Arda Guler: Türkiye’s rising football prodigy captivates European media
Arda Guler, now named the “Turkish Messi,” has become a sensation in the European football scene. His recent performance in Euro 2024 has garnered significant attention from major media outlets and football enthusiasts worldwide.
Guler’s goal against Georgia not only demonstrated his exceptional talent but also set a new record as the youngest player to score in his first European Championship match.
Guler’s journey to stardom began at Fenerbahce, where he made his first-team debut in August 2021. His remarkable skills quickly made him a standout player, leading to his transfer to Real Madrid in July 2023.
Despite initial struggles with fitness and form, Guler ended the season on a high note, scoring five goals in five league matches and contributing to Real Madrid’s La Liga triumph and Champions League victory.
Arda Guler’s popularity in the United Kingdom
Guler’s performance at Euro 2024 has further solidified his reputation. In Türkiye’s 3-1 victory over Georgia, Guler scored a stunning goal from 60 feet, an early contender for the tournament’s best goal.
This goal made him the youngest player to score on his European Championship debut, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record. Former Wales captain Ashley Williams described the goal as “incredible,” emphasizing Guler’s ability to announce himself on the major tournament stage.
English former footballer Stephen Warnock added, “The moment of magic that we saw with the goal was quite brilliant – that is only a glimpse of what he can do.”
The BBC has been particularly enthusiastic about Guler’s achievements, with commentator Guy Mowbray noting, “The Turkish Messi has delivered – what a tournament this is becoming for the youngsters.” The BBC article also placed Guler among other young talents who have impressed at Euro 2024, such as Germany’s Jamal Musiala and England’s Jude Bellingham.
Spain’s calls Arda Guler’s goal a ‘masterpiece’
Spanish media has showered praise on Guler. AS called Guler’s goal a “masterpiece,” while Marca discussed his exceptional skill in placing the ball where he wanted it. They emphasized his ability to change the course of a game with his precise shots, calling his talent “golden.”
OK Diario hailed his performance as “the best goal of the European Championship so far,” noting that Guler surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s record to become the youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history.
The Spanish press also detailed the competitive nature of Guler’s transfer to Real Madrid, pointing out that the club beat out rivals Barcelona to secure his signature. They paid $21.65 million, exceeding his release clause, to ensure his move to Madrid.
Italy praises Arda Guler’s talent
Italian media outlets like La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport have also praised Guler’s performance. La Gazzetta dello Sport described the goal as “magnificent,” while Sky Sport referred to his strike as “magical.”
They drew attention to his significant role in securing Türkiye’s three points and noted his versatility on the field. Sport Media Set praised his ability to seek the ball everywhere on the pitch, contributing to the game’s rhythm and tempo.
Guler’s move to Real Madrid was also highlighted by the Italian press, emphasizing his successful transition from Fenerbahce to one of Europe’s top clubs. His performance in La Liga, where he scored six goals in just 373 minutes, was seen as proof of his growing influence in European football.
Germany celebrates Arda Guler’s ‘magical strike’
In Germany, outlets like Der Spiegel and Kicker celebrated the electric atmosphere in Dortmund and Guler’s significant contribution to Türkiye’s win. Kicker discussed the “dream goals” that marked the match, praising Guler for rewarding the Turkish fans with a “magical strike.” Sport1 called his performance “perfect,” noting that his goal set the pace for Türkiye’s victory.
The German media also commented on the broader implications of Guler’s success. They pointed out that his performance is a promising sign for the future of European football, especially with veteran players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric nearing the end of their careers.
French media is impressed by Arda Guler’s performance
French media was equally impressed. Le Monde described Türkiye’s win as “magnificent,” highlighting the exciting and action-packed match against Georgia. L’Equipe praised the “rhythmic and enjoyable” nature of the game, despite the rain in Dortmund. They noted Guler’s spectacular goal and its impact on Türkiye’s victory.
Le Figaro emphasized Guler’s role as Türkiye’s “jewel” based on his ability to shine in crucial moments. They also mentioned the challenges faced by Georgia, particularly the pressure on their star player, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who struggled to make a significant impact against Türkiye’s robust performance.
Portugese media in awe of Arda Guler beating Christiano Ronaldo’s record
Portuguese media, including A Bola and Sapo, focused on the high stakes of Türkiye’s win and Guler’s standout performance. A Bola noted that even with limited involvement, Guler managed to score a decisive goal. Sapo pointed at Türkiye’s proactive approach in the game, contrasting it with Georgia’s more pragmatic style.
Record, another Portuguese outlet, emphasized Guler’s achievement in breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record, acknowledging his potential to become one of Europe’s top players. They also looked ahead to Türkiye’s next challenge against Portugal, noting the excitement and anticipation surrounding the match.
Czech Republic names Türkiye, Georgia match an ‘epic battle’
In the Czech Republic, media outlets like Blesk and TN Nova praised the emotional and competitive nature of the match between Türkiye and Georgia. Blesk described the game as an “epic battle” with stunning goals, while TN Nova pointed at Türkiye’s crucial three points and Guler’s exceptional performance.
IDNES focused on the quality of the goals scored by Türkiye, noting that both Mert Mulder and Arda Guler’s strikes could be among the best in the tournament so far. They emphasized the importance of Guler’s goal in setting the pace for Türkiye’s success in the group stage.
Greece predicts Arda Guler’s rise in international football
Greek media, including SDNA and Kathimerini, acknowledged Türkiye’s dominance in the match. SDNA pointed out Türkiye’s clear superiority from the beginning, while Kathimerini emphasized Guler’s potential to make a significant impact in international football. SKAI described the match as a “rodeo,” praising Türkiye’s ability to handle the pressure and start the tournament with a victory.
Arda Guler’s builds an international reputation
Arda Guler’s impact at Euro 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular. His performance against Georgia has not only brought him into the spotlight but also signaled his potential to become one of Europe’s top football talents.
Media across Europe have celebrated his achievements, recognizing his skill, precision, and ability to influence the game.
