Arda Güler – Foto: Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez / Shutterstock.com
Turkish midfielder Arda Güler, 20, stated in an interview that he does not consider the Champions League won by Real Madrid in 2024 as his personal achievement. Signed in 2023 from Fenerbahçe, he was part of the squad listed for eight matches but did not play a single minute in the victorious campaign. The statement came in Madrid, during a conversation with the French newspaper L’Équipe, published on October 15, 2025.
Güler highlighted his desire to inspire young people in Turkey by winning a European trophy on his own merit on the field. He has started in nine of Real’s ten games in the 2025/26 season, under Xabi Alonso’s command. The player thanked the space received and expressed full confidence in the Spanish coach’s strategies.
The current season marks Güler’s rise, with praise from fans and standout performances. He downplayed initial difficulties under Carlo Ancelotti, without direct criticism of the Italian.
🇹🇷 4-1 🇬🇪
👊 @10ardaguler
🏆 Clasificación para el Mundial 2026 pic.twitter.com/AsW3QZAhRN— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 14, 2025
Rise under new management
Xabi Alonso took over Real Madrid and promoted Güler as a central piece in midfield. The Turk started nine consecutive matches, contributing with decisive passes and aggression.
- Güler recorded two assists in La Liga by October 2025.
- He completed 85% of passes in offensive zones, according to club internal data.
- Average successful dribbles per game reaches 3.2.
These metrics reinforce his adaptation to Alonso’s individual marking style.
Statement on the European title
Güler explained that his absence on the field prevents him from claiming the 2024 conquest. He was warned by his agent about challenges in his first season at the club. The player avoided controversies with Ancelotti, mentioning support from Davide Ancelotti, now at Botafogo.
The goal now involves leading Real to a 16th Champions, with focus on consistent performances.
Praise for the Spanish coach
Alonso identified Güler’s instincts from the first meeting. The midfielder reported the coach’s phrase: “I know you are instinctive, a warrior on the field.” Güler accepts various positions, even joking about playing goalkeeper if asked.
This confidence results in tactical freedom, with emphasis on one-on-one duels in attack.
The player values the character required in the system, which demands controlled aggression.
Initial trajectory at the club
Signed for 20 million euros in 2023, Güler faced injuries and competition. Listed for eight Champions 2023/24 games, he stayed on the bench in all occasions. In the current season, he accumulates 900 minutes played by October. Metrics show evolution: 40% increase in accurate shots compared to the previous year.
Goals to inspire
Güler wants to serve as an example for Turkish children by conquering individual trophies. He projects a pillar in Alonso’s project, with Real leading La Liga. The European season starts in November, with group defined against rivals like Bayern and Porto. The midfielder maintains intense training routine, focusing on physical resistance.
Gratitude and adaptation
Alonso’s arrival changed the dynamics for Güler in Madrid. He integrates rotation with stars like Mbappé, forming a versatile midfield. UEFA data indicate Güler leads under-21 youths in progressive passes in Europe.
This projection supports ambitions for collective titles in the current campaign. Real Madrid invests in talents like Güler to maintain continental hegemony.
