Tension flare between Arda Guler, Szoboszlai after Türkiye’s Nations League victory
Türkiye's midfielder #08 Arda Guler reacts during the UEFA Nations League A/B play-offs second leg football match Hungary v Turkey in Budapest, Hungary, on March 23, 2025. (AFP Photo)
In the Nations League playoff second leg, Türkiye secured a victory over Hungary, earning promotion to League A.
However, it was the tension between Arda Guler, who started in the first XI, and Hungary’s captain Dominik Szoboszlai that made headlines. Szoboszlai was upset by a gesture made by the Turkish star and expressed his frustration on social media.
Arda Guler’s “shut up” gesture to Szoboszlai
The match, played at the Puskas Arena, saw tensions flare up between Arda Guler and Szoboszlai after a physical altercation in the first half. Following a controversial incident, Szoboszlai reacted harshly towards Guler, and the Turkish player responded in kind, increasing the animosity between the two.
During the altercation, Arda Guler made a “Shut up” gesture to Szoboszlai, telling him in English to “shut your mouth.” Szoboszlai, visibly irritated by the gesture, went on to complain to the referee about Guler’s actions.
After the match, Arda Guler expressed his satisfaction with the result.
I’m very happy. We played with awareness of the score we came here with. No Turkish player is afraid of physical confrontations during the match. We all work harder for each other. It’s good that they hadn’t lost for three years, but that changed today. Like I said about Szoboszlai, they tried to intimidate us with physicality during the match, but a Turkish player isn’t scared of that. The more we play with each other, the more confident we get, and we’ll achieve better things together.
Arda Guler
Szoboszlai’s response on social media: “1088” comment
Szoboszlai, who was frustrated not only by the defeat but also by Arda Guler’s gesture, took to social media to express his discontent. On a Hungarian news site’s post featuring a photo of Guler making the “Shut up” gesture, Szoboszlai commented with the number “1088.”
Szoboszlai’s reference to Arda Guler’s playing time at Real Madrid
The number “1088” refers to the amount of playing time Arda Guler has had at Real Madrid this season. Guler has struggled to find consistent minutes under coach Carlo Ancelotti, having played just 1088 minutes so far. Szoboszlai’s comment seemed to be a jab at Arda’s limited role at Real Madrid, using the playing time figure as a subtle reference.
The situation highlights the intensity of the match and the emotional aftermath for both players. Despite the tension on the pitch, Türkiye’s victory secured their place in Nations League A, while Szoboszlai and Hungary will now have to regroup after their defeat.
