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Tiger Woods pleads no contest, faces 5-year license suspension

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Tiger Woods pleaded no contest Wednesday to a reckless driving charge and had his driver’s license suspended for five years following a March rollover crash in Florida, where he initially faced a drunken-driving charge.

Woods, 50, remains one of golf’s most influential figures and one of the world’s most recognizable athletes. But his career has taken a dramatic turn since he won the 2019 Masters for his 15th major championship.

The first player of Black heritage to win the Masters, Woods made history with his 1997 victory at Augusta National. Since then, his career has been repeatedly disrupted by back and knee surgeries, car crashes and an addiction to pain medication.

Woods was arrested in March after his SUV struck a truck and rolled onto its side on a residential road near his home on Jupiter Island. According to a sheriff’s report, deputies found two pain pills in his pocket and said he showed signs of impairment.

Woods passed a Breathalyzer test but refused to provide a urine sample, according to the report. He initially pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge.

During Wednesday’s hearing in Martin County, Woods sat quietly at the defense table and occasionally looked toward the mostly empty courtroom gallery. He said little as he agreed to the reduced charge.

Woods left the courthouse without speaking to reporters.

He had arrived with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, President Donald Trump’s former daughter-in-law. She sat behind him during the proceedings.

“Tiger is not absolved of accountability and he surrendered his license for the next five years,” Mark Steinberg, his longtime manager at Excel Sports, told The Associated Press (AP). “He is continuing his treatment and prioritizing all aspects of his health.”

The prosecutor in the case said two toxicologists found there was insufficient proof of impairment and determined Woods had built up a “pharmacological” tolerance after years of using pain pills.

Thomas Bakkedahl, a state attorney, defended his decision to accept the plea, saying, “I did what I think is right.”

Prosecutors obtained the golfer’s pharmacy records, which showed he had a lawful prescription, Bakkedahl said.

The deputy who arrested Woods after the crash found two white pills in his pocket that had markings identifying them as hydrocodone, according to the arrest report. Hydrocodone is an opioid prescribed for pain and can be addictive.

Woods told the deputy he takes a few prescription medications, according to the report, including “Vicodin,” a brand-name painkiller that contains hydrocodone.

He has had numerous surgeries on his legs and back over the last two decades, some to treat cartilage and ligament damage, a ruptured tendon, arthritis and damaged discs in his back.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Woods also pleaded no contest to refusing to submit to testing after the crash and was fined $1,500, according to court documents. A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but means the accused does not contest the charge. The plea is treated as a conviction in the criminal justice system.

Andrew Buda, a defense lawyer in Tampa who is not involved in the case, said a positive drug result from a urine test would not have been strong evidence against Woods because prescription medications can remain in the body for extended periods.

“A reduced plea to reckless driving is a plausible and unremarkable outcome, not evidence of special treatment,” said Buda, a former prosecutor. “A defendant with a good attorney who took the same steps, disclosure, mitigation, treatment, could reasonably expect a similar outcome under the same facts.”

Woods’ attorney has not responded to a message seeking comment.

Judge Darren Steele warned Woods that his driver’s license suspension did not include exceptions.

“If you were to drive for any reason at all, you would immediately go back to jail,” the judge told Woods.

The prosecutor said he was confident that Woods would be spotted if he did not heed the message.

“Of all the people in the world who should not get behind the wheel of a car, it’s the gentleman who is one of the most recognizable faces on the planet,” Bakkedahl said.

But there’s one vehicle Woods still can drive, at least in Florida: a golf cart.

That’s because Florida law says that as long as you are at least 18, you can operate a golf cart without a license. That applies to anyone, Bakkedahl said in an email, whether they are on a golf course or public property.

Body camera footage shows Woods taking out his phone after the crash and telling a deputy, “I was just talking to the president.”

Woods can be heard saying, “Thank you so much,” as he hangs up and the deputy approaches. It is not clear if Woods was referring to President Donald Trump.

The footage also shows the handcuffed Woods hiccupping, yawning and repeatedly appearing to nod off during the 15-minute ride.

Neither Woods nor the person in the other vehicle was injured in the crash, according to officials. Woods told a deputy that he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station when he hit the truck.

