09.06.2026 16:40
A scene from the historic match where Turkey defeated Austria 5-0 on the road to the 2002 World Cup has resurfaced. In the photo taken after Okan Buruk's goal, Arda Turan, who would later become one of the important figures in Turkish football, is seen as a ball boy.
Years after one of the most unforgettable nights in Turkish football history, the match against Austria, a striking detail has emerged. In the play-off second leg before the 2002 World Cup, the Turkish National Team defeated Austria 5-0, secured qualification for the tournament, and ended a 48-year World Cup drought.
PHOTO TAKEN AFTER OKAN BURUK'S GOAL
After Okan Buruk's goal in the match, the great joy experienced by the national players was captured on camera. A striking detail emerged in that photo, which was shared again years later.
THE BALL BOY IS ARDA TURAN
The ball boy on the left side of the photo was identified as Arda Turan, who later became one of the most important figures in Turkish football. It was understood that Arda, who was at the beginning of his football career, served on the sidelines during this historic night on the road to the World Cup.
BECAME THE STAR OF THE NATIONAL TEAM YEARS LATER
Arda Turan, who was on the field as a ball boy at that time, later rose to become the captain of the Turkish National Team. Wearing the jerseys of Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona, Arda was etched into memory as one of the most successful players in Turkish football history.