17.05.2026 20:50
Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek came together with former president Faruk Süren, technical director Fatih Terim, and captain Bülent Korkmaz at Galatasaray High School on the 26th anniversary of winning the UEFA Cup.
An event was held at Galatasaray High School on the 26th anniversary of Galatasaray's UEFA Cup victory on May 17, 2000, when they defeated English side Arsenal on penalties in the final. The event was attended by Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek, then-club president Faruk Süren, coach Fatih Terim, captain Bülent Korkmaz, and current board members.
DURSUN ÖZBEK: “WE COME TOGETHER WITH OUR LEGENDS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE CUP” Stating that it is the 26th anniversary of winning the UEFA Cup, Dursun Özbek said, “For the UEFA Cup, one of Galatasaray's most important victories, we come together every year on May 17 with our legends who contributed to the cup. Today, I especially thank my president, my coach, and my captain. They did not turn us down and came here. We will be together in memory of today, sharing our memories. I thank them. These gatherings and exchanges of views for Galatasaray's future European cups support us. I thank everyone who contributed.”
FARUK SÜREN: “IF A CUP IS TO BE WON, GALATASARAY WILL DO IT AGAIN” Expressing that a Turkish team won this cup for the first time, Faruk Süren said, “We won this cup 26 years ago today. For the first time, a Turkish team had won the UEFA Cup. In the 26-year period, we hoped Galatasaray would do it once or twice more, but it did not happen. From now on, I am sure that if a cup is to be won, Galatasaray will achieve it again. We thank the president for gathering us and remembering us. My captain and our coach, the emperor Fatih Terim, are here.”
FATİH TERİM: “I HOPE GALATASARAY WILL BREAK ITS OWN RECORD” Fatih Terim stated that Dursun Özbek called him two days ago for this invitation and said, “I congratulate my president on his championship and success in the 4-year period. I also congratulate the management. I send my heartfelt congratulations to coach Okan (Buruk), who was once my student and now my colleague. I hope Galatasaray will break its own record. Galatasaray has that power. That day, it may seem like our captain and our team lifted this cup. In reality, it was Galatasaray's own values that lifted that cup. They lifted it with their fans, community, high school, football team, and management. The place we are in is also a historic place. This is not just a school, but a place of ideas. The European success inherent in Galatasaray's genes has come. This is a way of working together, walking together, and believing together. I congratulate everyone who contributed that day, including the fans. No serious success is a coincidence. The UEFA Cup is the success of 4 years of work, effort, and belief together. I remember what I said after the UEFA Cup. I said, 'I feel like I had a child.' I couldn't describe my joy. Its importance has been understood over 26 years. I thank the players who contributed to this success for bringing this beautiful cup to the country. We removed the 'what if'. Together, we said 'it will happen'.”
BÜLENT KORKMAZ: “THE NEXT TARGET WILL BE THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CUP” Thanking for the invitation, Bülent Korkmaz said, “As our president Faruk Süren said, the European Cup came to Galatasaray Club for the first time. We still feel the happiness of this even after 26 years. I still see that love and respect. I hope Galatasaray's next target will be the UEFA Champions League Cup. I hope we lift that cup as soon as possible. Thus, we will show what a great club and community we are.”