Arda Güler has been named the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Revelation of the Season. The Real Madrid midfielder received the award from UEFA’s Technical Observer Group.
The Turkish international made 14 appearances in the competition, starting 13, and registered 2 goals and 4 assists throughout the campaign.
The award is a brand-new accolade introduced by UEFA this season. It replaces the previous Young Player of the Season honour. The new prize specifically recognises players who make a genuine breakthrough in a given season, rather than those who, although still young, are already established world‑class talents.
Güler perfectly fits the criteria. In the 2024/25 Champions League season, he started only one match and made seven appearances in total, clocking just 142 minutes on the pitch.
This season, he played 1,030 minutes. His total distance covered across the competition amounted to 126.12km, and his top speed was recorded at 32.12km/h.
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Güler produced his most significant moments when Real Madrid needed them most. His first two Champions League goals both arrived in the quarter‑final second leg away at Bayern Munich. Although Madrid ultimately lost the match and the tie, the Turkish international was widely regarded as his side’s best player on the night.
One of his most influential displays also came during the league phase. In Real Madrid’s victory over Juventus in October, Güler earned the Player of the Match award, praised for his midfield control and creativity.
Eligibility and selection criteria
Eligible candidates must be no older than 21 at the start of the season. Players can win the award only once in their careers, and previous winners of the Young Player of the Season award are excluded. The winner is selected based on exceptional individual skill, clear and measurable impact on team performance, and notable progression, maturity, and consistency relative to age.
Real Madrid endured a trophyless 2025/26 campaign. Güler, however, emerged as one of the few consistent bright spots, not only in Europe but also domestically, where he recorded four goals and nine assists in La Liga.
Still only 21, his rapid development throughout the season has marked him as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football.
