As the 63rd edition of the Turkish Cup final unfolds on Wednesday in Gaziantep, where Trabzonspor face off against Beşiktaş, the competition’s rich history offers a trove of dramatic moments, unique outcomes, and unforgettable milestones.
A Competition of Firsts and Extremes
Since its inception, the Turkish Cup has featured 31 single-leg and 31 two-legged finals, evolving into one of the country’s most prestigious football events. Sponsored by Ziraat Bankası in recent years, the cup has delivered everything from walkovers to penalty shootouts, showcasing football at its most unpredictable.
Walkover and Draw-Determined Winners
One of the most unusual outcomes occurred in 1963–64, when Galatasaray were awarded a 3-0 walkover win after Altay failed to show up for the second leg following a 0-0 draw in the first.
Even more bizarre was the 1966–67 final between Altay and Göztepe, which ended 2-2. The winner was decided by drawing lots – marking the only time in Turkish Cup history that the trophy was awarded this way.
Extra-Time Thrillers
Eight finals have required extra time, providing high-stakes drama. Notable instances include:
- Göztepe’s 1968–69 victory over Galatasaray (1-0 aggregate)
- Trabzonspor’s 2-0 win over Beşiktaş in 1983–84
- Galatasaray’s extra-time triumph over Ankaragücü (1990–91)
- Sivasspor’s nail-biting 3-2 win over Kayserispor in 2021–22
In 1995–96, Galatasaray overcame a first-leg lead by Fenerbahçe to win 2-1 after extra time, sealing a dramatic turnaround.
Penalty Drama
Six finals have gone to penalties. Highlights include:
- Galatasaray’s 5-4 win over Trabzonspor in 1975–76
- Beşiktaş’s 5-3 shootout win against Galatasaray in 1997–98
- Gençlerbirliği’s 6-3 upset over Fenerbahçe in 2000–01
- Kayserispor’s marathon 11-10 shootout win against Gençlerbirliği in 2007–08
- Beşiktaş’s tense 4-3 win over İstanbul B.B. in 2010–11
- Atiker Konyaspor’s 4-1 shootout victory over Başakşehir in 2016–17 after a goalless 120 minutes
The Most Unlikely Comeback: 1991–92 Final
Perhaps the most astonishing turnaround came when Trabzonspor lost 3-0 to Bursaspor in the first leg, only to roar back with a stunning 5-1 win at home and claim the trophy in one of the cup’s most memorable finals.
Biggest Margin of Victory
Gençlerbirliği set the record for the largest winning margin in a final, crushing Eskişehirspor 5-0 in 1986–87. Other dominant performances include:
- Trabzonspor’s 5-1 against Bursaspor (1991–92)
- Galatasaray’s 5-1 rout of Fenerbahçe (2004–05)
The “Double” Winners
Winning both the Turkish Cup and Süper Lig in the same season remains a rare feat. It’s been accomplished 15 times, with Galatasaray doing so in 1999–2000, 2014–15, and 2018–19.
Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş have also secured historic doubles, while Galatasaray once again chase the achievement this season as league leaders.
Galatasaray’s Historic Dominance
No club has dominated the Turkish Cup like Galatasaray. They hold the record for the most finals (22) and most consecutive titles, winning four straight from 1963 to 1966. Their consistent success spans across decades and multiple generations of players.
Perfect Cup Runs
A handful of teams have gone unbeaten en route to lifting the cup. Noteworthy flawless campaigns include:
- Bursaspor (5-0 record in 1985–86)
- Beşiktaş (10-0 in 1988–89)
- Trabzonspor (perfect run in 2002–03)
Legends of the Cup: Player-Coach Champions
Twelve individuals have lifted the Turkish Cup as both players and managers—a rare achievement. Among them are iconic names like:
- Fatih Terim
- Gheorghe Hagi
- Mustafa Denizli
- Şenol Güneş