Arda Güler’s Stunning Rise Puts Him in Ballon d’Or Conversation as Real Madrid Backs Their Young Star
Arda Güler has made an unexpected impact at Real Madrid, earning widespread praise and emerging as a surprise contender in the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The 20-year-old Turkish midfielder joined the Spanish giants in 2023 and has exceeded expectations this season with his creativity, composure, and scoring ability.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez recently expressed strong confidence in Güler, fueling speculation about the young star’s potential and future at the club. After a debut season plagued by injuries and limited playing time, Güler flourished under coach Carlo Ancelotti during the 2024–25 campaign. His recent performances in La Liga and the Champions League have drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest midfielders.
In a standout match against Celta Vigo, Güler scored a goal from a tight angle and assisted Kylian Mbappé with pinpoint precision, showcasing his growing influence on the pitch. Playing 83 minutes in a crucial 3–2 win, he proved to be a decisive player in Real Madrid’s title push.
Statistically, Güler has impressed with four goals and several assists, delivering key passes and winning duels consistently. Against Mallorca, he played the full match, completing 92% of his passes and earning a near-perfect rating from Opta. His adaptability—whether on the right wing or in central midfield—has made him a valuable asset, especially with players like Rodrygo and Camavinga unavailable.
Perez’s enthusiastic support has added weight to the Ballon d’Or buzz surrounding Güler. Insiders say the club sees him as a key figure for the future. Turkish journalist Ali Emre Dedeoğlu compared his footballing vision and flair to legends like Gheorghe Hagi and Alex de Souza. Fans on social media have embraced him as Madrid’s new creative engine, predicting he might even win the Golden Boy award.
Despite his rapid rise, Güler remains grounded. In a recent interview with The Players’ Tribune, he acknowledged the challenges of adapting to life in Madrid, including learning Spanish and dealing with limited playing time. He credited veterans like Luka Modric and Vinicius Jr. for their mentorship and admitted he’s still eager to prove himself.
Other clubs in Europe have taken notice, but Güler reaffirmed his loyalty to Madrid after the Celta Vigo match, thanking fans and expressing a desire to inspire young Turkish footballers. His message resonated with Madridistas, who see him as a symbol of the club’s promising future.
With five La Liga matches left and a Champions League campaign still alive, Güler has a real chance to strengthen his case for the Ballon d’Or. Competing with stars like Mbappé, Haaland, and Vinicius Jr., his unique mix of skill and clutch performances could make him one of the defining players of his generation.
