Trabzonspor’s Journey: From Historic Champions to Current Challenges in Turkish Football

8 September 2025 Football

A Legacy of Success and Recent Achievements

Trabzonspor, one of Turkey’s most prominent football clubs based in the northeastern city of Trabzon, has established itself as a powerhouse in Turkish football since its founding in 1967. The club holds seven Süper Lig championships, marking its position as the first non-Istanbul-based club to achieve such success in Turkish football.

The club’s most recent triumph came in the 2021-22 season when they secured their historic seventh league title, ending a 38-year drought and reinforcing their status as a regional powerhouse and symbol of pride for Trabzon.

Current Season Challenges

The 2024-25 season has presented significant challenges for Trabzonspor, beginning with an early European exit after losing to Rapid Wien in the UEFA Europa League qualifying play-off. This disappointing start led to management changes, with Abdullah Avcı departing by mutual consent in early September, followed by the appointment of Şenol Güneş.

Financial Landscape

The club, like many in Turkish football, faces significant financial challenges. By March 2025, the collective debt owed to banks by Turkish clubs reached €729 million, with club equity falling to -€766 million—the worst in Europe according to UEFA’s 2023-2024 report. A major concern is the high spending on player salaries, which consumes approximately 88% of revenue.

Looking Forward

Despite these challenges, Turkish football’s future shows promise. The Turkish Football Federation recently secured a significant broadcasting deal with beIN, who will pay $182 million annually until 2027 to broadcast Turkey’s top-flight matches. This development has helped the Süper Lig become the 6th most valuable football league after the Big Five leagues in Europe, with the league currently ranking 9th in UEFA Country Rankings 2024.

While facing various challenges, Trabzonspor has consistently demonstrated its ability to remain competitive, often finishing near the top of the league, and continues to be a significant force in Turkish football.