How Galatasaray Clinched Their 25th Super Lig Championship and Secured a Third Consecutive Title

In a dominant 3-0 victory against Kayserispor, Galatasaray, the most decorated club in Turkish football history, secured a record 25th Super Lig title, adding to a remarkable season for the Istanbul side which also includes a domestic double.

On Wednesday, Galatasaray triumphed over Trabzonspor with a 3-0 win, clinching their 19th Turkish Cup — the highest number for any team. They followed this with an impressive display in front of their supporters last night, celebrating their third consecutive league title.

This season has been nothing short of spectacular for coach Okan Buruk and his squad, suffering just one defeat across both competitions (a 2-1 loss to Besiktas). With Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, in tow, they can now relish their final league matches against Goztepe and Istanbul Basaksehir.

But how did Galatasaray reclaim the title as champions of Turkey? What were the crucial elements behind their Super Lig success?

An outstanding squad

To put it simply, Galatasaray boasts the finest squad and talent pool in the Super Lig. Club legend Fernando Muslera, now 38, may not have the reflexes he once did, but his vast experience and knack for producing crucial saves still stand him in good stead.

Davinson Sanchez has thrived in the heart of defence, rebounding from a tough end to his time at Tottenham to establish himself as the top defender in Turkey. His partner, Abdulkerim Bardakcı, stands out as the finest Turkish centre-back, while Ismail Jakobs and Eren Elmali are quality left-backs.

Mario Lemina has been a game-changer since his January arrival, and former Arsenal talent Lucas Torreira has formed a formidable partnership with him. Torreira previously struggled to score more than once in a Super Lig season, but with Lemina’s arrival, he has scored five times this campaign.

Gabriel Sara brought extra flair upon his transfer from Norwich for a record €18 million last summer. Although his form has dipped in recent months, his quality and set-piece prowess remain invaluable.

At 38, Dries Mertens has consistently provided moments of brilliance, while Turkish wingers Barış Alper Yılmaz and Yunus Akgun have enjoyed outstanding seasons. Yılmaz has netted 11 league goals, and Akgun has notched up 10 assists.

Mauro Icardi has been a standout performer for Galatasaray since his arrival in 2022, racking up 51 league goals from 65 appearances. Unfortunately, he sustained a season-ending injury in November, which could have been detrimental. Fortunately, they discovered a remarkable striker in Victor Osimhen.

Galatasaray took advantage of a longer Turkish transfer window, securing the Nigerian striker from Napoli on loan after a move to Chelsea fell through.

This signing has been one of the most significant and influential in Super Lig history. It’s rare for the league to witness a player of Osimhen’s calibre join while at the peak of his powers. His impact has been astonishing—functioning almost like a cheat code.

With 36 goals across all competitions, he set a new record for the most goals scored by a foreign player in Turkey. Undoubtedly one of the world’s top strikers, he has left defenders in his wake with his extraordinary athleticism and technical prowess.

Currently leading the Super Lig scoring charts with 25 goals, Galatasaray supporters are hopeful he will remain at the club beyond this season. He has developed a deep affection for Galatasaray, and the club, in turn, adores him. However, with numerous top clubs likely to pursue him, he has stated he will make his decision at the end of the season.

While these players have been pivotal, others like Roland Sallai, Kaan Ayhan, and Álvaro Morata—who has made crucial contributions off the bench—have added depth and quality to the squad.

Okan Buruk’s management style

Galatasaray supporters maintain a complex relationship with coach Okan Buruk. On the surface, he has secured three successive league titles and a Turkish Cup in his three years at the helm. So, what’s the issue?

This club expects to compete on the European front, and under Okan, this goal has often been elusive. They have faced setbacks against teams like Copenhagen, Sparta Prague, Young Boys, RFS, Dynamo Kyiv, and AZ Alkmaar, each encounter marking a disappointment for their continental aspirations. Notably, they haven’t triumphed in any European knockout round during his tenure.

While fans recognise the domestic success he has fostered, they demand significantly more from him in Europe, especially given the calibre of players at his disposal.

A large part of this critique stems from his tactical choices and the occasional uncertainty surrounding his optimal starting XI, which ultimately impacts their European outings.

Yet, Okan’s strength lies in his remarkable man management. He has crafted a cohesive team environment, ensuring harmony from the starters down to the substitutes. His ability to motivate all players and extract their best performances has proven invaluable.

This has translated well in Turkey, allowing his side to play with flair and overcome any challenge they face. While such qualities may not always translate into success on the European stage, they have certainly been effective domestically.

A champion mindset

Many players in the squad have been through this journey before. They comprehend the intricacies of Turkish football and the relentless pressure that accompanies it. Instead of engaging in any verbal spats like their rivals with Mourinho, they maintained their focus on the ultimate objective this season.

It would have been easy to get swept up in the surrounding drama, but both the players and manager stayed resolute, opting to deliver their message on the pitch. Veteran players like Muslera, Sanchez, Abdulkerim, Torreira, Mertens, and Icardi have felt the intensity of a title race with Fenerbahce, embroiled in their own conspiracy narratives, yet they remained undeterred.

Following a mid-season dip that left some questions, they responded in true champion style, clinching the cup against Fenerbahce and winning their last nine matches consecutively.

When it mattered most near the season’s conclusion, they surged ahead—an attribute that defines all great teams during the run-in.

Their conduct has epitomised that of champions, and as a result, they have reclaimed their title.