Turkey is home to football clubs that are more than just teams—they're cultural institutions. As the aroma of Turkish tea fills the air, each club embodies the hopes and dreams of its devoted supporters, forging unforgettable legacies over time.
From the fervent chants that echo in stadiums to the thrilling matches that capture hearts, Turkish football ignites a fire across the nation. Join us as we explore the top five biggest Turkish football clubs, each a titan in its own right.
Here The Top 5 Biggest Turkish Football Clubs
5) Bursaspor
Founded: 1 June 1963
Süper Lig Titles: 1
Notable Achievements: Winning the Süper Lig title in 2009-2010
Bursa Spor is another important club in Turkey, particularly known for its stunning rise in the early 2000s. Founded in 1963, they achieved their first Süper Lig title in 2009, ending the long-standing dominance of the “Big Four” clubs.
Known as the "Green Crocodiles" for their team colours and fierce play, Bursaspor enjoys a passionate local fanbase and has participated in European competitions. Despite recent challenges, including relegation, Bursaspor remains an important club in Turkish football, symbolising underdog success and resilience.
4) Trabzonspor
Founded: 2 August 1967
Süper Lig Titles: 7
Notable Achievements: First club outside Istanbul to win the Süper Lig
Trabzonspor holds a special place in Turkish football history as the first club outside of Istanbul to break the hegemony of the "Big Three" (Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş). The club was founded on 2 August 1967 and achieved astonishing success in the 1970s and 1980s, winning their first Süper Lig title in 1976.
Since then, Trabzonspor has won a total of seven league titles, their most recent triumph coming in the 2021-22 season after a 38-year drought. Known for their fiercely dedicated fanbase, the "Bordo-Mavililer" (Burgundy-Blues) creates an intimidating atmosphere at the Şenol Güneş Stadium. Trabzonspor’s legacy continues to grow as they regularly compete for honours and have a reputation for producing top Turkish talent.
3) Beşiktaş
Founded: 3 March 1903
Süper Lig Titles: 16
Notable Achievements: Regular contenders in European competitions
Founded in 1903, Beşiktaş is one of the oldest football clubs in Turkey and is widely regarded as the biggest club in the country. Known for their fervent fanbase, Beşiktaş has a rich history, having won numerous league titles and domestic cups.
Their home stadium, Vodafone Park, is known for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere during matches. Beşiktaş has consistently been a contender for domestic and European honours, solidifying their status as the biggest football club in Turkey.
2) Galatasaray
Founded: 20 October 1905
Süper Lig Titles: 24
Notable Achievements: Only Turkish club to win the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup (2000)
Galatasaray is arguably the most famous Turkish football club, known for its international success and fierce rivalry with Fenerbahçe. Established in 1905, they are the only Turkish club to have won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup, achieving this remarkable feat in 2000.
Galatasaray’s loyal supporters create an electrifying atmosphere at their home ground, Nef Stadium. With multiple league titles and a strong European presence, they are a powerhouse in Turkish football.
1) Fenerbahçe
Founded: 3 May 1907
Süper Lig Titles: 28
Notable Achievements: Record 28 league titles; extensive European presence
Fenerbahçe stands as the biggest and most successful football club in Turkey. Founded in 1907, the Istanbul-based club has won a record 28 Süper Lig titles, making them the most decorated team in Turkish football. Fenerbahçe’s rich history is marked by domestic dominance and consistent European participation.
They’ve reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League and the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League, a testament to their standing in European football. Fenerbahçe’s fanbase, known as the "Sarı Kanaryalar" (Yellow Canaries), are some of the most loyal and vociferous in the country.
Their home, Ülker Stadium, is renowned for its intense atmosphere, especially during fierce derbies with rivals Galatasaray and Beşiktaş. Fenerbahçe's unparalleled success and passionate following make them the undisputed giants of Turkish football.
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