Galatasaray 2009/2010 Home Shirt

GALATASARAY - HOME SHIRT 2009/2010

Galatasaray are one of the true giants of Turkish football, formed in 1905 by a group of students at Galatasaray High School led by Ali Sami Yen. Based in Istanbul, the only city straddling Europe and Asia, they are known to their supporters as "Cimbom" and "Aslanlar" (the Lions), while the club's colours earn them "Sarı-Kırmızılılar" (the Yellow-Reds). Back in 2009/10 they were still playing at the beloved old Ali Sami Yen Stadium, before the 2011 move to the ground now called RAMS Park. A point of pride for every fan: Galatasaray remain the only Turkish club ever to win a major European trophy, lifting the UEFA Cup in 2000.

This was the club's 106th season and it carried a real weight of expectation, as Dutch legend Frank Rijkaard arrived to take charge with Johan Neeskens alongside him. Big money followed, with Elano signing from Manchester City and Abdul Kader Keïta from Lyon, both for around £8m. The season the Lions pulled on this striking red-and-yellow home shirt ended with a third-place finish in the Süper Lig on 64 points, behind surprise champions Bursaspor and rivals Fenerbahçe, enough for Europa League qualification but well short of the title.

There was drama across the competitions. In the Europa League they topped a group containing Panathinaikos, Dinamo București and Sturm Graz, before bowing out at the round of 32. In the Turkish Cup they reached the quarter-finals, and domestically they briefly led the table in autumn before fading in the run-in. Milan Baroš top-scored in the league with 11 goals, Australian Harry Kewell chipped in nine, and a young Arda Turan announced himself with seven. Baroš and Shabani Nonda shared top billing across all competitions on 16 apiece, though Rijkaard's reign would ultimately prove short-lived.

Follow the club on X: @GalatasaraySK