Every year the Turkish Super Cup sees the winner of the Super Lig and the winners of the Turkish Cup face off for a one-off tie to claim one of the most important domestic trophies in the country.
The 2023 event, to be held in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, is between the current league champions, Galatasaray, and the reigning Turkish Cup holders, Fenerbahce. Galatasaray will be hoping to add to their record haul of 16 Super Cups.
Decisive Venue – Turkish Super Cup Heads to Saudi Arabia
This year, the cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom continues its drive to attract the biggest sporting events. They have already put on a heavyweight world title fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua, plan to host the 2034 World Cup, and have attracted Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.
By hosting the Turkish Super Cup, they are becoming a destination for football fans around the world, and building the sport for supporters back home. It remains to be seen how many fans will make the journey to support their team.
It’s not the first time the event has been played abroad. In 2021, Qatar hosted the cup, and in 2006, 2007 and 2008, the event was hosted in different stadia in Germany.
Istanbul Derby – Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahce
Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are almost certainly the two biggest teams in Turkey – though fans of Besiktas might argue otherwise – so it is fitting that 2023 sees the two teams go head to head once more.
Both teams are from Istanbul, Turkey’s most populous city, and there is a bitter rivalry between these two sides that sometimes spills over.
Known as the Intercontinental Derby, the first game took place in 1909 with Gala winning 2-0. Since then there have been 397 meetings, with Galatasaray boasting 148 wins, and Fener claiming 48 victories.
With both teams bringing silverware from last season, the 2022/23 Super Lig champions and 2022/23 Turkish Cup winners will be aiming to claim bragging rights before the current season’s end.
Match Details – Date, Time, and Venue
With the event being held in Saudi Arabia, it won’t just be fans in Turkey who will be making sure of the kick-off time. Fans across the world who want to watch the spectacle will need to know where and when the game will go ahead.
- Date: Friday, December 29, 2023
- Time: 17:00 GMT / 18:00 CET / 19:00 TRT / 19:00 AST
- Venue: Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
Al-Awwal Park – The Host Stadium.
Al-Awwal Park will likely be one of the stadiums chosen to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup if, as expected, Saudi Arabia goes ahead with the event. At 25,000 it might be on the smaller side compared to the biggest in world football, but it boasts significance beyond mere size.
As the home of Al-Nassr, it hosts Cristiano Ronaldo’s current exploits, as well as Sadio Mane and other superstars. As the venue for two WWE Crown Jewel events, it is more than capable of putting on a huge, entertaining extravaganza.
Anticipated Showdown – The Istanbul Derby’s Significance
This year holds a special significance for both teams. They have not played one another in the tournament for nine years, adding to the game’s importance.
Much of Istanbul will likely shut down for the evening as attention is drawn to the match in Saudi Arabia, and there is a chance to steal a march on their rivals.
After 15 games played in the Super Lig, the pair are neck and neck on 15 points. A heavy victory might not deliver any points , but might serve to ruin the confidence of the side that comes off worse ahead of the second half of the season.
Socios.com and Turkish Super Cup – Fan Engagement (Galatasaray)
Socios.com allows Galatasaray fans to earn Fan Tokens and use Fan Rewards to gain the chance of exclusive access to their side. Fan Tokens have allowed fans to get behind-the-scenes access to clubs, meet legends from their teams, check into games and choose not just their favourite players, but use polls to pick things like team kits.
