Full Name: Arda Güler
Date of Birth: 25 February 2005
Place of Birth: Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey
Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s): Attacking Midfielder / Winger
Current Team: Real Madrid
Jersey Number: 24
In the heart of Turkey's vibrant football culture emerges a prodigious talent, Arda Güler, whose skills and fervent dedication set him apart. Born in Ankara on February 25, 2005, it's a fact that Güler's early years were steeped in the passion and enthusiasm for football.
From his formative days at Gençlerbirliği to his meteoric rise through Fenerbahçe's youth ranks, Güler's left-footed prowess and versatile playing style have garnered attention from footballing fans across Europe. As he continues to write his story with Real Madrid, let's journey into nine fascinating facts illuminating Güler's path from his childhood in Turkey to the global stage of elite football.
9 Arda Güler Facts From Childhood You May Not Know
1. He Drew his First Breath in Ankara, Turkey
Arda Güler, born on February 25, 2005, in Ankara, Turkey, embodies the spirit of Turkish football. Versatile and dynamic, he predominantly operates as an attacking midfielder or winger, showcasing his talent from a young age.
2. His Early Football Beginnings was at Gençlerbirliği
Güler's journey in football commenced at Gençlerbirliği in 2014, where he officially began his youth career at the tender age of nine. Spending five formative years with Ankara Rüzgârı, he honed his skills, laying the foundation for his future success.
3. He Joined Fenerbahçe's Youth Ranks in 2019
Transitioning to Fenerbahçe's esteemed youth ranks in 2019 marked a key moment in Güler's career trajectory. His dedication was duly recognised when he signed a two-and-a-half-year professional contract with Fenerbahçe on January 13, 2021. He also played alongside Mesut Özil at Fenerbahçe. Shortly after, he made his senior debut against HJK in the Europa League.
4. He is Fenerbahçe's Youngest Goalscorer
A prodigious talent, Güler swiftly etched his name in Fenerbahçe's storied history. March 2022 witnessed him becoming the club's youngest goalscorer in Süper Lig history, a testament to his remarkable abilities. His impact reverberated across the league, with three goals and three assists in a mere 255 minutes of playing time. Fenerbahçe's faith in Güler was reaffirmed with a three-year contract extension, highlighting his role in the team's future endeavours.
5. He was Scouted by Top European Clubs
Güler's meteoric rise attracted attention from Europe's footballing giants, with clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain vying for his signature in 2022. His prowess on the field and potential for greatness made him a coveted asset in the footballing landscape. However, he opted to stay with Fenerbahçe, who eventually handed him a new contract.
6. His First European Goal was Against Dynamo Kyiv
The stage was set for Güler to shine on the European platform, and he did not disappoint. His inaugural goal in European competitions came against Dynamo Kyiv on November 3, 2022, a testament to his burgeoning talent. Triumph in the 2023 Turkish Cup final further solidified his status as a rising star in Turkish football as Los Blancos came calling.
7. Real Madrid Signed Güler on A Six-Year Deal
Real Madrid's acquisition of Güler on a six-year deal signalled a new chapter in his illustrious career. With an initial payment of €20 million, his transfer underscored his immense value to the Spanish club.
Güler's seamless transition into Carlo Ancelotti's squad culminated in several memorable performances, including his La Liga debut against Las Palmas on January 27, 2024, and his maiden goal for Real Madrid which was against Celta Vigo on March 10, 2024, followed by another milestone as he scored in his first La Liga start against Real Sociedad on April 26, 2024.
8. Local Turkish Media Bestowed Upon Him the Nickname "Turkish Messi"
Garnering comparisons to the legendary Lionel Messi, Güler's impact transcends national borders. His senior international debut for Turkey on November 19, 2022, marked the beginning of a promising journey on the global stage. A standout moment came in the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Wales, where Güler showcased his scoring prowess, captivating fans and earning adoration as the "Turkish Messi."
9. He is A Versatile Attacker
Renowned for his versatility and tenacity, Güler embodies the essence of a modern-day attacker. Equally adept with both feet, he seamlessly transitions between midfield and wing positions, posing a constant threat to opposition defences. Inspired by Fenerbahçe legend Alex de Souza, Güler's tireless work ethic and defensive contributions make him a valuable asset to any team, earning him acclaim as a role model for aspiring footballers nationwide.
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