Galatasaray clinched the Turkish Super Lig title in memorable fashion on Sunday, as veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera capped off a 3-0 victory over Kayserispor by scoring a late penalty — a fitting moment in what may be the final chapter of his legendary career in Istanbul.
With the match already in control and the title within reach, the 89th minute brought an unforgettable scene at Rams Park. Muslera, the team’s long-time captain and icon, stepped up from his own half and confidently converted a penalty, sparking wild celebrations in the stands and on the pitch.
According to ESPN Global Research, the Uruguayan’s strike marked only the second time a goalkeeper has scored a penalty during regular time in European club football this season. The previous instance was in December, when Dynamo Moscow’s Igor Leshchuk found the net in a Russian Premier League clash.
Galatasaray’s triumph took them to 89 points after 34 matches, securing the league crown with two games to spare and putting them eight points clear of nearest rivals Fenerbahçe, managed by Jose Mourinho.
Remarkably, this wasn’t Muslera’s first goal for the Lions. He previously scored from the spot back in 2012 against Manisaspor — also in the final fixture of that season, which was his debut campaign in Turkey.
Now 14 years into his Galatasaray journey, Muslera is widely expected to part ways with the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. If this was indeed his farewell act in front of the home crowd, it was a storybook ending for one of the most beloved foreign players in Turkish football history.
With the title secured and a legendary goalkeeper potentially bowing out in iconic fashion, Galatasaray fans will remember this night for years to come — not just for the silverware, but for the man who helped bring it home from 12 yards out.