Fernando Muslera Retires from Galatasaray After 551 Appearances

 Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera bid an emotional farewell to Galatasaray on May 26, 2025, retiring from the Turkish club after 14 years and 551 appearances.

The 38-year-old, hailed as a “legend” by fans, played his final match, a 3-1 win over Fenerbahce, at the Türk Telekom Stadium, where 50,000 supporters honored him with a tifo display. Muslera, who joined Galatasaray in 2011 from Lazio, won six Süper Lig titles, four Turkish Cups, and five Super Cups, cementing his status as one of the club’s greatest players.

Known for his reflexes and leadership, Muslera holds the club record for most clean sheets (183) and was captain since 2019. His farewell speech thanked fans, teammates, and his family, reflecting on highlights like the 2013 Champions League quarter-final run. Muslera announced his retirement from professional football, citing a desire to focus on family and coaching aspirations. Galatasaray’s president presented him with a commemorative plaque, and the club retired his number 1 jersey for the 2025-26 season.

Fans and former teammates, including Wesley Sneijder, paid tribute online, praising Muslera’s loyalty and impact. The retirement has sparked nostalgia in Turkey, where he is revered for his role in Galatasaray’s golden era. Muslera plans to remain in Istanbul, working with the club’s youth academy. His departure marks the end of an era, with Galatasaray facing the challenge of replacing a goalkeeping icon as they aim for a seventh consecutive Süper Lig title.