10.05.2026 20:43
Galatasaray won its 4th consecutive championship in the Süper Lig, repeating the legendary streak from 1996-2000. Experienced defender Abdülkerim Bardakcı played a key role in the team's great success. While Abdülkerim drew attention with his leadership and performance on the field, he proved wrong former Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç's earlier comment about him: 'Are you worth that much?'
Galatasaray won their 4th consecutive championship in the Süper Lig, repeating the legendary streak between 1996 and 2000. The most notable domestic player to wear the yellow-red jersey and contribute significantly to the team over these four seasons was Abdülkerim Bardakcı.
TRANSFER PROCESS AND FIRST SEASON
Abdülkerim Bardakcı, who signed with Galatasaray from Konyaspor in the 2022 summer transfer window, was a player of interest to Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray. Although initial reports suggested he had agreed with Fenerbahçe, the experienced center-back chose Galatasaray. Following this decision, then-Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç's words, "Are you even worth that much?" made headlines. The national player's first season at Galatasaray did not start easily. Criticized for a mistake that led to a goal in the Giresunspor match and a red card in the Gaziantep FK game, Bardakcı recovered thanks to a harmonious partnership with Victor Nelsson, ultimately celebrating the championship at the end of the season.
RISING PERFORMANCE AND ACHIEVEMENTS
In the 2023-2024 season, Abdülkerim formed a successful duo with Davinson Sanchez after Victor Nelsson. His standout performance, especially in the Champions League away match against Manchester United, made him known in Europe as well. Bardakcı, who again won the championship, began to play regularly for the National Team and was included in the EURO 2024 squad. Following that season, the national star became an indispensable part of the squad in the historic championship where the 5th star was earned. Staying with the team and maintaining his position in the 2025-2026 season, Abdülkerim played a key role in the fourth championship as well.
HERO OF 4 SEASONS
The experienced defender wrote a great success story with his development after a poor start in his Galatasaray career, his leadership on the field, his role as vice-captain, and his big brother status within the team. From the day he was transferred, the seasoned center-back improved with every match and season, becoming one of the architects of Galatasaray's four consecutive championships.