Fenerbahçe heads into its most important presidential election in September 2025, with a report 40,000 members anticipated to vote in a high-stakes battle of imaginative and prescient, legacy, and management.
More than a race for energy, it’s a combat for the soul of a membership starved of league success since 2014, now teetering between promise and collapse – third within the Süper Lig, six factors behind Galatasaray.
Koç underneath stress
Ali Koç, who took workplace in 2018, leads the race because the incumbent.
A member of the highly effective Koç dynasty, he’s credited with steering Fenerbahçe towards monetary stability amid financial headwinds.
Under him, the membership modernized infrastructure, revamped the youth academy, and introduced in large names – none larger than coach Jose Mourinho.
Yet the shine of marquee signings has dulled underneath the load of inconsistency.
A latest 3-2 loss to Beşiktaş and a 2-2 draw towards Trabzonspor uncovered lingering defensive flaws, triggering renewed criticism of Koç’s management.
He would possibly purchase commanding figures regardless of a robust organizational base, however not unassailable.
Yıldırım eyes a comeback
Former president Aziz Yıldırım looms as probably the most nostalgic determine within the race.
Having led Fenerbahçe from 1998 to 2018, Yıldırım delivered six league titles and a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal in 2008.
But his tenure was additionally scarred by the 2011 match-fixing scandal – an issue that noticed him imprisoned earlier than being acquitted.
At 72, Yıldırım is vowing a return to daring recruitment and championship ambition.
Supporters stay loyal, however his baggage could cap his attraction.
Reformist Saran
Saadettin Saran, a media mogul and former board member, is rising as a severe contender.
Known for his modern business profile and shut engagement with followers, Saran positions himself between Koç’s company imaginative and prescient and Yıldırım’s emotional pull.
He’s championing world branding, sustainable progress, and squad stability.
The magnet represents the clearest various to the established figures, particularly if Koç stumbles.
Fringe figures and lengthy photographs
Lurking on the fringes are lesser-known names like Hakan Bilal Kutlualp, a former board member who criticized the present administration in April and hinted at a potential run.
While credible, his public presence is minimal.
Mahmut Uslu, Yıldırım’s former vice chairman, may additionally throw his hat within the ring, however with out a broader base, his possibilities stay slim.
Erdoğan rumors stir frenzy
Then there’s the wildest of untamed playing cards – Bilal Erdoğan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Rumors of his candidacy stirred a media frenzy, with hypothesis of presidency backing promising a golden period for the membership.
But Bilal Erdoğan shot down the excitement in May, declaring, “I have no business with Fenerbahçe’s presidency. I’m a Fenerbahçe fan, yes, but that’s separate. I am not a candidate.” He emphasised his concentrate on selling archery and rejected any hyperlink to the election.
Need for route
Whoever wins will inherit a workforce that flatters solely to frustrate.
Mourinho’s males present flashes of dominance, however are vulnerable to lapses that price essential factors.
The summer time switch will doubtless see a push for a commanding center-back and a artistic midfielder.
Fan sentiment, amplified on social media, displays the membership’s ideological cut up.
Some hail Koç’s modernization, others yearn for Yıldırım’s glory days, and a rising base finds hope in Saran’s reformist pitch.
Source: www.dailysabah.com