In Washington, Trump told reporters that the resolution of the case was fair.

“I told him that a long time ago, ‘Why don’t you get somebody to drive you?’ So he’s going to have somebody drive him from now on,” the president said Wednesday. “And, you know, he’s just a very special guy. I’m glad that was resolved.”

Woods has been involved in four crashes over the years. He took a leave from the golf tour after the 2009 crash and again after the latest crash and has yet to return to tournament play.

He left the United States to seek treatment at an inpatient treatment facility, according to court records.

Woods made his first public appearance since returning from treatment on June 23, when he introduced the PGA Tour’s plans to revamp its schedule for 2028. Woods remained chairman of the tour’s Future Competition Committee after his arrest.



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Alcaraz calls for breaks as packed tennis calendar fuels injuries

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World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz said he plans to take more breaks from the tennis tour, warning that the packed calendar is contributing to player injuries and fatigue.

The Spaniard returned to action at the U.S. Open after a lengthy layoff caused by a wrist injury he sustained in April. After beating Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday, Alcaraz said the demands of the schedule make it difficult for players to compete in every major event without risking burnout.

“I took more time off than I wanted, but seeing how tight the calendar is, I don’t want to take a break because of an injury,” Alcaraz told reporters.

“In the future, I’m going to take some long breaks. Maybe not four months, but one month, two months, missing some tournaments, because it’s impossible to play them all.”

Since 2025, seven of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events have been expanded to 12 days, with only Monte Carlo and Paris retaining their traditional one-week formats.

The ATP has said players control their own schedules and that it is working to encourage an appropriate number of matches during the season.

“They are adding more important tournaments. In a way, they are making us play,” he said.

“You can say no and decide your calendar, but there are some Masters 1000s, some Grand Slams, and we are out playing 40 weeks if we have to play every mandatory tournament that the ATP requires us to play.”

Alcaraz pointed to a growing injury toll on the tour, with Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper, Holger Rune and Joao Fonseca among the players who missed this year’s U.S. Open.

“We are seeing a lot of players getting injured and tired. If they don’t do anything about it, we are going to see even more in the future,” he added.

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Argentina to honor Messi with 10th-minute tributes across all matches

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Lionel Messi will receive a nationwide farewell in Argentina this weekend, with every match stopping at the 10th minute for a one-minute ovation honoring the longtime captain and No. 10.

The Argentine Football Association announced the tribute after Messi ended his 21-year international career with Argentina. The timing of the stoppage is a deliberate nod to the No. 10 jersey that became synonymous with the 39-year-old forward.

The tribute applies across all competitions and categories under the AFA, including men’s and women’s 11-a-side football, futsal and beach football. Stadiums equipped with video boards have also been instructed to show a tribute video before the applause.

The first tribute took place during the Copa Argentina round-of-16 match between Velez Sarsfield and Boca Juniors. Referee Sebastian Zunino stopped play around the 10-minute mark, prompting players, coaches and spectators to applaud and chant in honor of Messi.

Messi announced Aug. 31 that he was ending his international career, bringing an emotional conclusion to one of the most decorated careers in Argentina’s history.

In an Instagram post featuring handwritten notes, Messi said he had written the message July 21, two days after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He said the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, had reinforced his decision.

“The time has come,” Messi wrote, while acknowledging that the decision was deeply painful. He said he had given everything he could to the national team and believed younger players deserved an opportunity to take his place.

Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its record appearance-maker with 207 caps and its leading scorer with 125 goals. His final international appearance came in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Record-breaking World Cup career

Messi played in a record six World Cups, appearing at every tournament from 2006 through 2026.

He made a record 34 World Cup appearances and won a record 23 matches, while scoring 21 goals. He is also the only player to win the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player, twice, doing so in 2014 and 2022.

Messi also became the first and only player to score in every knockout stage and the group stage of a single World Cup. He found the net in the group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 campaign in Qatar.

His World Cup career ultimately produced the trophy that had eluded him for much of his international career. Argentina defeated France on penalties in the 2022 final after a 3-3 draw, giving Messi his first World Cup title.

Dominance across South America

Messi’s records extend well beyond the World Cup.

