Turkish star Arda Guler claims 2nd place in Kopa Trophy race
Turkish star Arda Guler during a press conference, Oct. 11, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @ardaguler)
France Football has awarded the prestigious Kopa Trophy for the best-performing player under 21 to Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. Yamal made history as the first player under 18 to win the award.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Turkish star Arda Guler claimed second place, while Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo finished third.
Manchester City’s Savinho secured fourth place, followed by Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi in fifth.
Turkish star Hakan Calhanoglu ranks 20th in Ballon d’Or
Turkish national team player Hakan Calhanoglu ranked 20th among the 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, an award presented by France Football since 1956.
1st Turkish nominee in 21 Years
Calhanoglu became the first Turkish player in 21 years to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or, joining the ranks of Turkish legends such as Metin Oktay, Ali Kemal Denizci, Tanju Colak, Yildiray Basturk, Hasan Sas, and Nihat Kahveci.
Türkiye’s footbal federation hails Calhanoglu
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) released a statement congratulating Calhanoglu : “Our national team captain Hakan Calhanoglu has ranked 20th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings. We congratulate our captain, who has become the first Turkish footballer in 21 years to be nominated for this prestigious award, and we wish him continued success in his career!”
