Galatasaray enters the 2025-26 Süper Lig season as the clear favorite, building on their status as three-time defending champions. Their early form is impeccable, boasting a perfect record in the first five matches, which reflects both tactical consistency and squad depth. The continuity in coaching and a stable core of experienced players give them a sustainable edge, allowing them to manage the demands of a long season effectively. Their attacking options, including top scorers like Eren Elmali and Mauro Icardi, provide a potent offensive threat that few teams can match.
Fenerbahçe stands out as the primary challenger to Galatasaray’s dominance. Despite having played one game fewer, they have maintained a strong position near the top of the table, supported by the goal-scoring prowess of Youssef En-Nesyri. Their squad depth and tactical flexibility under a seasoned coaching staff make them a formidable opponent. Fenerbahçe’s ability to adapt to different match situations and maintain consistency at home and away is a key factor in their contention for the title.
Trabzonspor, traditionally a strong Süper Lig contender, also remains in the mix. Their balanced squad and solid defensive organization have contributed to a positive start to the season. Coaching continuity has helped maintain a clear tactical identity, and their ability to grind out results even when not at their best makes them a dark horse capable of challenging the top two. Their form suggests they could capitalize on any slip-ups by the frontrunners.
Among the potential dark horses, Göztepe SK and Antalyaspor have shown promising early-season form. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, often outperforming expectations against more established clubs. Their squads may lack the star power of the traditional giants, but their collective effort and strategic approach under experienced coaches could see them disrupt the usual hierarchy. Depth remains a concern, but their current momentum and ability to secure points consistently make them teams to watch.
Overall, the Süper Lig 2025-26 season is shaping up as a competitive battle with Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe leading the charge, while Trabzonspor and a few ambitious mid-table teams like Göztepe SK and Antalyaspor could influence the title race. The combination of form, squad depth, and coaching stability will be decisive in determining which teams sustain their challenge through the season’s second half.