Top 10 Foreign Strikers Who Left Their Mark on Turkish Football in the Last 25 Years

If there’s one thing we Turks love almost as much as a good cup of tea, it’s a rollicking tale of football glory and drama. And when it comes to Turkish football, you can bet your bottom lira there’s no shortage of that. From Drogba’s instant impact to Anelka’s flair and even the mysteries of PVH’s free kicks, these are the foreign strikers who’ve sprinkled a bit of magic on Turkish soil in the last 25 years. Here’s our top 10:

10. Demba Ba

We kick off our list with Demba Ba, who graced Beşiktaş for a year (and then for a short visit). His thunderous goals, both in Europe and domestic games, carried his team on his back. If only that season had seen the championship or his derby performances a tad better. And oh, that audacious midline shot against Arsenal almost sneaking in (up there)! Though he didn’t leave the same mark during his stints at Göztepe and Başakşehir, his time at Beşiktaş ensured he’d be remembered.

9. Mario Gomez

There’s been a steady stream of forwards through the gates at Beşiktaş, but none could leave the kind of impression Mario Gomez did. No matter the match, big or small, European or a derby, the German striker would find the net somehow. His name’s likely to linger on “best strikers” lists for a long while. His debut goal at Vodafone Park showcased his cool composure, dribble past the keeper, and that final touch – top-notch stuff.

8. Kennet Andersson

Andersson was a pivotal figure during Sweden’s third-place finish at the World Cup. Remember him opening spaces for Martin Dahlin? That’s what he did for Fenerbahçe when they clinched the 2000/01 championship with stars like Serhat, Revivo, and Rapaic. Even in the twilight of his career, he left his mark. From the good ol’ days of Serie A to 2000s Turkish footbal, Kennet Andersson became a name that came to mind when you thought of a target man.

7. Milan Baros

Milan Baros was one of the most consistent goal-getters to grace Turkey. Until injuries caught up with him, he lit up Galatasaray. The ex-Liverpool striker wasn’t just a box poacher, with his ball skills and speed, he could unlock defenses single-handedly. His range of finishing moves suited every ball delivery. That goal while almost sitting down against Istanbul BB? That’s a masterpiece, Milan! If only we’d told him about oralet.

6. Samuel Eto’o

Not just a great striker but a great character, Eto’o surprised everyone at Antalyaspor. We expected him to enjoy his final years for fun but he did so much more. He didn’t just score goals but showed exceptional leadership, making big clubs turn their heads. He showed us what it means to be a Barcelona player. Speaking of which, let’s not forget that infamous commentary from Oktay Derelioglu.

5. Pierre van Hooijdonk

During Pierre van Hooijdonk’s era, the only debate was how to defend against his free-kicks. Spoiler: There was no solution. Some tried not having a wall, but he’d find the net anyway, even by firing through his teammates’ legs. He didn’t just impress with free-kicks but with his final touches and, most importantly, his dominance in aerial duels.

4. Şota Arveladze

Şota was genuinely a complete forward. His exceptional skills were on display for a couple of years. During his time as Trabzonspor’s top scorer, he could’ve easily been one of the key factors in securing the championship if not for Fenerbahçe and Vanspor losses.

3. Mario Jardel

Back in the late ’90s, whenever we saw Porto in Champions League highlights, we were certain of one thing: Mario Jardel had at least one goal, most likely assisted by Drulović. Super Mario made his way to Galatasaray for a transfer fee that would today equal 17 million euros. His precise strikes, especially those seemingly effortless header goals, quickly etched his name into Turkish football history. We mostly remember him for the goals he netted in the Super Cup final and that iconic header against Real Madrid, followed by his corner flag samba.

2. Nicolas Anelka

Nicknamed “Le Sulk” for his knack for causing trouble wherever he went, Anelka found his place among the best foreign players to grace Turkey with his physique, technique, and football IQ. Despite some clashes with coach Daum, he left his mark on Fenerbahçe, scoring 16 goals and providing 15 assists in 57 appearances.

1. Didier Drogba

Drogba had just arrived at Galatasaray, not in the best physical shape, but he immediately turned the tide in a match against Akhisar. His mere presence, even just a shadow, was enough to change everything, as Akhisar’s coach at the time, Hamza Hoca, admitted: “Everything was going as we wanted it to in the game, until Drogba entered the field.” Truly, he was a force to be reckoned with in our league. With 44 Champions League goals to his name, he was a world-class striker, and his winning character could transform a team single-handedly. Let’s remember Drogba with the cheeky backheel goal he slotted into Real Madrid’s net.