Arda Güler’s Emotional Journey: From Turkish Wonderkid to Real Madrid Star

Arda Güler, the young Turkish prodigy at Real Madrid, has decided to open up just before the latest El Clasico, breaking his silence with a heartfelt message. Having recently established himself as a key player in the starting lineup, Güler chose to share his journey with the world through a personal letter published in The Players’ Tribune.

Reflecting on his journey, Güler began by addressing the immense challenge of leaving his home in Turkey at the tender age of 13 to join Fenerbahçe. He revealed that it took his family three months to decide whether to let him pursue his dreams, as the move marked a significant turning point in his life. Güler fondly recalled his father’s words: ‘If you want to do something, do it in a big way. If you succeed after six months, we’ll sell everything and come with you.’

Despite the excitement, Güler remembered the bittersweet farewell when his father gathered around 30 relatives before leaving Ankara. It was also his birthday, yet it felt more like a tearful goodbye. His sister, who is eight years older, left him with a simple yet powerful message: ‘Arda, you have to fill the fridge.’ Those words, Güler noted, have since driven him to succeed.

The decision to join Real Madrid was equally daunting. With numerous offers on the table, Güler and his father deliberated for weeks before finally deciding to take the leap. It was a dream come true, but also a moment of doubt. Güler recalled his father telling him: ‘If you are going to do something, do it big.’ It was a sentiment that resonated deeply as they prepared to move to Madrid.

One of the most surreal moments for Güler was receiving a video call from Carlo Ancelotti, who was on vacation at the time. Güler still vividly remembers the legendary coach wearing a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses, humorously reassuring him: ‘Arda, you’ll have a great future here.’ Ancelotti’s candid and encouraging words were instrumental in his final decision.

Upon his arrival in Madrid, the young midfielder felt overwhelmed by the grandeur of the club. The official presentation felt almost ceremonial, akin to a wedding. Güler, seated next to his emotional mother, promised her that all their sacrifices had been worthwhile. The memory of playing as Alex Hunter on PlayStation while dreaming of football success came rushing back—except this time, it was real.

Güler highlighted the pivotal role Ancelotti played in helping him adapt. The coach treated him like a son, blending warmth with humor. Güler often found himself unsure whether Ancelotti was being serious or playful, but the mentor’s unwavering support was a constant source of comfort.

In the dressing room, Güler discovered unexpected camaraderie with teammates like David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, both of whom spoke some Turkish due to their multicultural backgrounds. Güler laughed when they started calling him ‘Abi’—a respectful Turkish term meaning ‘big brother’—and the nickname stuck. Even Luka Modrić, whom Güler addressed as ‘Luka Abi,’ embraced the playful dynamic.

One defining moment for Güler came during a free-kick opportunity. Modrić, in a rare gesture of acknowledgment, turned to him and said, ‘Arda, this one’s for you.’ The legendary midfielder’s belief in his potential marked a significant milestone in Güler’s journey.

Despite early struggles, including spending much of his first season on the bench, Güler remained focused on proving himself. Winning the Champions League felt bittersweet as he hadn’t significantly contributed, but it fueled his determination to make a more meaningful impact in the future.

Adapting to life in Madrid proved challenging at times. From learning Spanish to integrating into the local culture, Güler often felt out of place. However, his family’s regular visits helped him stay grounded. His mother’s familiar reminder to keep his room tidy brought a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of professional football.

Now 20, Güler is determined to solidify his place at Real Madrid. His dreams of becoming a crucial player and wearing the iconic number 10 shirt remain steadfast. Yet, he is not solely focused on his own success. Güler also hopes to pave the way for other Turkish talents, inspiring a new generation to dream big.

Looking ahead, Güler remains hopeful and ambitious, not just for his personal achievements but for his broader mission of uplifting Turkish football. As he continues to grow, both as a player and a person, his story serves as a powerful reminder of perseverance and purpose.

With El Clasico on the horizon, Güler’s journey to this point highlights the passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment that have shaped him into one of Real Madrid’s most promising young stars.