Who are the best Galatasaray players of all time? One of Europe’s biggest clubs, this is a team that has nurtured and attracted genuine stars worthy of one of the world’s most passionate fan bases.
Making an impact domestically and in European competition, let’s take a look at ten of the best Galatasaray players of all time:
10. Claudio Taffarel
World Cup winning Brazilian goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel became one of the Galatasaray players of all time after joining the club in 1998. In just three seasons he had an enormous impact on the club.
Capped 101 times for Brazil, Taffarel had exceptional agility and shot-stopping ability, playing a crucial role in Galatasaray’s historical 1999-2000 treble winning seasons which included winning the UEFA Cup.
9. Umit Davala
Ümit Davala was a part of Galatasaray’s famous treble winning season in 1999-2000, playing a crucial role with his pace, dribbling and defence. He was also versatile, typically deployed at right-back but could play in midfield.
All up Davala won four Süper Lig titles to go with a UEFA Cup and Super Cup. Capped 41 times for the Turkish national team, his work ethic also proved crucial in winning the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, and third place at the 2002 World Cup.
8. Didier Drogba
Ivorian superstar Didier Drogba joined Galatasaray in 2013 after eight seasons with Chelsea and a season in the Chinese Super League. In only two seasons he brought experience and a winning mentality that translated into success.
Galatasaray won the league in his first season, and the Turkish Cup the following year. During both Drogba’s seasons the club advanced to the knockout phase of the Champions League, with a quarter-final matchup against Real Madrid in 2013 which the club lost 3-5 on aggregate.
7. Wesley Sneijder
After time spent at Ajax, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, Wesley Sneijder became one of the best Galatasaray players of all time during five years at the club. A major coup for the club after signing in 2013, the Turkish giants suddenly had one Europe’s premier playmakers.
Despite injuries slowing him down, fans fell in love with the Dutchman as the attacking midfielder dazzled with stunning long-range goals and free kicks, his technical ability with both feet, and his superb vision.
6. Zoran Simović
Yugoslav goalkeeper Zoran Simović joined Galatasaray from Hajduk Split in 1984 and quickly became a fan favorite and in six seasons at the club, kept 60 clean sheets in the Süper Lig.
The three-time Turkish Football Player of the Year Simović played a crucial role in helping Galatasaray secure two league titles, as well as reaching the semi-final of the 1988-89 European Cup.
5. Gheorghe Popescu
Gheorghe Popescu is celebrated as one of the best Galatasaray players of all time on the back of his leadership, defensive prowess, and versatility. Arriving from Barcelona in 1997, the Romanian international quickly became a cornerstone of the team.
Mostly deployed as a central defender or right back. His experience and tactical intelligence was crucial. In five seasons he helped secure three Süper Lig titles, a UEFA Cup, and Champions League quarter-final appearance.
4. Bülent Korkmaz
Bülent Korkmaz, capped 102 times for Turkey, is a legendary Galatasaray centre-back who showed true commitment and leadership. Joining the club even before his teenage years he spent his entire 18-year senior career at Cimbom.
An aggressive and powerful defender, Korkmaz was a true Galatasaray icon, winning eight Süper Lig titles and the 2000 UEFA Cup final, in which he played the last 17 minutes with a dislocated shoulder.
3. Metin Oktay
Arriving at the club in 1955, Metin Oktay enjoyed seven strong seasons in his first spell at the club, scoring an impressive 174 goals in just 164 league games. After a season in Italy he’d return to the club scoring another 137 goals to bring his total to 331 in 14 seasons.
One of the greatest strikers Turkey has produced, he’s also one of the most iconic figures in Galatasaray history. So revered is he by fans, many make the prigimage on September 13th each year to his grave in Istanbul.
2. Gheorghe Hagi
Romanian magician Gheorghe Hagi joined Galatasaray in 1996 and quickly became one of the most beloved players in the club’s history. Arriving from Barcelona, many already new of his extraordinary dribbling, vision, and playmaking ability.
Hagi was instrumental in Galatasaray’s success in the late 90’s, playing a key role from attacking midfield and guiding the club to winning its first ever UEFA Cup and Super Cup in 2000, as well as four consecutive league titles in his five seasons at the club.
1. Hakan Şükür
Hakan Şükür is widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards in Turkish football history, capped by the national team 112 times and scoring 51 goals. Known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and aerial prowess, Şükür became the club’s all-time leading scorer.
Joining the club in 1992, he helped guide Galatasaray to eight league titles across three spells. He was instrumental in the club’s UEFA Cup victory 2000 with six goals, and is the all-time Süper Lig goalscorer with 249 goals to his name from 489 appearances.