He made 39 appearances across seven Copa America tournaments, more than any other player, and scored 14 goals. He won the competition twice, lifting the trophy with Argentina in 2021 and 2024.

In South American World Cup qualifying, Messi made 72 appearances and scored 36 goals, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer.

His international trophy collection also includes the 2022 Finalissima, when Argentina defeated Italy, and an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.

For years, Messi’s international career was defined by near misses and disappointment. His breakthrough came with the 2021 Copa America title, followed by the Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup and another Copa America triumph in 2024.

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Tour of Istanbul kicks off with 165-kilometer opening stage

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The fifth edition of the Tour of Istanbul begins Thursday with a 165.1-kilometer opening stage from Silivri to Çatalca, kicking off four days of international cycling across Istanbul and its surrounding districts.

The UCI Europe Tour 2.1 race, open to elite men and under-23 riders, will run through Sept. 6 under the rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

The event is organized by the Turkish Cycling Federation with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Istanbul Governorship, Fatih Municipality, district municipalities, the Spor Toto Organisation Presidency, the UCI and Shimano.

The race headquarters are at the WOW Hotel Istanbul Airport, where teams completed rider confirmation and held their managers’ meeting Wednesday ahead of the opening stage.

Four stages, four different challenges

The race features three road stages before concluding with a short individual time trial in Beykoz.

Stage 1, Sept. 3: Silivri-Çatalca, 165.1 km

The opening stage takes riders through Istanbul’s western districts, with the 165.1-kilometer route expected to provide the first major opportunity for the sprinters to fight for victory and the opening lead in the general classification.

Stage 2, Sept. 4: Şile-Şile, approximately 150 km

The race then moves to Istanbul’s Black Sea coast for a circuit around Şile. The stage’s combination of coastal roads and changing terrain could produce a more selective finish than the opening day.

Stage 3, Sept. 5: Fatih-Fatih, approximately 86 km

The shortest road stage takes the peloton into the heart of historic Istanbul. The urban route passes landmarks and districts including Ayvansaray, the Golden Horn, Eminönü and Kumkapı, with the course also running near Topkapı Palace.

The compact circuit is expected to create a fast and technical race, with positioning likely to be crucial as riders navigate the historic peninsula.

Stage 4, Sept. 6: Beykoz individual time trial, 7.5 km

The overall winner will be decided in a 7.5-kilometer individual time trial at Beykoz Sports Forest.

The short course leaves little room for error, particularly for riders separated by small margins in the general classification. Unlike many modern time trials, however, riders will not be allowed to use dedicated time-trial bikes, aero helmets or disc wheels. Standard road bikes must be used.

Jerseys and classifications

The Tour of Istanbul awards UCI points under the 2.1 classification and features four major classification jerseys.

The orange jersey goes to the overall leader, while the blue jersey represents the points classification. The green jersey is awarded to the best climber and the white jersey to the leading under-23 rider.

Time bonuses will be available at designated intermediate sprints and stage finishes, adding another strategic element to the battle for the general classification.

The race offers a total prize purse of 32,400 euros, distributed according to the UCI’s prize-money system.

International field adds depth

Sixteen teams from eight countries are expected to take the start, creating a field that combines WorldTeam experience, ambitious professional squads and continental-level talent.

Among the most prominent entrants is Belgian WorldTeam Lotto-Intermarche, whose presence raises the competitive level of the race. The Belgian squad is an established presence in the sport’s biggest races, including the Tour de France, and its participation gives riders from the smaller teams an opportunity to compete against WorldTour-level opposition.

Five professional teams also feature in the field, including squads seeking to strengthen their position as they pursue or consolidate WorldTeam status.

Ten continental teams complete the lineup, with four Turkish squads providing a strong domestic presence.

The combination gives the Tour of Istanbul a diverse field, bringing together experienced professionals, emerging riders and cyclists looking to earn valuable UCI points.

Team Novo Nordisk brings a distinctive mission

Team Novo Nordisk will be among the most closely watched teams in the field because of its unique identity.

The squad is the world’s first fully professional cycling team made up entirely of riders living with Type 1 diabetes. Alongside its competitive ambitions, the team uses professional cycling to demonstrate that athletes with the condition can compete at the highest level while raising awareness about diabetes management.

