When Arda Güler, a 19‑year‑old midfielder dubbed the “Turkish Messi,” stepped onto the pitch at the Commerzbank‑Arena in Frankfurt on 18 June 2024, he instantly announced himself on the European stage. Within minutes he smashed a left‑footed strike into the top‑corner, clinching a 3‑1 victory for the Turkey national football team and becoming the youngest scorer in Euro history at 19 years 114 days.
Background: Turkey’s Euro journey and Güler’s meteoric rise
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has long searched for a game‑changer. After progressing through every youth level—from U15 to U21—Güler earned his senior debut on 19 November 2022 against the Czech Republic. A year later he netted his first senior goal in a qualifier versus Wales, cementing his place in the 26‑man squad for UEFA Euro 2024Germany.
His club career accelerated when Real Madrid Club de Fútbol snapped him up from Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü for a reported €20 million ($22 million) in the summer of 2023. An injury‑marred first season delayed his debut until January 2024, when Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti finally gave him minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Euro 2024 opening match: a historic goal
Turkey opened the tournament against Georgia, a side that had never beaten a European champion in a debut match. The atmosphere at the 51,500‑strong arena was electric, and Güler’s goal arrived in the 23rd minute. He collected the ball just outside the box, evaded two defenders with a quick shimmy, and launched a curling shot that kissed the top corner. The strike earned him the Player‑of‑the‑Match award and made him the first teenager to score on a Euro debut since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004.
Turkey went on to win 3‑1, registering their first ever opening‑game victory at a European Championship. The win lifted the nation’s morale and sparked a surge of optimism across Turkish media.
From debut to round‑of‑16: scoring and assisting as a teen
Güler didn’t stop at the opener. In the round of 16 on 3 July 2024, Turkey faced Austria at the Merkur Spiel‑Arena in Düsseldorf. He provided a perfectly weighted cross that teammate Mert Mengi turned home, securing a 2‑1 win.
That assist placed Güler among a tiny elite: only Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney have ever both scored and assisted in the same Euro tournament as teenagers.
Real Madrid connection and Ancelotti’s mentorship
Post‑match, Güler told reporters, “I don’t care about personal achievements. I’m all about the team and I’m delighted to play my part.” The sentiment echoed what Ancelotti has repeatedly stressed: the young Spaniard’s development thrives on humility and hard work.
“Arda has a great mentor in Carlo,” an analyst at WION noted. “The Italian’s calm approach helps Arda manage the pressure of a big stage.” Güler admitted he still hadn’t read all the congratulatory messages from his Madrid teammates, but feels the squad’s support is “invaluable.”
What the performance means for Turkey and Güler’s future
Turkey’s quarter‑final exit on 9 July 2024 against the Netherlands was disappointing, but Güler’s impact will be measured for years. His record‑breaking debut and subsequent assist have already raised his market value, with estimates hovering around €45 million.
Back in Madrid, he is expected to join preseason training in late July, preparing for the 2024‑25 La Liga campaign that kicks off on 18 August 2024 and the Champions League group stage slated for 17‑19 September 2024. If he can translate his Euro form to club level, Real Madrid could finally field a true successor to the club’s historic playmakers.
Key Facts
- Age at Euro debut: 19 years 114 days
- Goal scored: 23rd minute, left‑footed strike from outside the box
- Transfer fee to Real Madrid: €20 million ($22 million)
- Turkey’s opening‑match win: 3‑1 over Georgia
- First teenager to score on Euro debut since Ronaldo (2004)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Güler’s Euro performance affect Turkey’s chances in future tournaments?
The teenage maestro’s confidence boost and the tactical flexibility he provides give Turkey a genuine edge. Analysts say his ability to both score and create chances forces opponents to allocate extra defensive resources, which could translate into deeper runs in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
What role will Carlo Ancelotti play in Güler’s development at Real Madrid?
Ancelotti’s philosophy revolves around patience and positional intelligence. He has publicly praised Güler’s work ethic, promising to rotate him into the first‑team squad gradually, allowing the youngster to adapt to the pace of La Liga while learning from veterans like Luka Modrić.
Why is Güler compared to Lionel Messi?
The nickname stems from his low centre of gravity, dribbling finesse, and left‑footed artistry. While the comparison is flattering, coaches stress that Güler’s game is unique, combining Turkish flair with the tactical discipline he’s picking up at Madrid.
What are the financial implications of his record‑breaking Euro debut?
His market valuation has surged to roughly €45 million, according to Transfermarkt. This increase benefits both Real Madrid—who see a higher resale value—and the Turkish Football Federation, which could negotiate more favorable sponsorship deals anchored on his rising star power.
When will Güler return to club action after the Euros?
He is slated to re‑join Real Madrid’s preseason camp in late July 2024, aiming to be match‑fit for La Liga’s opening round on 18 August and the Champions League group fixtures that start on 17 September.
Ellen Ross
October 15, 2025 AT 01:43 AMOne must ask whether the media's reverence for a 19‑year‑old is not a manufactured myth, a distraction from the deeper malaise of modern football culture. The "Turkish Messi" label is less about skill and more about a capitalist narrative that pumps hype for the next transfer window. When Arda steps onto the grass, the world watches through a lens polished by sponsors, not through pure appreciation of talent. This phenomenon mirrors the age‑old practice of anointing prodigies to satisfy a market craving for the next wonderkid, while the underlying structures remain unchanged. In this light, his goal is both a triumph and a symptom of a system that elevates individual glory over collective development. The paradox teeters; we celebrate the moment yet ignore the commodification that birthed it.