İsmail Kartal has returned to Fenerbahçe as head coach, marking his fourth stint in charge of the Istanbul giants.
The appointment brings back one of the club’s most familiar figures. Kartal previously served as an assistant coach, interim manager, and head coach across different periods, making him one of the most experienced figures in Fenerbahçe’s recent history.
Playing Career
Born on May 25, 1961, in Istanbul, Kartal began his career at Sarıyer and later played for Gaziantepspor before joining Fenerbahçe in 1983.
As a right-back, he spent a decade at the club (1983–1993), making 235 appearances and scoring 15 goals. He was part of several successful Fenerbahçe teams and became a popular figure among supporters.
After leaving Fenerbahçe, he played for Denizlispor and Adanaspor before retiring. He also represented Turkey at both youth and senior international levels.
Coaching Career
Kartal built a reputation as a coach capable of achieving promotion with Anatolian clubs.
His notable achievements include:
- Guiding Sivasspor to the 1. Lig title and promotion to the Süper Lig.
- Leading MKE Ankaragücü back to the top division after a six-year absence.
- Winning the Turkish Super Cup with Fenerbahçe in 2014.
Previous Fenerbahçe Tenures
Kartal’s most recent spell before returning came in the 2023–24 season. His team collected an impressive 99 league points and remained unbeaten away from home, yet still finished second in the Süper Lig.
That campaign strengthened his reputation among many Fenerbahçe supporters, who viewed the team as one of the club’s strongest in recent years despite missing out on the title.
Brief Experience Abroad
Before his latest return to Fenerbahçe, Kartal coached Persepolis FC in Iran during the first half of 2025. He managed 16 matches with the Tehran-based club before leaving and eventually returning to Turkey.
What His Return Means
Kartal’s appointment suggests that Fenerbahçe’s leadership is prioritizing familiarity and experience at a time when the club is desperate to end its long Süper Lig title drought.
Having previously stated that winning the league title with Fenerbahçe is one of his biggest goals, Kartal now has another opportunity to deliver the championship that has eluded both him and the club in recent seasons.