Latest news with #ArdaGuler
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Real Madrid's breakout star for 2025-26: Arda Guler ready to deliver on his promise
The final image of Arda Guler before the players' summer break was a symbolic one for Real Madrid's young playmaker. After landing at Madrid's Barajas airport following their Club World Cup semi-final exit, the cameras captured the Turkish midfielder and Luka Modric saying an affectionate goodbye. With Modric set to leave at the end of his contract following that tournament after 13 seasons at the Bernabeu, the 39-year-old gave Guler, 19 years his junior, his No 10 shirt as a gift. Advertisement That gesture would have been even more significant if Guler had actually inherited Modric's squad number, as was his intention, according to those close to him. Instead, the club decided that iconic shirt will now go to Kylian Mbappe, who already wears No 10 for France's national team. That was despite Guler having been at the club a year longer than the Frenchman, which is usually a factor in deciding who gets which jersey at Madrid. In any case, with Modric now having joined Milan as a free agent after winning 28 titles with Madrid — more than any other player in the club's history — Guler wants to follow a similar path in what will be this third season at the club. 'Arda is delighted with Xabi (Alonso, Carlo Ancelotti's replacement as head coach),' people close to the player — who, like all those cited in this article, asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships — told The Athletic during the Club World Cup. And it is precisely that connection with Madrid's new coach that could lead to Guler's breakout campaign with the Spanish side. It has been a stop-start first two years for Guler since joining from Fenerbahce in July 2023 for €20million ($23m; £17m at current exchange rates) plus potential add-ons worth up to another €10m. The club spoke highly of him after his first training sessions, while internal sources were impressed by his quality, in particular his ability with his left foot. That bright start was cut short when he had to return from Madrid's pre-season tour to the United States that summer due to a knee problem that resulted in surgery. He was sidelined for 148 days, missing 29 games for club and country due to that issue and two further muscle injuries. Guler ended up playing only 440 minutes across 12 appearances in that debut campaign, scoring six goals. Five of those came in the final month of the league season, when Ancelotti gave him five starts with the Spanish title already wrapped up. A bright Euro 2024 with Turkey followed, leading many to believe that last season could be his moment, but it proved another false dawn. Guler was the 17th-most used player in the Madrid squad, with 1,948 minutes across 43 matches. He scored five times and provided nine assists, but was rarely trusted by Ancelotti in important games. He did not participate at all in the Champions League play-off against Manchester City, the subsequent round of 16 tie derby games with Atletico Madrid, or the quarter-final loss to Arsenal. He was not used in the semis or final of the Supercopa de Espana either, having played just two minutes in each of the UEFA Super Cup and the final of the annual version of the Club World Cup, now rebranded as the Intercontinental Cup. Advertisement These regular absences did not go down well within the club or among the fanbase, with the press regularly asking Ancelotti about the situation. The manager became tense when facing those questions, even suggesting that Guler was being badly advised by those around him. 'I spend a little part of the time with him, and then he spends a lot of time with other people,' said Ancelotti in February. 'I don't know if these other people have the same idea as me about what I think is the best for him to learn, improve and soon be able to play for Real Madrid. It's a lack of communication.' That sort of talk disappointed people close to Guler. Reports suggested his family had complained to the club, although this was denied by those close to him, who said his father only speaks Turkish. Meanwhile, Guler did get to play more towards the end of the season, and caused Ancelotti to change his tune. He showed fine control before scoring from outside the box to give Madrid a 1-0 win against Getafe in April, while playing as a midfielder. A week later, he scored and provided an assist to help his side to a 3-2 defeat of Celta Vigo, which he started. 'Two months ago, I threw a stick at those around him, and now I have to congratulate them,' Ancelotti said after the latter game. The early-summer arrival of Alonso, who sounded out the possibility of signing Guler when he was in his previous job as manager of Germany's Bayer Leverkusen, has opened up new horizons for the Turkish youngster. In June, Madrid signed promising winger Franco Mastantuono from River Plate of Argentina for a total fee of €63.2million, which could have been seen as a threat, given they play in similar positions. But Guler had already been informed he would begin the 2025-26 season playing further back in midfield, as he did for Alonso at the Club World Cup. He started five of Madrid's six matches during that tournament, all except the group-stage opener against Al Hilal, and was their ninth-most-used player, with 423 minutes, scoring a goal and providing two assists to get fans enthused about his performances. Advertisement Guler himself seemed happy, too. 'The coach is trying to make us have more control of the game, and that's better for me,' he said. 'I'm happier because I play and play in the middle.' Alonso, meanwhile, sent out a statement of intent as he spoke about his management of young talent. 'It's time to invest in Arda's progress and development,' he said, 'and let him know that he can make mistakes.' With the injuries apparently behind him and plenty of confidence flowing his way from Alonso, many inside and outside the club are hoping this could finally be Guler's season. Now it's up to him to live up to those expectations. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid youngster considered ‘special' by Xabi Alonso; set for a prominent role
