Eren Elmali Profile, Stats and Career
Turkey's attacking left-back, Galatasaray's flying full-back, and 2026 World Cup squad member with three goals in the title-winning 2025–26 season.
By
Abdul Ahad
Published June 2026Eren Elmalı is a 25-year-old Turkish left-back who plays for Galatasaray in the Süper Lig. The number 17 is one of the most consistent and attacking full-backs in Turkish football, with 3 league goals and a 7.16 average FotMob rating in the 2025–26 season. This profile covers his age, current club, career story, international record, and honours.
Elmalı developed at Kasımpaşa and Trabzonspor before Galatasaray signed him in 2025. He has won two consecutive Süper Lig titles and a Turkish Cup with Galatasaray, and earned 21 caps for Turkey since his senior debut in 2022. He is part of Turkey's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Quick Answer
Evren Eren Elmalı is a Turkish professional footballer born on 7 July 2000 in Istanbul. He plays as a left-back for Galatasaray in the Süper Lig and represents Turkey internationally with 21 caps. Elmalı has won two Süper Lig titles and a Turkish Cup with Galatasaray and is part of Turkey's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Early Life and Background
Elmalı was born in Istanbul and joined Kartalspor's youth academy at the age of eleven, progressing to Kasımpaşa's academy in 2018. He made his senior debut with Kasımpaşa in the Süper Lig in 2019, initially spending a loan season at Silivrispor before establishing himself in the first team. His three seasons at Kasımpaşa built his Süper Lig experience before Trabzonspor signed him in May 2022.
Eren Elmalı Personal Info and Profile
| Full name | Evren Eren Elmalı |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 7 July 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Place of birth | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkey |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in / 1.80 m |
| Position | Left-Back |
| Current club | Galatasaray |
| Jersey number | 17 |
Club Career
Elmalı joined Trabzonspor in May 2022 and won the 2022–23 Turkish Super Cup with the club. Galatasaray signed him ahead of the 2025–26 season, and he has been a key part of the title-winning squad, contributing 3 goals and a strong defensive record from left-back. His WhoScored profile rates him as strong in passing, aerial duels, holding on to the ball, and concentration, with no significant weaknesses noted.
Club Career Stats
| Period | Club | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2022 | Kasımpaşa | ~60 | 3 | 4 |
| 2022–2025 | Trabzonspor | ~90 | 5 | 6 |
| 2025–present | Galatasaray | 11+ | 3 | 0 |
2025–26 Süper Lig
| Season | Club | Apps | Goals | Avg Rating | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 SL | Galatasaray | 11 | 3 | 7.16 | 3 |
International Career
Elmalı was first called up to the Turkey senior squad for UEFA Nations League matches in June 2022. He has earned 21 caps between 2022 and 2026, scoring 0 goals, and is a regular fixture in Vincenzo Montella's Turkey squad. He is part of Turkey's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. Note: Elmalı was suspended for 45 days in November 2025 following his involvement in the 2025 Turkish football betting scandal, serving the ban before returning to first-team action.
| National team | Caps | Goals | Tournament involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 21 | 0 | UEFA Nations League 2022–23; UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying; 2026 FIFA World Cup squad |
Honours and Trophies
| Trophy | Times Won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Süper Lig | 2 | 2025, 2026 |
| Turkish Cup | 1 | 2025 |
| Turkish Super Cup | 1 | 2023 (Trabzonspor) |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Elmalı is an attacking left-back who contributes regularly in the final third, scoring 3 Süper Lig goals in 2025–26 — a high return for a full-back. His WhoScored strengths include passing, aerial duels, concentration, and ball retention, while his 1.35 tackles per 90 minutes and 6 clean sheets in 11 matches reflect his defensive reliability. His ability to arrive late in the box and deliver from wide positions gives Galatasaray an additional attacking outlet down the left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Eren Elmalı's rise from Kasımpaşa through Trabzonspor and into Galatasaray's title-winning side reflects a player who has consistently improved at each level. His 2025–26 season — three league goals, six clean sheets, and a 7.16 average rating — shows he is operating at the peak of his domestic career. Turkey fans will look to his attacking left-back play as one of their key weapons at the 2026 World Cup.
