Just days before the start of the UEFA Champions League 2025–26 season, Real Madrid fans were left stunned as the club confirmed that young Turkish star Arda Güler would not be on the team roster. The announcement sent shockwaves through the football world — especially after reports emerged that the reason behind his sudden absence was due to serious family issues.
Now, for the first time, Güler has broken his silence, opening up with an emotional message that has left fans across Europe heartbroken.
Speaking to reporters at Real Madrid’s training facility in Valdebebas, the 20-year-old midfielder struggled to hold back tears as he addressed the situation. His usual bright energy was replaced by a somber calm, his voice trembling as he spoke from the heart.
“This is the hardest moment of my career,” Güler said quietly. “I’ve dreamed of playing in the Champions League since I was a kid. But life doesn’t always go as planned. I had to make a choice — between my family and my career — and I am truly heartbroken because I had to make two difficult choices in life. One as a player… and one as a son.”
He paused for several seconds, his eyes glistening as cameras clicked around him.
“Football has given me everything,” he continued. “But family is everything to me. I know the fans wanted to see me on the pitch, fighting for Real Madrid, but right now, I need to fight for something more important — my family’s well-being.”
Club officials, including head coach Carlo Ancelotti, publicly expressed full support for Güler’s decision. “Arda is a special talent, but more importantly, he’s a special person,” Ancelotti said. “Real Madrid is a family, and we stand with him during this time.”
Teammates such as Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham also shared heartfelt messages online. Vinícius wrote, “Stay strong, brother. Family comes first — we’ll be waiting for you on the pitch.”
Fans from both Turkey and Spain have flooded social media with messages of love, prayers, and encouragement, turning the young star’s story into one of unity and compassion beyond the game.
Before leaving the press conference, Güler placed his hand over his heart and looked toward the Real Madrid crest on his training shirt.
“I promise I’ll come back stronger,” he said firmly. “This club, these fans — they mean the world to me. But right now, I have to be there for my family. Football can wait — love cannot.”
That moment captured more than just the pain of a rising star stepping away from the game — it revealed the heart of a young man wise beyond his years, choosing love and loyalty over glory. And as the football world prays for his family, Arda Güler’s courage reminds everyone that even heroes sometimes have to step off the field to fight their most important battles.