13.11.2026 11:00
In the match where our National Football Team lost 2-1 to Belgium, the magnificent free-kick goal scored by Arda Güler received great praise from the Spanish press. The goal of the national star wearing the Real Madrid jersey was compared to the unforgettable free-kicks of Lionel Messi and David Beckham, while some publications also began discussing a Puskás Award nomination.
In the fifth match of UEFA Nations League A Group 1, Turkey hosted Belgium at Gürsel Aksel Stadium in Izmir. In the 20th minute, Arda Güler, who stepped up to take the free kick won, sent the ball into the net via the top-left corner with a magnificent strike from just outside the penalty area. Although the Crescent Stars left the match with a 2-1 defeat, Arda Güler's goal received extensive coverage in the Spanish press.
MARCA: IT REMINDED OF MESSI'S GOAL
Marca, one of Spain's leading sports newspapers, likened Arda Güler's goal to Lionel Messi's unforgettable free-kick goal for Barcelona against Liverpool in 2019.
The newspaper stated that the Real Madrid star produced an extraordinary strike that gave goalkeeper Lammens no chance against Belgium. Attention was also drawn to Arda Güler's recent successful performance.
MUNDO DEPORTIVO: ARDA GÜLER IS A GENIUS
Mundo Deportivo used the phrase "Arda Güler is a genius" for the national team player. The Spanish newspaper highlighted the power of the young star's strike from long distance, the curve the ball followed, and the way it met the net. It was emphasized that the goal recalled Messi's iconic free kick against Liverpool.
AS: SUPER GÜLER ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH
The AS newspaper evaluated the national team player's performance under the headline "Super Güler alone is not enough." Noting that Arda Güler displayed an effective game on the field, the newspaper reported that the young star both created positions for his teammates and sought a goal. In the report, it was stated that Lammens could do nothing about the free-kick goal.
20MINUTOS: A MASTERPIECE FROM THE TURKISH WIZARD
20minutos likened Arda Güler's goal to a work of art and used the phrase "Turkish wizard" for the national team player. In the report, it was stated that the Real Madrid star amazed the spectators with his goal from a free kick, and that the Belgium goalkeeper could not intervene with the ball despite all his efforts.
SPORT: ARDA GÜLER CANNOT CARRY TURKEY ALONE
The Sport newspaper drew attention to the fact that Arda Güler's extraordinary performance was not enough for Turkey to win. The newspaper stated that the young star carried his team in certain parts of the match but could not affect the result on his own.
CADENA SER: HE DAZZLED THE SPECTATORS
Cadena SER wrote that Arda Güler continued his rise at Real Madrid with the national team shirt as well. It was stated that the young footballer's free-kick goal against Belgium created great excitement in the stadium and attracted worldwide attention.
OKDIARIO: A BECKHAM-STYLE GOAL
OkDiario, in turn, likened Arda Güler's goal to the free kicks of David Beckham, one of the legendary names of English football. In the report, it was stated that the national star's powerful shot with his left foot from over 25 meters went into the top corner of the goal, and the assessment was made that "Arda is proving that he is the solution for Real Madrid."
HIS NAME HAS STARTED TO BE MENTIONED FOR THE PUSKAS AWARD
NTN24 evaluated Arda Güler's goal in terms of the possibility of the Puskas Award. In the report, it was conveyed that the magnificent free kick scored against Belgium has begun to be shown among the most beautiful goals of the year. Although the national star's goal does not yet mean an official Puskas Award nomination, the comments made revealed the interest the strike has received in the international press.