur Yurek or Brave Heart.” He scored 22 goals and assisted 15 times in 79 games for Turkey.

14. Nuri Sahin

Nuri Sahin was one of the greatest yet unluckiest players in the history of Turkish football. The talented forward, who was destined to be one of the best goal-scorers, ended up playing just 480 games before calling it a day, courtesy of constant injuries.

He plied his trade with some of the biggest European clubs like Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. However, Sahin played only 52 games for Turkey, while scoring just 2 international goals before retiring at the age of 33.

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13. Emre Belozoglu

Emre Belozoglu is one of the best footballers Turkey has ever produced. The former Inter Milan superstar came through the ranks of Galatasaray Youth academy in the 20th century. Following an impressive spell in Serie A, the skillful midfielder moved to the English Premier League side, Newcastle United during the twilight of his career. Belozoglu hung up his boots after winning 101 international caps and scoring 9 goals.

12. Hakan Calhanoglu

Hakan Calhanoglu is an epitome of hard work, god-gifted talent and perseverance. The Turkish footballer is considered the most influential figure in Inter Milan attack. If the Serie A giants would have won the UEFA Champions League title in 2023, then he would have become the first Turkish footballer to win the title. The highly talented forward has recently won the club’s 20th Italian top flight in 2024, and Calhanoglu played a pivotal role in that. He has already earned 90 international caps and 19 goals.

11. Sergen Yalcin

Sergen Yalcin is generally remembered as a popular coach, but only a few fans know this footballing genius as one of the greatest legends in Turkish football. He was one of the few players who played for the three biggest Turkish clubs – Besiktas, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. In 41 international games, Yalcin netted 5 goals and amassed 10 assists. 

10. Hamit Altintop

The Germany-born Turkish footballer Hamit Altintop was an incredible baller in the middle of the park. He made his international debut in 2000, immediately made a mark in international football through his exquisite skills. The former Schalke midfielder forced Real Madrid to sign him after a few impressive seasons in the Bundesliga. Before retiring in 2018, he played over 84 international games for Turkey, scoring seven goals in the process.

9. Lefter Kucukandonyadis

Lefter Kucukandonyadis is most probably the greatest Turkish goalscorer. He also became the first footballer from Turkey to play in a foreign club when he joined Fiorentina in 1951 after leaving Galatasaray. He clocked more than 400 goals in less than 700 games for Cimbom. He represented his country in 46 games, recording 21 goals in those matches.

8. Yildiray Basturk

Yildiray Basturk was that kind of a player who not only became a great Turkish footballer, but also took the never-surrendering mentality to the foreign leagues. He attracted the keen eyes from across Europe after his stupendous performance in the 2001/02 Bundesliga season with Bayer Leverkusen. He was a mainstay in the midfield in Turkey’s 2002 World Cup journey, where the country finished third. 

7. Hakan Sukur

Another prized jewel on the list of the best Turkish footballers is Hakan Sukur. Recording a mouth-watering tally of 326 goals and 124 assists in his club career, the attacker went on to shake up European football in style. He scored four Champions League group stage goals and was instrumental in Galatasaray’s memorable European Cup journey. Sukur became the Turkish club’s all-time top scorer with 249 goals. 

6. Rustu Recber

Rustu Recber is the most standout figure on this glorious list of the greatest Turkish players, for his goalkeeping role. In 2002, Turkey finished third in the FIFA World Cup, thanks to the blistering performances of Recber between the sticks. His talent didn’t go unnoticed as Barcelona signed him on a permanent contract. But, due to non-European player rule issues, his game time in La Liga was limited. Recber still featured in 120 games in Turkish national jersey and kept 57 clean sheets, allowing only 117 goals in the process.

5. Nihat Kahveci

Nihat Kahveci is one of the most underrated footballers who raked up important goals for his teams in club football. Despite being a late bloomer, the prolific forward netted 75 goals in 195 games in La Liga. He began his career in Turkey, but later moved to big European leagues during his golden period. Before announcing retirement from international football, Kahveci scored 19 goals and assisted 12 times for Turkey in 69 appearances.

4. Metin Oktay

Metin Oktay is probably the most influential Turkish footballer, who used to break records for fun. His contribution to the Turkish league earned him the nickname “king without crown”. The celebrated forward won six domestic league titles in his country, and built a long-lasting legacy of his own. 

Having won over 36 international caps, Oktay scored 19 goals in his career. In a long stint with Galatasaray, he won ten trophies in club football.

3. Arda Turan

Arda Turan was one of the versatile footballers, who always gave his all whenever he was on the pitch. The famous Turk became an important player in La Liga following a few impressive and successful seasons at Atletico Madrid where he won a La Liga trophy and Europa League title. Later, he joined Barcelona and won another Spanish top division trophy with the Catalan side. 

He donned the Turkish national football team jersey on 100 occasions, and recorded 16 goals and 25 assists to his name. 

2. Bulent Korkmaz

Whenever the fans discuss loyalty in club football, Bulent Korkmaz’s name will be remembered with respect. The tall center-back played over 600 games for Galatasaray in his entire club career and helped them in reaching new heights. 

Bulent Korkmaz delivered his best performances during the Turkish club’s most successful season in 2000, when they went on to win the European Super Cup and the UEFA Cup. He earned 102 international caps before retiring in 2005.

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1. Tugay Kerimoglu

Tugay Kerimoglu is arguably the best Turkish footballer, thanks to his immense popularity amongst the fans. Electric pace, strong right foot and powerful shooting were the most effective weapons in his arsenal. Tugay was the main guy in Galatasaray’s UEFA Cup winning campaign in the 1999/2000 season. 

The successful midfielder was dubbed the “Turkish delight” for his creative flair in the middle. With the help of the vast array of skills, he dominated English football at Rangers and Blackburn Rovers. In a 22-year-long career, Tugay played over 700 club games and won 94 national caps.

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