PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barış Alper Yılmaz |
| Date of Birth | 23/05/2000 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | Rize, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Height | 1.86 m / 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 80-86 kg |
| Position | Winger / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #53 |
| Current Club | Galatasaray |
| Previous Clubs | Ankara Keçiörengücü |
| International Caps | 38 |
| International Goals | 5 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
| Market Value | €30M |
The Frozen Moment
June 2026. The FIFA World Cup. Turkey, a nation with a proud footballing history, were competing on the world stage with Barış Alper Yılmaz as one of their most dynamic attacking threats. The 26-year-old winger from Rize had been selected in Turkey’s 26-man squad for the tournament, his first World Cup appearance.
Turkey’s campaign began with disappointment—a 0-2 defeat to Australia in which Yılmaz was rated just 5.8, deemed “completely ineffective” and the “most disappointing player” on the pitch. But the boy from the Black Sea coast who had risen through the ranks of Ankara Keçiörengücü to become Galatasaray’s most creative force refused to be defined by one poor performance.
In Turkey’s final group match against the United States, Yılmaz delivered. He started the match, played 89 minutes, and scored once while also providing an assist in a thrilling 3-2 victory. It was a moment of redemption—the winger who had been written off after the opening defeat had proven his quality on the biggest stage of all.
The tournament ended in group-stage elimination, but Yılmaz had shown the football world what Galatasaray fans already knew: he was a player of immense talent, capable of delivering when it mattered most.
Origins
Born on May 23, 2000, in Rize, a city on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, Barış Alper Yılmaz’s football journey began far from the bright lights of Istanbul. Standing at 186 cm and weighing 80-86 kg, he possessed the physical attributes of a modern attacking player—pace, power, and endurance.
His professional career began in earnest at Ankara Keçiörengücü, where he made 34 league appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists. His performances in the Turkish lower divisions caught the attention of Galatasaray, and in July 2021, he made the move to the Istanbul giants.
The Rise at Galatasaray
Galatasaray (2021-Present):
Yılmaz’s first season at Galatasaray was a period of adaptation. He made 17 Süper Lig appearances, mostly from the bench, accumulating just 319 minutes and failing to score. But his potential was evident.
The breakthrough came in the 2022-23 season. Yılmaz made 25 appearances (8 starts), scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists as Galatasaray won the Süper Lig title. The 2023-24 season saw him establish himself as a regular starter: 37 appearances, 28 starts, 2,543 minutes, 6 goals, and 6 assists. He won his second consecutive Süper Lig title.
The 2024-25 season was his most prolific in front of goal. He made 32 appearances (29 starts), scoring 12 goals and providing 3 assists in 2,599 minutes. A third consecutive title followed.
The 2025/26 Season:
The 2025/26 season was Yılmaz’s most complete campaign. In the Süper Lig, he made 30 appearances (27 starts), accumulating 2,318 minutes. He scored 8 goals and provided an extraordinary 11 assists—ranking second in the league for assists. His goal involvement of 0.74 per 90 minutes placed him in the 97th percentile among Süper Lig players. His expected assists (xA) of 0.37 per 90 ranked in the 98th percentile.
In the Champions League, he made 12 appearances (11 starts), scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist in 990 minutes. His average rating in the Süper Lig was 7.25, with 6 Man of the Match awards. His annual salary at Galatasaray is estimated at €730,000.
Across all competitions in the 2025/26 season, Yılmaz made 59 appearances, scoring 15 goals and accumulating 4,191 minutes. His career totals at Galatasaray across five seasons now stand at 141 Süper Lig appearances, 95 starts, 8,624 minutes, 30 goals, and 22 assists.
The National Team Journey
Yılmaz made his senior debut for Turkey and has since become a regular fixture in the national team setup. He has earned 38 caps, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists. His international career has seen steady progression, with his World Cup performances marking a new peak.
The World Cup Campaign:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked Yılmaz’s first appearance at the tournament. He was named in Turkey’s 26-man squad and made 3 appearances, starting 2 matches and playing 179 minutes.
His tournament began with disappointment—a 5.8 rating in the 0-2 defeat to Australia, where he was described as “completely ineffective.” But he bounced back in Turkey’s final group match, starting against the United States and playing 89 minutes. He scored once and provided an assist in the 3-2 victory.
His World Cup statistics were impressive: 1 goal, 1 assist, 0.50 goals per 90 minutes, and 0.50 assists per 90 minutes. He received 0 yellow cards across his 3 appearances. He has also played a key role in qualifying campaigns and international friendlies.
The Anatomy of His Game
Barış Alper Yılmaz is a versatile and dynamic winger capable of operating on either flank or through the middle. At 186 cm, he combines physical presence with speed, technical quality, and an extraordinary creative output.
In Possession:
Yılmaz’s strengths lie in his creativity and chance creation. His 11 assists in the 2025/26 Süper Lig season—ranking second in the league—demonstrate his elite playmaking ability. His expected assists (xA) of 0.37 per 90 places him in the 98th percentile, underlining his ability to consistently create high-quality chances. He is also a capable goalscorer, with 8 goals in the league season and a career-high 12 goals in 2024/25. His passing accuracy in the Süper Lig stands at 78.6%, and he averages 1.8 shots per game.
Out of Possession:
Yılmaz’s work rate and physicality are key attributes. He is described as possessing “pace, aggression and positional flexibility,” and is praised for his ability to “attack space, press defenders and cover ground.” His defensive contributions and ability to press from the front make him a valuable asset in modern football.
