12.01.2026 22:32
The launch of the GençLig project, carried out in collaboration with the Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), the Ministry of Youth and Sports (GSB), and the Ministry of National Education (MEB), took place in 81 provinces. As part of the launch program, a demonstration match was organized with the participation of many famous names. The highlight of the match was a bicycle kick goal scored by 44-year-old former national goalkeeper Volkan Demirel.
The Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (GSB) and the Ministry of National Education (MEB), launched the GençLig project, which is being implemented in 81 provinces, in Istanbul in 2026.
A SHOW MATCH WAS ORGANIZED AMONG FAMOUS NAMES
The launch program was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Enes Eminoğlu, President of the Turkish Football Federation İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, TÜGVA High Advisory Board Member Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan, TÜGVA President İbrahim Beşinci, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, A National Football Team Coach Vincenzo Montella, Bahçelievler Mayor Hakan Bahadır, and other protocol members, as well as football players; Arda Turan, Volkan Demirel, Emre Belözoğlu, Mario Jardel, Mesut Özil, Tuncay Şanlı, Hasan Kabze, Necati Ateş, Mehmet Aurelio, Ümit Karan, Mehmet Topal, Emir Dağlı, Taylan Oran, among many other famous football players, sports commentator Ertem Şener, referee Halil Umut Meler, and coaches Rıza Çalımbay and Hikmet Karaman. Later, a show match featuring protocol members and famous names was organized.
A MAGNIFICENT BACKHEEL BY VOLKAN DEMİREL
The match, which ended in a 8-8 draw, was highlighted by the fantastic backheel goal of 44-year-old Volkan Demirel. The former national goalkeeper controlled the ball lifted into the penalty area by Mesut Özil with his chest. Rising well, Volkan Demirel connected the ball with a stylish backheel into the net. These moments quickly gained great attention on social media.