The Turkish football landscape is currently dominated by Galatasaray S.K., following a historic week that has seen the Istanbul giants assert their dominance on the European stage while continuing to build a domestic dynasty. As of 21 February 2026, the club is riding a wave of momentum that has captured the attention of the global football community.
Champions League Heroics: The “Hammering” of Juventus
On 17 February 2026, Galatasaray delivered one of the most significant results in recent Turkish football history, defeating Italian giants Juventus 5-2 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout play-off. Playing at a raucous Ali Sami Yen Stadium, the “Lions” overcame an early deficit to score four second-half goals, leaving the Turin side in what Italian media has described as a “complete crisis.”
The match was marked by a clinical offensive display that overwhelmed the Juventus defence, which was missing Canadian star Jonathan David due to injury. The atmosphere in Istanbul was so intense that Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz praised the “exciting” fans despite the heavy defeat. Galatasaray now heads to Turin for the second leg with a commanding three-goal cushion.
Domestic Dominance: The 25th Title
Galatasaray continues to hold the record as the most successful club in Turkish history. Recent achievements have solidified their status:
- Süper Lig: The club recently secured a record-extending 25th league title, marking their third successive championship.
- Turkish Cup: They hold a record 19 titles.
- Turkish Super Cup: They have claimed the trophy 17 times.
Transfer Market and Squad News
With the European transfer window remaining a focal point, Galatasaray is actively linked with several high-profile moves to bolster their squad for the latter stages of the Champions League:
- Hakan Calhanoglu: Reports indicate coach Okan Buruk is once again targeting the Inter Milan star, following a pursuit last summer.
- Victor Osimhen: The Nigerian striker remains a focal point of the squad after his high-profile arrival, though he continues to be linked with interest from Premier League clubs like Chelsea.
- Midfield Targets: The club is reportedly in talks for OGC Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui and is monitoring Brazilian talent currently scouted by Sunderland and Leeds United.
Historical Context
Founded in 1905, Galatasaray remains the only Turkish club to have won a major UEFA competition, having secured both the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2000. Their current form in the 2025–2026 season suggests a renewed ambition to replicate that continental success, backed by a squad valuation and domestic trophy cabinet that remains unmatched in the Süper Lig.