Arda Guler is starting to find his feet at the Santiago Bernabeu. He looks like a steal, having cost only 30 million euros. While that is greater than his then release clause, Real Madrid got him for peanuts. His greatest assets are his versatility, his dribbling, and his vision. On international duty, one got to see a superb example of the last.
It was the 53rd minute of the clash between Turkey and Romania in Istanbul. From the right side of midfield, Guler presumably looked to make a switch to Kenan Yildiz out on the left wing. Instead, he found the marauding run of left-back Ferdi Kadioglu. The Brighton star curved his run between two Romanian defenders. Despite being tracked by another midfielder, Kadioglu took a touch and finished to put Turkey ahead. He did not have to break his stride to control the ball. The pass was that good!
That turned out to be the only goal in the game. Turkey must now reckon with high-flying Kosovo on the 31st of March. It is a winner-takes-all clash for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kosovo are looking to make the World Cup finals for the first time. Turkey, however, are looking for their first finals appearance after finishing 3rd in 2002. If Guler could replicate his performance on this occasion, their chances will improve.
Even so, the most eye-catching moment starring Guler occurred off the pitch. It was during the customary pre-match press conference. Guler sported Turkey’s pre-match kit designed by Nike. It was red in colour and had the Turkish flag encased in a white box on the left. According to the caption on an image posted on X, Guler resembled a Formula One driver. Here is why.
As many as nine of Turkey’s sponsors were visible. They could be seen on Guler’s person, a few below the swoosh and some below the flag. Another couple were on his shoulders, in an unusual display for a national team kit. Normally, they offer pride of place to about a couple of the team’s sponsors. Such numbers are commonplace for F1 drivers, however.
Bro looks like he is about to race in formula 1 pic.twitter.com/U1y8PDFOdH
— WolfRMFC (@WolfRMFC) March 25, 2026
Guler also had his tee zipped up to cover most of his neck. That choice, plus the sponsors, his age, and his sleek haircut gave one the impression of an F1 driver pre-race. The 21-year-old had the look of a rookie driver preparing for a big race, or so many opined.
For context, Ferrari dresses their drivers in a similar shade of red. F1 rules permit drivers to have the logos of personal sponsors on their gear. It is only on their helmets and fireproof suits that they may be displayed. The cars will play host to the logos of the team’s sponsors alone.
With crashes and severance of burning hot fuel lines a possibility, fireproof suits are an F1 necessity. They provide some form of protection up to the neck, helmets taking care of matters further north. The kit worn by Guler in that image, thus, resembled a fireproof suit. One unacquainted with the attacking midfielder could be forgiven for thinking him an F1 driver at first glance.
Guler, though 21, is already one of the creative hubs of Vincenzo Montella’s line-up. His tally for the season stands at 4 goals and 13 assists for Los Blancos. Club and, particularly, country look to Guler to help take them to the promised land. If last night’s game was any sign, he might be up to the task.
