Young soccer star Arda Güler, nicknamed 'Turkey's Messi,' illuminated the European Championship.
Güler, barely 19, has been called "the Turkish Messi," a title recognizing his remarkable skills similar to the Argentinian legend. Known for his impressive ball handling, speedy runs, and lethal left foot, he even managed to outshine the Georgian team during a recent game.
Scoring this goal made Güler the first teenager to score at a European Championship since Ronaldo in 2004, paving the way for Turkey's first-ever win in a tournament opening game across their six appearances.
Coming up, Güler will face Ronaldo in Turkey's second match during Euro 2024, with both players striving for a second win and a place in the knockout stages.
Post-game against Georgia, Güler stated, "I'm not focused on personal accomplishments. I care about the team and I'm thrilled to contribute."
Having signed for Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe for a reported $22 million last year, Güler's first season was marred by injuries, making his debut only in January. Despite this, Real managed to clinch La Liga and the Champions League. Unfortunately, Güler did not grace the Champions League victory and was an unused substitute in the final. However, he still managed to score an exceptional 6 goals in a mere 379 minutes - a goal every 63.17 minutes - across the 10 domestic games he played towards the end of the season.
Ancelotti, Güler's coach, praised him, saying, "He has the right character for Real Madrid. He's got great skill with his left foot."
At Euro 2024, Güler is part of an exceptional group of young talents, including Jude Bellingham from England, Spain's record-breaking winger Lamine Yamal, and Germany's Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, who holds the record for being the youngest man to score for his country at the Euros.
Güler's goal against Georgia won him the title of the youngest player to score on his Euro debut at the age of 19 years and 114 days, surpassing Ronaldo's record.
The match between Portugal and Turkey in Dortmund on Saturday promises to be fascinating, with both Güler and Ronaldo, both attacking forces for their teams, at very different stages in their careers.
Ronaldo, participating in his sixth European Championship, had a post hit and a goal disallowed for offside as Portugal managed a 2-1 win against the Czech Republic on Tuesday. The evening, however, was uneventful for the 39-year-old, who failed to add to his European Championship goal record of 14.
Portugal is predicted to lead the group, but Turkey seems poised for a more successful tournament, having struggled during the past campaign. The team is now aiming to make it to the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time since 2008. Güler appears set to spearhead this charge. A strong showing in Germany would be quite a feat for a player who, not so long ago, was a ball boy for the national team.
"Of course, I'm aware of his talent," Portugal forward Diogo Jota was quoted as saying by reporters ahead of the match, commenting on Güler's impressive performance against Georgia. "He's a phenomenal player, as he demonstrated with that incredible goal."
