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 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.

Ranking Factors

• Career achievements: A player’s Success at both domestic and international levels, including major tournament performances with both club and country.
• Career longevity: Any player’s duration, consistency, influence and most importantly the impact on Turkish football culture and legacy.
• Recognition abroad: A player’s technical ability, versatility, and prominence in top European leagues such as EPL, La Liga and Serie A more.

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

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 featured in some of the most prestigious European leagues. After enjoying a great spell in the EPL under Gareth Southgate, Sanli proved his worth in the 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 was assisted 15 times in 79 games for Turkey.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Fenerbahce, Middlesbrough, Stoke City, Wolfsburg
Turkey Caps	79

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.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Werder Bremen
Turkey Caps	52

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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 the 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.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Fenerbahce
Turkey Caps	101

12. 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. 

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Fenerbahce
Turkey Caps	101

11. 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 and 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.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Besiktas, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce
Turkey Caps	41

10. 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.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Schalke, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Galatasaray
Turkey Caps	84

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9. Yildiray Basturk

Yildiray Basturk was the 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 of 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. 

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Fenerbahce, Fiorentina
Turkey Caps	46

8. 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. 

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Bayer Leverkusen, Hertha Berlin
Turkey Caps	49

7. 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 was still featured in 120 games in the Turkish national jersey and kept 57 clean sheets, allowing only 117 goals in the process.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Barcelona
Turkey Caps	120

6. 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 his retirement from international football, Kahveci scored 19 goals and assisted 12 times for Turkey in 69 appearances.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Besiktas
Turkey Caps	69

5. 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 a 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.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Galatasaray
Turkey Caps	36

4. 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. 

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona
Turkey Caps	100

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3. Hakan Calhanoglu

Hakan Calhanoglu is the epitome of hard work, god-gifted talent and perseverance. The Turkish footballer is considered the most influential figure in the Inter Milan attack. If the Serie A giants had 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 recently won the club’s 20th Italian top flight in 2024, and Calhanoglu played a pivotal role in that for Inter Milan. He has already earned 90 international caps and 19 goals.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	AC Milan, Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen
Turkey Caps	97

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 reach 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.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Galatasaray
Turkey Caps	102

1. Tugay Kerimoglu

Tugay Kerimoglu is arguably the best Turkish footballer, thanks to his immense popularity amongst 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 a vast array of skills, he dominated English football at Rangers and Blackburn Rovers. In a 22-year-long career, he played over 700 club games and won 94 national caps.

Category	Details
Notable Clubs	Galatasaray, Rangers, Blackburn Rovers
Turkey Caps	94

List of Best Turkish Football Players (Top 15)

Rank	Player Name	Years (Career Span)
1.	Tugay Kerimoglu	1987-2009
2.	Bulent Korkmaz	1990-2005
3.	Hakan Calhanoglu	2011- present
4.	Arda Turan	2005-22
5.	Metin Oktay	1955-68
6.	Nihat Kahveci	1997-2011
7.	Rustu Recber	1988-2012
8.	Hakan Sukur	1987-2008
9.	Yildiray Basturk	1996-2010
10.	Lefter Kucukandonyadis	1948-63
11.	Hamit Altintop	2000-2018
12.	Sergen Yalcin	1993-2003
13.	Emre Belozoglu	1996-2011
14.	Nuri Sahin	2005-2021
15.	Tuncay Sanli	2000-2015

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