Fatih Terim

Fatih Terim — Biography

Fatih Terim (born 4 September 1953 in Adana) is a former Turkish footballer who became one of the most decorated and widely discussed managers in Turkish football history. His commanding presence on the touchline earned him the nickname 'İmparator' in Turkish and 'Imperatore' in Italian — both meaning 'the Emperor'.

After playing for Ceyhanspor and Adana Demirspor, Terim spent eleven seasons at Galatasaray, winning several domestic trophies as a player. He began his coaching career at Ankaragücü, then took charge of Göztepe while simultaneously managing Turkey's under-21 side. Over the following decades he led Galatasaray on three separate occasions and the Turkey national team twice, while a spell in Italy in charge of Fiorentina and Milan earned him the nickname 'Grande Terim' among Italian fans. He later took over Panathinaikos in December 2023, leaving the Greek club in May 2024.

As Galatasaray's manager, Terim won eight Süper Lig titles, three Turkish Cups, five Super Cups and a UEFA Cup. He was ranked among the world's eight best coaches by the IFFHS in 2001, received Italy's 'Commendatore' honor in 2007, and was named the best coach of UEFA Euro 2008. The son of a Cypriot father, Terim is married to Fulya Aksu Terim and has two daughters.