Women’s football in Türkiye has a long and dynamic history, shaped by pioneering efforts, setbacks and the tireless dedication of many stakeholders. Today, it continues to evolve, drawing increasing international attention. For football agents aiming to place players in Türkiye or collaborate with clubs, understanding the structures, regulations and unique characteristics of Turkish women’s football is essential. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history, league structures, contractual details and critical factors for successful transfers.
1. The History Of Women’s Football In Türkiye
The beginnings of women’s football in Türkiye date back to 1969, with the establishment of the first unofficial women’s football team, Kınalıada Spor Kulübü. In 1972, the club was renamed Dostlukspor Kız Futbol Kulübü and became the first official women’s football club in the country in 1973. Despite these early successes, women’s football development stagnated in the following decades. Between 2002 and 2003, the women’s league was suspended by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) due to perceived inefficiency. It was only in 2013 that the league was permanently revived, laying the foundation for today’s growth.
2. The Role of Clubs: Major Teams and Ambitious Projects
The advancement of women’s football in Türkiye has been significantly boosted by the entry of major clubs and ambitious projects:
- Beşiktaş: Since 2014, Beşiktaş has been a trailblazer in women’s football, fostering talent and popularizing the sport through its professional structure.
- Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray: Both clubs entered women’s football in 2021. Galatasaray made history in the 2024/25 season by becoming the first Turkish club to reach the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
- Konak Belediyespor: A dominant force in women’s football for years, Konak represented Türkiye multiple times in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
- ALG Spor: Based in Gaziantep, ALG Spor exemplifies how investments by entrepreneurs can lead to success. Founded and led by Ali Gözcü, the club has won multiple Süper Lig championships and established itself as one of the strongest teams.
- Fomget GSK: Fomget GSK has quickly gained prominence through a focus on youth development and strategic investments.
- Beylerbeyi Spor Kulübü: Backed by entrepreneur Tahir Kıran and led by his daughter Dilanaz Kıran, this clubs combines strong financial support with a clear ambition to compete nationally and internationally.
3. Structure of Turkish Women’s Leagues
Women’s football in Türkiye is organized across four league levels:
- Turkcell Kadın Futbol Süper Ligi: The top division with 14 teams.
- Kadınlar 1. Lig: Comprising 17 teams in two groups.
- Kadınlar 2. Lig: Featuring 31 teams in four groups.
- Kadınlar 3. Lig: The largest division with 112 teams across 16 groups.
A crucial aspect is that all women’s leagues in Türkiye are amateur, meaning players do not enjoy the rights and protections afforded in professional leagues. There are plan to professionalize the leagues in the upcoming years.
4. Salaries and Contractual Conditions
4.1 Salaries
Turkish players are generally paid in Turkish Lira, which can lead to financial instability
due to exchange rate fluctuations. For foreign players, receiving salaries in Euros or US
Dollars ensures stability and predictability. Clear contractual agreements regarding
payments in foreign currencies are essential to avoid complications.
Top players earn competitive salaries starting at €2,000 net, although the average pay
for many players, particularly in lower leagues, remains relatively low.
4.2 Season Planning and Contract Extensions
One challenge in Türkiye is the late season planning by clubs. While European clubs
often finalize their squads for the next season during the current one, Turkish clubs
typically start planning and extending contracts only after the end of the previous season.
This creates difficulties for agents and players, as transfer options may already be limited
due to the late decisions.
4.3 Transfer Windows
One advantage in Türkiye is the extended duration of transfer windows, offering more
flexibility for player movements. This allows players and agents to secure opportunities
even late in the season or during the summer and winter transfer periods. However,
timely negotiations are crucial to avoid last-minute issues.
5. Transfer System and Training Compensation
5.1 Training Compensation
Türkiye has a structured transfer system designed to financially support clubs that develop players:
- 18-25 years: Standard fee: 80,000 TL (approx. €2,700). For national team players: 200,000 TL (approx. €6,700).
- 26-30 years: Standard fee: 50,000 TL (approx. €1,700). For national team players: 120,000 TL (approx. €4,000).
- Over 30 years: Players can transfer freely without requiring club consent.
5.2 Rules for Foreign Players
- Teams can register a maximum of 13 foreign players, with only 8 allowed on the field simultaneously.
- International transfers require an International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
- Non-Turkish players must obtain a residency permit, facilitated by their clubs.
6. Coaches and Staff
The TFF enforces strict licensing requirements for coaches in women’s football. In the Turkcell Kadın Futbol Süper Ligi, head coaches must hold a UEFA A License, while lower divisions require a UEFA B License. Clubs often employ comprehensive coaching teams, including assistant coaches, goalkeeper trainers and performance specialists. In the Süper Lig, professionalism in management is a growing focus.
7. National Team Success
The Turkish women’s national team achieved a significant milestone by securing promotion to League B of the UEFA Nations League. This success was guided by head coach Necla Güngör Kırağası, who has led the team since 2020. Before her current role, she gained extensive experience in both men’s and women’s football, showcasing her versatility and expertise.
Her strategic decisions, combined with the efforts of her experienced coaching staff, have played a pivotal role in strengthening the team’s competitiveness on the international stage. The collaborative work of the staff has laid the foundation for the national team’s recent achievements.
8. Opportunities, Challenges and Established Players
8.1 Opportunities and Challenges
- The league is becoming increasingly attractive internationally, especially for players looking to make a name in Europe.
- Players with dual nationality or migration backgrounds offer fresh perspectives and strengthen the Turkish national team.
- With support from investors, sponsors and targeted talent development, the league continues to grow steadily.
8.2 Established Players and International Careers
Established players like Busem Şeker, Meryem Cennet Çal, Büsra Kuru, Melike Pekel and Ebru Uzungüney exemplify the impact of migration backgrounds on the national team and clubs. Additionally, players like Dilan Bora, who transferred to Glasgow City during the 2022/23 season, as well as Birgül Sadıkoğlu, currently playing in Spain, represent Turkish women’s football on the international stage.
9. Media Presence and Audience Engagement
Women’s football in Türkiye is experiencing a surge in popularity. In 2023, a record 12,300 spectators attended the national team’s match against Luxembourg in Çorum. Many Turkcell Kadın Futbol Süper Ligi matches are broadcast live on YouTube channels or club-owned TV platforms, expanding the league’s reach.
Conclusion
Women’s football in Türkiye offers exciting opportunities, but the amateur status of the leagues requires thorough preparation. Football agents must be aware of the 10-month salary structure, training compensation and league-specific rules to facilitate successful transfers. With support from major clubs like Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and ambitious projects such as ALG Spor, Fomget GSK and Beylerbeyi Spor, women’s football in Türkiye is on an upward trajectory.