The 2025/26 Turkish Super Lig season is about to begin, promising another year of exciting football. After winning their third consecutive title last season, Galatasaray has made headlines by signing star striker Victor Osimhen for a record-breaking fee, making them the team to beat. However, their biggest rivals are strengthening their squads and are determined to end their reign.
🏆 The Title Race Heats Up
Galatasaray, the defending champions, are aiming for a fourth straight league title. To boost their chances in both domestic and European competitions, they’ve made some major signings. They first welcomed former Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane on a free transfer. Then, they stunned the football world by signing Victor Osimhen permanently for a record €75 million after his incredible loan spell where he scored 37 goals. With such a powerful team, they are the clear favourites. However, their rivals Fenerbahce, led by manager Jose Mourinho, are eager to win their first title since 2014. After a season of controversy, Mourinho is staying and has added new talent, including striker Jhon Duran on loan and defenders Archie Brown and Nelson Semedo.
💪 Other Giants in the Mix
While Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are expected to lead the pack, other big clubs are looking to make their mark. Besiktas, who finished a distant fourth last season, have invested in striker Tammy Abraham and midfielder Orkun Kokcu. However, they also sold their key player, Gedson Fernandes, and an early exit from Europa League qualifying has put manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer under pressure. Meanwhile, Trabzonspor will be a team to watch. They finished last season strongly under new manager Fatih Tekke and have re-signed striker Paul Onuachu, who performed well for them two seasons ago. They will be looking to carry that momentum into the new season and climb back up the table.
🌟 The Race for European Football
Several other teams will be competing for a spot in European competitions. Samsunspor were the surprise of last season, finishing in third place under German coach Thomas Reis. They have proven they can compete with the best and will aim for another strong performance. Istanbul Basaksehir have also been active in the transfer market, signing Uzbek talent Abbosbek Fayzullaev for a club-record fee and experienced striker Nuno Da Costa, who has a good goal-scoring record in Turkey. Eyupspor, who had an amazing debut season by finishing sixth, will face a new challenge after their successful coach Arda Turan left the club.
👋 Welcome to the New Teams
The new season also welcomes three newly promoted teams to the Super Lig. Kocaelispor are back in the top flight for the first time since 2009 after winning the TFF 1. Lig. They have smartly appointed former Galatasaray star Selcuk Inan as their new coach. Joining them are Genclerbirligi, who return after four years, and Karagumruk, who bounced back to the top division after just one season away. These teams will be fighting hard to prove they belong in Turkey’s top football league.
