Two Turkish young stars make The Guardian's 'Next Generation 2025' list

The future of Turkish football is shining bright on the international stage, with two promising talents making the cut for The Guardian’s highly respected annual list, "Next Generation 2025: 60 of the best young talents in world football." The list, which focuses on players born in 2008 or later, highlights Furkan Koçak from Galatasaray and Deniz Dönmezer from Zecorner Kayserispor.

The versatile attacker: Furkan Koçak

Galatasaray's Furkan Koçak received praise for his exceptional versatility, having demonstrated the ability to play across all attacking positions. The newspaper noted his rapid trajectory: "With a star-studded team ahead of him, the challenge is immense, but if he keeps up his current pace of development it won’t be long before the first-team squad – and perhaps a move abroad – is on the cards.” Kocak is viewed as a rising offensive force with the potential for elite-level transition.

The new hope in goal: Deniz Dönmezer

Between the posts, Deniz Dönmezer, the 1.90-meter-tall goalkeeper for Zecorner Kayserispor, was lauded for his precocious talent. The Guardian highlighted his maturity and confidence, which are considered far beyond his age. "Unsurprisingly, this rapid ascent has put him firmly on the radar of scouting departments across Europe," the paper stated, adding that Dönmezer is "currently establishing himself as the future of Turkish goalkeeping, he is already proving himself at the highest level of football in the county and is definitely a player worth keeping a close eye on.”

The inclusion of both players reaffirms Türkiye’s standing among nations producing top-tier youth talent, with the list often serving as a predictor for future transfers to the biggest European clubs.

The Guardian's Next Generation 2025 List