Football teams in Türkiye, which one to follow ?
Turkey, a country where football is more than just a sport, boasts a rich tapestry of clubs, each with its own unique history and fervent fanbase. Choosing which team to support can be both exciting and daunting. Here's an overview of Turkey’s prominent football clubs to help you make your decision.
Galatasaray Spor Kulübü
Founded in 1905 by Ali Sami Yen and his fellow students at Galatasaray High School, Galatasaray is one of Turkey's most successful and internationally recognized clubs. The team has secured numerous Turkish Süper Lig titles and made history by winning the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2000, marking a significant achievement for Turkish football on the European stage. Galatasaray's traditional colors are red and yellow, and their passionate supporters, known as "Cim Bom," create an electrifying atmosphere at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium.
Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü
Established in 1907 in the Kadıköy district, Fenerbahçe is another cornerstone of Turkish football. The club has amassed numerous national championships and is renowned for its fierce rivalry with Galatasaray, culminating in the intense "Intercontinental Derby." Fenerbahçe's colors are yellow and navy blue, and their home ground, the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, is famed for its vibrant matchday experience
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü
Founded in 1903, Beşiktaş holds the distinction of being Turkey's oldest sports club. With a rich history in Turkish football, the team has secured multiple league titles. Beşiktaş fans, known for their unwavering loyalty, pack the Vodafone Park, creating one of the most formidable atmospheres in European football. The club's colors are black and white, and their emblem features a distinctive black eagle.
İstanbul Başakşehir Futbol Kulübü
A relative newcomer, founded in 1990, İstanbul Başakşehir has rapidly risen to prominence in Turkish football. The club achieved a historic milestone by clinching the Süper Lig title in the 2019-2020 season, breaking the long-standing dominance of the traditional "Big Three." Known for their modern approach and strong organizational structure, Başakşehir's colors are orange and blue, and they play their home matches at the Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium.
Trabzonspor Kulübü
Hailing from the Black Sea city of Trabzon, Trabzonspor was founded in 1967. The club broke the Istanbul monopoly in Turkish football by clinching multiple league titles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their fans, known as the "Karadeniz Fırtınası" (Black Sea Storm), are renowned for their passionate support. The team's colors are claret and blue, and they play their home matches at the Şenol Güneş Stadium.
Bursaspor Kulübü
Based in the city of Bursa, Bursaspor was established in 1963. The club made history by winning the Süper Lig title in the 2009-2010 season, becoming only the second team outside Istanbul to do so. Known as the "Green Crocodiles" due to their green and white colors, Bursaspor's home ground is the Timsah Arena, a stadium architecturally designed to resemble a crocodile.
Sivasspor Kulübü
Founded in 1967, Sivasspor hails from the central Anatolian city of Sivas. The club has been a consistent performer in the Süper Lig, often challenging for top positions. Their colors are red and white, and they play their home games at the Yeni 4 Eylül Stadium. Sivasspor's supporters are known for their fervent and unwavering support, creating a formidable atmosphere during home matches.
Konyaspor Kulübü
Based in Konya, Konyaspor was officially founded in 1981, though its roots trace back to earlier local clubs. The team has seen a rise in prominence in recent years, highlighted by winning the Turkish Cup in the 2016-2017 season. Konyaspor's colors are green and white, reflecting the city's historical significance and cultural heritage. Their home matches are held at the Konya Büyükşehir Stadium, known for its enthusiastic crowds.
Kayserispor Kulübü
Established in 1966, Kayserispor represents the city of Kayseri in central Turkey. The club has had fluctuating success in the Süper Lig but remains a respected team in Turkish football. Their colors are red and yellow, and they play their home games at the Kadir Has Stadium. Kayserispor's fanbase is known for its loyalty and dedication, providing steadfast support through the club's various phases.