The team has previously competed in Türkiye, including at the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye and other races, using international events both to develop riders and promote its wider mission.

Its presence adds another compelling storyline to this year’s Tour of Istanbul.

A showcase for Istanbul cycling

The race also offers an opportunity to showcase Istanbul as a major international cycling destination.

The peloton will travel across a striking variety of landscapes during the four days, including roads around Silivri and Çatalca, the Black Sea coastline near Şile, the historic streets of Fatih and the forests of Beykoz.

The varied courses will test different types of riders while giving the race a distinctly Istanbul character.

Shimano will provide neutral technical support with three cars and a motorcycle. The event will operate under standard UCI regulations covering feeding zones, time limits and other race procedures.

Road stages generally carry a 20% time limit, while the time trial has a 15% limit, although the race jury can exercise discretion where permitted under the regulations.

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Galatasaray bring in towering Leipzig defender Bitshiabu on loan

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Galatasaray have agreed to sign French center-back El-Chadaille Bitshiabu on loan from RB Leipzig, with the 21-year-old arriving in Istanbul on Wednesday to complete the final steps of the transfer.

Bitshiabu traveled from Germany on a private flight and landed at Atatürk Airport’s General Aviation Terminal, where he was greeted by members of the media and waiting Galatasaray supporters.

“I am very happy,” Bitshiabu said after arriving. “I hope we can achieve very big things together here. I am looking forward to meeting the Galatasaray family and the fans.”

The defender then waved to supporters before leaving the airport in a waiting vehicle.

Galatasaray said it had reached an agreement with Leipzig and had begun formal negotiations with the German club and the player for a temporary transfer. Bitshiabu is expected to undergo his medical examination before signing his official contract.

The loan is set to run through June 30, 2027. Reports in Türkiye indicate Galatasaray will pay about 2 million euros for the loan and have an option to make the transfer permanent for a fee in the region of 25 million to 30 million euros.

Bitshiabu, who is under contract with Leipzig through June 2029, gives Galatasaray another young option in central defense as the club prepares for a season featuring a domestic title defense and Champions League competition.

From PSG to Leipzig

Born May 16, 2005, in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France, Bitshiabu is a 1.96-meter (6-foot-5) left-footed defender who can also operate on the left side of the defense.

He began his youth career with US Saint-Denis before spells at AC Boulogne-Billancourt and Paris Saint-Germain. He joined PSG’s academy in 2017 and quickly emerged as one of the club’s most highly regarded young defenders.

Bitshiabu made his competitive first-team debut for PSG as a teenager and went on to make 14 Ligue 1 appearances across the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, as well as featuring in domestic cup and European competitions. He was part of PSG squads that won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.

He left Paris in July 2023, joining Leipzig in a reported 15 million-euro deal that could rise with bonuses.

Bitshiabu has since made roughly 38 Bundesliga appearances and about 48 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig. His opportunities have varied during his three seasons in Germany, with competition for places limiting his playing time at times.

His most consistent stretch came during the 2024-25 season, when he saw a greater role in Leipzig’s defense.

A new opportunity in Istanbul

Galatasaray see the move as an opportunity to strengthen their defensive depth with a player who combines considerable physical presence with the ability to play out from the back.

At 21, Bitshiabu also fits the club’s efforts to add younger players with long-term potential while maintaining a squad capable of competing immediately at the highest level.

For Bitshiabu, the move offers a chance to take on a more prominent role after struggling to establish himself as a regular starter at Leipzig.

He also arrives with international experience at youth level. Bitshiabu represented France through several age groups and was part of the France under-17 team that won the 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

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Sultans of Net lock horns with Germany for EuroVolley semis spot

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Türkiye will face Germany in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s European Volleyball Championship on Thursday as the defending champions continue their bid for another European title on home soil.

The Sultans of the Net booked their place in the last eight with a commanding 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan on Tuesday at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul, winning 25-14, 25-16 and 25-22 in 79 minutes.

The victory sent Türkiye into a quarterfinal rematch with Germany, who secured their place in the same round by edging Belgium 3-2 in a dramatic five-set battle earlier Tuesday.

The quarterfinal is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall.

