ARDA TURAN
Football
Shakhtar Donetsk
Date of Birth: January 30, 1987
Country: Türkiye
Profession: Football Manager
Arda Turan was born on January 30, 1987, in Istanbul, Türkiye. He joined Galatasaray’s youth academy at the age of nine and made his first official appearance for the senior team in 2005, during a Turkish Cup match against Bursaspor.
Turan went on to play for Galatasaray for many years, achieving major success with the club. In 2005, he won the Turkish Cup, and in the 2007–2008 season, he became a Türkiye Süper Lig champion. He was named “Footballer of the Year” at the Milliyet Sports Awards in both 2008 and 2009.
After receiving an offer from Atlético Madrid, he transferred to the Spanish club for a record fee. Under the management of Diego Simeone, he became part of the historic Atlético Madrid side that won the LaLiga title, outperforming Europe’s top teams. During the 2011–2012 season, he won the UEFA Europa League, and in 2013, he was once again honored as “Athlete of the Year” at the Milliyet Sports Awards.
In 2015, Turan transferred to FC Barcelona, one of the greatest football clubs in history — marking one of the most successful transfers in Turkish football. During the 2015–2016 season, he won the LaLiga title with Barcelona. Throughout his career, he also claimed two UEFA Super Cups, three Copa del Rey titles, and two Spanish Super Cups.
Turan made his debut for the Turkish National Team at the age of 19 and went on to earn 100 caps over his international career. Known for his exceptional talent, leadership on the pitch, and relentless drive to win, Arda Turan became one of the most iconic Turkish footballers of his generation.
After retiring as a player, he transitioned into football management, bringing his tactical intelligence and experience into coaching. Having worked under some of the world’s best managers, Turan blended those lessons with his own philosophy and insight.
In 2023, he began his first managerial role with Eyüpspor, leading the team to the TFF 1. Lig Championship and earning promotion to the Türkiye Süper Lig. During the 2024–2025 season, he enjoyed a successful debut in the top division, finishing sixth with Eyüpspor. Following his success in Türkiye, Arda Turan took charge of Shakhtar, continuing his managerial career in both the UEFA Conference League and the Ukrainian Premier League.
Managerial Achievements
2023/2024 TFF 1. Lig Champion (2nd Tier)
Playing Career Achievements
2016/2017 Copa del Rey Champion
2016/2017 Spanish Super Cup Champion
2016/2017 Spanish Super Cup Top Scorer
2015/2016 LaLiga Champion
2015/2016 UEFA Super Cup Champion
2015/2016 Copa del Rey Champion
2014/2015 Spanish Super Cup Champion
2013/2014 LaLiga Champion
2012/2013 UEFA Super Cup Champion
2012/2013 Copa del Rey Champion
2011/2012 UEFA Europe League Champion
2007/2008 Türkiye Super League Champion
2004/2005 Turkish Cup Champion
Awards
2016 The Turkish-Spanish Chamber of Industryand Commerce: Individual Achievement Award
2015 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards: Men ofthe Year
2015 Turkish Professional FootballersAssociation: Special Award
2015 Milliyet Sports Awards: Footballer ofthe Year
2014 Milliyet Sports Awards: Footballer ofthe Year
2014 Türkiye Sports Men: European Footballerof the Year Award
2013 Milliyet Sports Awards: Player of theYear
2013 Futbol Plus: Turkish Player of the Yearin Europe Award
2012 Futbol Plus: Turkish Player of the Yearin Europe Award
2010: Futbol Plus: Player of the Year inTürkiye Award
2009 Milliyet Sports Awards: Footballer ofthe Year
2009 International Federation of FootballHistory & Statistics: Most Popular Active Footballer of the Year Award
2008-2009 Season: The player with the mostassists in the Turkish Super League
2009-2010 Season: The player with the most assists in the Turkish Super League
2008 Milliyet Sports Awards: Footballer ofthe Year
2008 'Don Balon: 8th Best Football Player amongthe "100 Football Players Born in 1987 and Above"