Why Zidane’s Praise of Arda Güler Is Sparking Debate on X

Last updated: September 25, 2026 (UTC)

Zinedine Zidane’s public comments about Arda Güler have set off a wave of discussion on X, with fans debating the young Turkish midfielder’s talent, his performance in a Nations League match between Turkey and France, and whether he belongs in the conversation alongside all-time greats. The timing has sharpened the debate: according to posts circulating on X, Zidane made his return to management for that very match, putting him and Güler on opposite sides of the pitch while his praise for the Real Madrid youngster was still fresh.

What Started the Conversation

The trigger, according to widely shared posts on X, was a set of comments attributed to Zidane in which he spoke warmly about Güler’s maturity and ability. One widely shared post quotes Zidane as saying: “He’s a truly great Turkish player that plays for Real Madrid — he’s got a lot of personality. He knows exactly what he’s doing at his age. I’m happy for him, and for Real Madrid for having a player like that.” Another post carrying a similar quote adds that Zidane called what Güler is doing at his age “very impressive,” with the post’s author noting that “legends are acknowledging Guler.” The quotes spread across multiple posts, drawing significant engagement from fans across the football world.

Supporters Highlight Güler’s Talent and Potential

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Güler’s broader qualities beyond any single match. One post with strong engagement argues that what sets him apart is his football intelligence, describing how he “finds pockets of space, receives between the lines, turns under pressure and constantly looks for the final pass.” The same post suggests his left foot draws most of the attention but that his vision is equally important. Another user calls him “absolutely insane,” listing set pieces, IQ, vision, technique, and creativity among his attributes, and notes he is “still only 21 years.” @TrollTouchline, who has over 32,000 followers, posted an emotional tribute to Güler, writing that “football is brutal” and that moments involving the player “remind you that no matter how talented you are, the game can break your heart in an instant.”

Comparisons to Legendary Midfielders

Some of the most eye-catching posts involve fans measuring Güler against players widely considered among the best to have played the game. @Bentil00, with nearly 50,000 followers, shared what friends in a group chat were apparently saying: “The boys in the WhatsApp group say Arda Guler is better than Iniesta and Xavi.” The post was framed with a laughing emoji, suggesting the claim was made in the spirit of fan enthusiasm rather than serious analysis, but it drew notable engagement. Whether the comparison is meant seriously or not, it reflects just how high some supporters are willing to set the bar for the 21-year-old.

Güler’s Impact in the Turkey vs France Match

The Nations League fixture between Turkey and France gave the discussion a live focal point. @Gambana posted at half-time, referencing the match in Kocaeli, noting that “the stars have come out to play” and asking followers whether Güler would step up for Turkey or whether his Real Madrid teammate and France captain Kylian Mbappé would make the bigger impact. One user, posting during the match, declared that Güler was “clearly the best player in this France game,” placing him above Mbappé and others on the pitch. Another post raised the dilemma facing Real Madrid supporters specifically, asking who they were backing given that both Güler and Mbappé were on the field. A separate post described Turkey’s tactical setup as giving Güler “freedom to operate between the lines and create chances,” pointing to the team’s 3-4-2-1 shape and its reliance on quick transitions.

What Remains Unverified

While the Zidane quotes have been shared across multiple posts, the exact wording varies slightly between them, and the original source of the comments has not been independently confirmed within the discussion. Users are treating the quotes as genuine, but they originate from posts on X rather than a verified transcript or broadcast clip. Similarly, the claim that Güler is better than Iniesta and Xavi, as reported by @Bentil00, reflects fan opinion rather than any analytical consensus, and the post itself treats it as an amusing piece of group chat enthusiasm. The full details of Güler’s performance in the Turkey-France match, including the final result, are not established in the posts available.

Why the Discussion Has Caught On

The combination of a legendary figure offering praise and a high-profile international match has given this conversation unusual momentum. Fans are not just reacting to Güler’s football; they are responding to the idea that someone of Zidane’s stature has taken notice. One post captures the sentiment simply: “Legends are acknowledging Guler.” For supporters who have followed Güler since his emergence at Real Madrid, the Zidane comments feel like external validation of something they have been arguing for some time. The added layer of Zidane reportedly managing France against Turkey in the same week as his praise went public has made the story feel, to many users on X, almost too neat to be coincidence.

Sources / posts referenced

• @TrollTouchline on X: “𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥. 💔 Moments like this remind you that no matter how talented you are, the game can…”
• @Bentil00 on X: “The boys in the WhatsApp group say Arda Guler is better than Iniesta and Xavi 😂”
• @gambana on X: “⏸️🌍 HALF-TIME IN KOCAELI! 🇹🇷 TÜRKİYE 🆚 FRANCE 🇫🇷 The stars have come out to play, but there is still…”