Türkiye find their rhythm

Türkiye entered the knockout stage as one of the tournament favorites but had to settle for second place in Pool A behind Poland after losing their final group match 3-2 to the eventual group winners.

Before that defeat, the defending champions had won four straight matches, including a 3-1 victory over Germany on Aug. 26.

That group-stage meeting gives Thursday’s quarterfinal an added layer of intrigue. Türkiye won 25-21, 25-27, 25-20 and 25-19, putting Germany under pressure with a combination of powerful serving, disciplined defense and the scoring threat of Melissa Vargas.

The teams now meet again with a semifinal place at stake.

Türkiye looked particularly sharp against Azerbaijan in the round of 16, controlling the match from the opening set and never allowing their opponents to build sustained momentum.

Türkiye's Melissa Vargas (L) battles for the ball with Azerbaijan's Marharyta Stepanenko during the women's Round of 16 match at the 2026 Women's European Volleyball Championship at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, Istanbul, Türkiye, Sept. 1, 2026. (AA Photo)

Türkiye’s Melissa Vargas (L) battles for the ball with Azerbaijan’s Marharyta Stepanenko during the women’s Round of 16 match at the 2026 Women’s European Volleyball Championship at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, Istanbul, Türkiye, Sept. 1, 2026. (AA Photo)

Vargas led Türkiye with 16 points, while Zehra Güneş added 12 and Hande Baladın scored 10. The result also provided a strong response to the disappointment of the Poland defeat and restored confidence ahead of the more demanding knockout rounds.

“It is always glorious to play in front of such an audience and for them,” Vargas said after the win, according to CEV. “We had a good match and we now look forward to playing Germany in the quarterfinals.”

More than 8,000 fans attended Tuesday’s match at Sinan Erdem, creating another imposing home atmosphere for the defending champions.

Germany arrive after five-set thriller

Germany took a far more difficult route into the quarterfinals.

The Germans fell behind Belgium after losing the opening set 25-20, but fought back to take the second and third sets 25-21 and 25-20.

Belgium forced a deciding set by winning the fourth 27-25, but Germany held their nerve in the tiebreak and closed out a 15-8 victory.

Leana Grozer was the standout performer for Germany, finishing with 28 points, including 14 across the fourth and fifth sets as her team survived the Belgian challenge.

The result extended Germany’s winning run against Belgium in international competition, but it also highlighted the resilience that Türkiye will have to overcome in the quarterfinal.

Germany finished fourth in Pool A and will enter Thursday’s match as the underdog, but the team’s ability to recover from difficult situations has given them reason to believe they can challenge the reigning champions.

Türkiye's national women's volleyball team players celebrate after defeating Germany in their Pool A match of the 2026 Women's European Volleyball Championship at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, Istanbul, Türkiye, Aug. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)

Türkiye’s national women’s volleyball team players celebrate after defeating Germany in their Pool A match of the 2026 Women’s European Volleyball Championship at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, Istanbul, Türkiye, Aug. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)

Familiar opponents, higher stakes

Türkiye and Germany have already learned plenty about each other during the tournament.

Their Aug. 26 meeting ended in a 3-1 Türkiye victory, meaning Germany will have to find a way to slow down a Turkish attack that has several scoring options.

For Türkiye, the challenge will be maintaining the level of concentration that carried them past Azerbaijan while dealing with the pressure that comes with being the defending champions and hosts.

The team is coached by Daniele Santarelli and has a deep roster featuring Vargas, Güneş, Baladın and veteran captain Eda Erdem Dündar.

Türkiye also arrives with significant recent success behind it after winning the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, adding to expectations surrounding the team at EuroVolley.

The tournament is being co-hosted by Türkiye, Czechia, Azerbaijan and Sweden and runs through Sept. 6. Istanbul is hosting the later stages, including the quarterfinals, semifinals and medal matches.

Thursday’s winner will advance to the semifinals in Istanbul.

The winner of the Türkiye-Germany quarterfinal will meet the winner of Serbia-Greece for a place in the championship match.

For Türkiye, the objective is clear. A victory would move the defending champions one step closer to retaining their European crown, while another strong performance in front of their home supporters would further strengthen their status as one of the tournament’s leading contenders.

Germany, meanwhile, will try to turn the resilience shown against Belgium into a major upset.