Psychological Edge:
Yılmaz’s career demonstrates resilience and adaptability. From Ankara Keçiörengücü to becoming one of Galatasaray’s most important players, he has consistently risen to the challenge. His response to a poor World Cup opener—scoring and assisting in the next match—demonstrates mental strength.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot – 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Süper Lig | 30 | 27 | 2,318 | 8 | 11 | 7 |
| UEFA Champions League | 12 | 11 | 990 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 2 | 179 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| World Cup Qualifying | 1 | 1 | 99 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 46 | 41 | 3,586 | 10 | 13 | 8 |
TABLE B: Süper Lig Season-by-Season
| Season | Age | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 21 | 17 | 3 | 319 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2022-23 | 22 | 25 | 8 | 857 | 4 | 2 | Champion |
| 2023-24 | 23 | 37 | 28 | 2,543 | 6 | 6 | Champion |
| 2024-25 | 24 | 32 | 29 | 2,599 | 12 | 3 | Champion |
| 2025-26 | 25 | 30 | 27 | 2,318 | 8 | 11 | Champion |
| TOTAL | — | 141 | 95 | 8,624 | 30 | 22 | 4 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Group Stage |
| World Cup Qualifying | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| International Friendlies | 34 | 4 | 2 | — |
| Turkey Senior Career | 38 | 5 | 3 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Galatasaray Transfer | From Ankara Keçiörengücü |
| 2023 | Süper Lig Winner | First title with Galatasaray |
| 2024 | Süper Lig Winner | Second title |
| 2025 | Süper Lig Winner | Third title |
| 2026 | Süper Lig Winner | Fourth consecutive title |
| 2026 | Champions League Appearance | 12 appearances |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | Turkey squad |
These figures reveal a player of extraordinary consistency and creativity. Yılmaz has accumulated over 141 Süper Lig appearances, scored 30 goals, and provided 22 assists for Galatasaray, winning four consecutive league titles. His 2025/26 season was defined by elite-level creativity, with his 11 assists ranking second in the Süper Lig.
The Present Tense
The Galatasaray Story:
Barış Alper Yılmaz is in his fifth season at Galatasaray, having joined in July 2021. He has won four consecutive Süper Lig titles (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26) and has established himself as one of the most creative players in Turkish football. His contract with Galatasaray runs until 2028. His market value is estimated at €30 million.
The Transfer Saga:
Since the 2026 World Cup, Yılmaz has been the subject of significant transfer interest from the Premier League. Everton have made a verbal offer of €40 million (€35 million fee + €5 million bonuses) for the winger. The club has reportedly submitted an improved €41 million official offer, which was rejected by Galatasaray, who are holding firm on a €50 million valuation.
Yılmaz reportedly wants a move to the Premier League, and Everton manager David Moyes wants greater depth on the left flank. Galatasaray have explored attacking replacements, including Rafael Leão and Gabriel Martinelli, which could affect their negotiating position. Tottenham are also monitoring his situation.
The World Cup Campaign:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked Yılmaz’s first appearance at the tournament. He made 3 appearances, starting 2 matches. He scored 1 goal and provided 1 assist. Turkey were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Yılmaz has earned 38 caps for Turkey, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists. He has featured in World Cup qualifying, international friendlies, and the 2026 World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Barış Alper Yılmaz is known for his professionalism and dedication. His journey from Rize to Galatasaray and the World Cup represents a remarkable story of perseverance and self-belief.
Yılmaz’s honours are significant: four consecutive Süper Lig titles with Galatasaray (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26). He has also played in the Champions League, making 12 appearances in the 2025/26 season.
His market value is estimated at €30 million, with contract value for his current club at €730,000 annually. His contract with Galatasaray runs until 2028, and he is represented by an agent.
The Verdict from the Camp
Transfer Reports:
Everton have submitted a verbal offer of €40 million (€35m + €5m bonuses) for Yılmaz, with the player reportedly wanting a move to the Premier League. An improved €41 million official offer was rejected by Galatasaray, who value the player at €50 million.
Performance Reports:
In the 2025/26 Süper Lig season, Yılmaz ranks in the 97th percentile for goal involvement (0.74 per 90) and the 99th percentile for assists (0.43 per 90).
Statistic:
Yılmaz has won four consecutive Süper Lig titles with Galatasaray (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26).
Statistic:
Yılmaz scored 1 goal and provided 1 assist in his 3 World Cup appearances.
Statistic:
Yılmaz’s 11 assists in the 2025/26 Süper Lig season ranked second in the league.
Statistic:
Yılmaz has earned 38 caps for Turkey and scored 5 international goals.
Where Next?
Barış Alper Yılmaz is 26 years old and entering the prime of his career. His contract with Galatasaray runs until 2028, but his future appears destined for the Premier League. Everton have made a verbal offer of €40 million, and the player reportedly wants to move to England. Galatasaray are holding firm on a €50 million valuation.
A move to the Premier League with Everton is a strong possibility, though Tottenham have also been linked. His market value of €30 million reflects his status as one of the most creative wingers in European football. His versatility across the attacking line and his elite creative output make him a highly attractive target.
For Turkey, Yılmaz is a key figure. With 38 caps and a World Cup appearance under his belt, he will be central to their ambitions in the next UEFA Euro and World Cup cycles. His creativity, work rate, and ability to perform on the biggest stage make him a vital asset.
From the youth ranks of Rize to the World Cup stage, from Ankara Keçiörengücü to Galatasaray and the brink of a Premier League move, Barış Alper Yılmaz’s journey is one of ambition, resilience, and the power of self-belief. The boy from the Black Sea coast who dreamed of playing at the highest level has achieved more than most could imagine—and his story is far from over.