Arda Guler is no longer the slight teenager who arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2023. According to AS, the Turkish star has gone through a remarkable physical transformation, gaining around 8 kilograms of muscle through intense gym work. Once weighing just 62kg, Guler now tips the scales at over 70kg, proof of the effort he's put in to build the body of a modern midfielder. Committed to improve Interestingly, his progress has not happened by chance, as the outlet affirms that Guler lives with his personal physiotherapist, fitness trainer, and chef, all working together to fine-tune every aspect of his routine. From customised meal plans to specific training and recovery schedules, the 20-year-old has committed completely to his development. It is not just about getting stronger, but rather about becoming the complete footballer Madrid expects him to be. Backed by club and coach Arda Guler is facing a defining moment. (Photo by) On the pitch, Xabi Alonso is convinced by Guler's potential. 'He has a lot of qualities, he's a special player. He has a very wide range of passes and we play better with him,' Alonso stated. However, he also underlined the need for development, stressing that this is the season to invest in Guler's growth. Mentally, Guler is stronger than ever. Despite limited chances last season and some turbulent moments, he has never regretted his move to Madrid. No longer the same player His maturity stands out. Even with constant attention back home in Turkey, he's remained grounded, focused, and determined. 'He's crystal clear about what he wants,' says someone close to the player. 'He knows the process, accepts it, and pushes himself every day.' This is not just a new Arda Guler physically, but it is a more complete version of the player Real Madrid believed in. And now, he's ready to show it.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Real Madrid star spotted playing padel on holiday at luxurious Cullinan Belek resort in Turkey
A Real Madrid star has been spotted playing padel while on holiday at a luxurious resort in Turkey. The player in question joined Los Blancos from Fenerbahce in 2023 having come through the Super Lig side's academy and made 32 league appearances before a move to LaLiga. He is viewed as one of the hottest young prospects in world football at the age of 20 and is tipped for greatness. That individual is none other than Arda Guler, who was seen enjoying a game of padel at the Cullinan Belek resort, 25 miles east of Antalya. He enjoyed a well-deserved break at this distinguished destination, which is popular with a number of high-profile athletes. The Turkish star also took an interest in one of the world's fastest-growing sports in padel, which has been popular in Spain particularly for a number of years but is now becoming more commonplace across the globe. Arda Guler has been spotted playing padel at the Cullinan Belek resort in Turkey Maintaining his fitness even while on holiday, Guler put his lungs to the test on Cullinan Belek's professional padel courts. Combining luxury with dynamism, Cullinan Belek continues to offer a unique atmosphere to its clientele. That provides the opportunity for both rest and relaxation while allowing top-tier athletes and guests the chance to stay active throughout their stay. Having competed at the Club World Cup, Real Madrid will return to domestic action on August 19. Their first match of the 2025-26 season sees them host Osasuna as they look to regain the LaLiga title from fierce rivals Barcelona.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WATCH: Luka Modric gifts final Real Madrid shirt to teammate
Earlier this week, Luka Modric made his final appearance for Real Madrid in the 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup. The 39-year-old has now ended his 13-year stay at the Santiago Bernabeu after it was decided that his contract will not be renewed, and soon, he will join Milan. Modric gave his last interview as a Real Madrid player in the aftermath of the PSG defeat, and he will now enjoy some time off before starting the next stage of his career in Italy. And ahead of doing so, he gifted a special memento to one of his soon-to-be former teammates. Image viaAdvertisement Modric said his final goodbyes to those at Real Madrid upon the first team's return to Spain after the Club World Cup, and images captured by El Desmarque show the Croatian and Arda Guler meeting up in the car park of Madrid airport. During the exchange, Modric gifted Guler the jersey he wore during the match against PSG, meaning that it is his final Real Madrid shirt. The pair also shared a touching embrace before parting ways. Guler could do more than take Modric's final jersey Modric's departure means that the famous number 10 jersey will be vacant, and there are a number of suitors. Kylian Mbappe is considered to be the favourite, but should be decide to remain wearing 9, Guler would be a strong candidate to adorn the iconic start from next season onwards. Advertisement Guler is expected to be a very important player for Real Madrid next season, with new head coach Xabi Alonso counting on him a lot – as was shown during the Club World Cup. He will almost certainly play significantly more than his first two years at the club, where he struggled to make an impact with Carlo Ancelotti.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How to watch Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid: TV channel and live stream for Club World Cup semi-final today
Cruising: Arda Guler and Gonzalo Garcia have impressed in the United States (REUTERS) A Club World Cup final spot is on the line this evening, as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain go toe-to-toe at MetLife Stadium. Both sides got past titanic German opposition in the quarter-finals. The Spaniards downed Borussia Dortmund 3-2, before the French put Bayern Munich to the sword after scoring and having William Pacho sent off in extra-time. Advertisement FOLLOW PSG VS REAL MADRID LIVE Real are also facing suspension complications, though, after the £50million signing Dean Huijsen was shown a 96th-minute red card last time out. Los Blancos have been carried through this tournament by a rash of stunning performances from 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia. The young Spaniard was called in to deputise for the hospitalised Kylian Mbappe early in the campaign and has proven a natural stand-in, with four goals and one assist in five appearances. He could be set to move away from Madrid following the competition, though, with Sunderland among the clubs interested in taking him on. Advertisement How to watch PSG vs Real Madrid TV channel: In the UK, viewers can watch the game live free-to-air on 5 (formerly known as Channel 5). Coverage begins at 7pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off. Live stream: Viewers can also watch the action live online via and the DAZN website which are both free with a registration. DAZN is the global broadcaster of the new-look Club World Cup. No subscription is required to watch the game, with the entire tournament available to their 'Freemium' members, which means you only need to sign up for a free DAZN account. Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport's live blog!