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Galatasaray bolster front line with Deniz Gül signing

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Galatasaray have opened formal negotiations to sign Turkish international striker Deniz Gül from Portuguese club FC Porto, with the 22-year-old arriving in Istanbul Tuesday as the Turkish champions move closer to adding another young forward to their squad.

Galatasaray Sportif A.Ş. confirmed the development in a statement to Türkiye’s Public Disclosure Platform, or KAP, Tuesday. The club said official negotiations had begun with Gül and Porto over his transfer.

Gül arrived at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport later Tuesday, landing at the General Aviation Terminal at around 2:15 p.m. local time. He was expected to undergo medical examinations before signing a multiyear contract, widely reported to be for five years.

Galatasaray and Porto have reportedly agreed on a package worth 10 million euros ($11.6 million) in guaranteed payments, with a further 1 million euros available in performance-related bonuses.

Porto are also expected to retain a sell-on clause. Most reports put the figure at 10% of any future profit from Gül’s sale, although some Turkish reports have cited a 15% share.

Gül is reportedly set to earn around 1.5 million euros per season at Galatasaray.

The transfer accelerated after Porto brought in Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez on loan from AC Milan with an option to buy, creating room for Gül to leave the Portuguese club. The Turkey international had reportedly made his preference for a move to Galatasaray clear.

The deal would represent a significant profit for Porto, who signed Gül from Swedish club Hammarby in August 2024 for a reported 4.5 million euros to 5 million euros. His Porto contract was set to run through 2029 and reportedly contained a 50 million euro release clause.

From Stockholm to Porto

Gül was born July 2, 2004, in Stockholm to a Turkish father and Swedish mother. He developed through several Swedish youth systems, including Stuvsta IF, Segeltorps IF, IF Brommapojkarna, AIK and FC Djursholm, before joining Hammarby IF.

He progressed into Hammarby’s senior setup and spent time with Hammarby TFF, the club’s reserve side, in Sweden’s third tier. In 2023, he scored 14 goals in 23 appearances for Hammarby TFF.

Gül also made 21 Allsvenskan appearances for Hammarby’s first team, scoring three goals before earning his move to Porto.

His two seasons in Portugal gave him extensive experience at one of the country’s biggest clubs. He made roughly 70 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals and adding two assists.

During the 2025-26 season, Gül appeared in 44 matches and played 1,824 minutes, finishing with seven goals and two assists. He scored five goals in 29 Primeira Liga appearances and also featured in the UEFA Europa League and domestic cup competitions.

His opportunities became more limited at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign, however, with the striker failing to score before his expected move to Istanbul.

At around 1.90 meters to 1.92 meters (6 feet, 3 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches), Gül offers Galatasaray a physically imposing option at center forward. The right-footed striker is known for his strength, aerial ability and willingness to work without the ball.

Choosing Türkiye

Gül represented Sweden at youth level, including appearances for the country’s under-19 and under-21 teams, before choosing to represent Türkiye at senior level.

He committed to Türkiye in November 2024 and has since earned 10 international caps, scoring twice. One of those goals came during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying against Spain, while the other was scored in a friendly.

He was also included in Türkiye’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His international status adds another layer of value for Galatasaray, as Gül qualifies as a Turkish player under the Süper Lig’s squad regulations governing foreign players.

What Gül brings to Galatasaray

Gül’s arrival would give Galatasaray another young, domestic attacking option while increasing competition in a forward line built around established stars.

Reports have frequently positioned him as a potential backup and rotation option behind Victor Osimhen, giving Galatasaray greater depth during a season in which the club will be competing on multiple fronts.

The move also fits Galatasaray’s strategy of combining major-profile signings with younger players who can contribute immediately while offering longer-term value.

For Gül, the transfer represents a return to his family’s homeland and an opportunity to establish himself at one of Türkiye’s biggest clubs after two seasons gaining experience in Portugal.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the transfer had not yet been formally completed. Galatasaray’s KAP disclosure confirmed that negotiations were underway, while Gül’s arrival in Istanbul indicated that the process had advanced to the medical and contract stages.

A further KAP announcement is expected once the medical examinations are completed and the final paperwork is signed.

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