When he first came to Turkey in 2011, no one expected such a spectacular career. But after 14 full seasons, in which he broke almost every record in the Turkish Soccer League, he wrapped up his career by returning to Latin America at the age of 39. Before I share my personal perspective on Muslera, let’s get to know him briefly:
(See: https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Muslera)
Néstor Fernando Muslera Micol (born 16 June 1986, in Buenos Aires) is an Argentine-born Uruguayan national soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper. He currently plays for Estudiantes de La Plata in the Argentine Primera División.
The Trophy King
Muslera began his career at Montevideo Wanderers and Nacional before transferring to Lazio in 2007, where he won the Coppa Italia in 2009. In 2011, he transferred to Galatasaray for €6.75 million, and since then has won numerous titles including 8 Süper Lig championships, 5 Turkish Cups, and 6 Super Cups. He is also the foreign player with the most appearances in Galatasaray’s history. On 25 January 2025, in a game against Konyaspor, he played his 429th Süper Lig game for Galatasaray, becoming the player with the most league appearances in the club’s history. Muslera holds the title of the most decorated foreign player in Turkish soccer history.
Since 2009, he has represented Uruguay in over 130 games, participated in five Copa América tournaments — winning in 2011 — and played in three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2018), helping Uruguay finish fourth in 2010.
You can see a full list of his titles and achievements here:
https://www.transfermarkt.com.tr/fernando-muslera/erfolge/spieler/58088
And here’s a video tribute that I highly recommend watching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKRoNgnE8T8
Why We Call Him “The Great Captain”
So why do we call Muslera the great captain? From my point of view, here are the qualities that make him so special:
- His positive personality and the fiery energy he brings to the team set him apart.
- Over the past 14 seasons, not every Galatasaray team he played on was top tier. Even in some of the eight championship seasons, there were stretches when the team was falling apart, and the title seemed out of reach. But Muslera always stayed strong and kept driving the team forward.
- There were seasons when we could truly say, “We won the title thanks to Muslera.” During those times, the phrase “Muslera at the last second” became engraved in our minds. He saved the team in critical games, helped us win when we should’ve lost, or at least secured a draw in games we could’ve lost badly. We’ve all witnessed him make incredible saves in moments we were sure the ball would go in — and countless commentators have shouted “Muslera saves it at the last second!”
- Except during periods when he had serious personal issues (such as health, loss, or family separation), Muslera was always smiling. That warm, cheerful energy uplifted not just the team, but the fans in the stadium and the millions watching from home.
Everyone’s Favorite
- Muslera is a model human being. Even when he was single, he never got involved in any scandals. He never compromised on professionalism. After getting married, he became the fantastic father we expected him to be. His character is so admirable that even players and fans of rival teams like and respect him.
- There are many reasons why even rival players appreciate him: he’s congratulated young opposing goalkeepers after good performances, comforted and encouraged keepers who had rough games, and even pushed a sliding opponent out of harm’s way to prevent a serious injury. These are just a few examples of the many gestures that have earned him respect across the board.
- Soccer is never just a sport — it’s so popular that players are followed, mimicked, and even capable of lifting a nation’s spirits after big victories. In this equation, Muslera played a key role in holding Galatasaray together during tough games, and with his joy and motivation, he gave hope and energy to millions across Turkey.
- Two positions have the greatest impact on a soccer team’s success: the one who scores, and the one who saves. Galatasaray has been lucky in this regard, as our ‘savers’ have generally been outstanding. Muslera is the latest — and perhaps the greatest — example of this luck.
- A team’s collective character is often shaped by its goalkeeper. Positioned at the back, they observe the game from a broad view and can shift the momentum with big saves or by energizing the team from behind. A role model like Muslera influences the entire team: his teammates start aspiring to be better fathers, celebrating with their kids after games, showing grit when things get tough, and setting examples on the field that even opponents admire.
Let me give you two examples that show how much a goalkeeper can shape a team’s character: on one hand, Galatasaray’s Fernando Muslera. On the other, Fenerbahçe’s İrfan Can Eğribayat. Just look at their personalities — and the way their teams carry themselves — and you’ll understand exactly what I mean. You’ll also understand why, despite all the obstacles, foul play, and behind-the-scenes manipulation, it was Galatasaray that emerged as champions.
Wishing Him Well on His Journey!
Before I finish, I want to emphasize that Mertens — who also made major contributions to the team — is, like Muslera, a man of great character. In my opinion, Galatasaray could and should have done whatever it took to keep both on the squad for one more season. Muslera has now joined Estudiantes, an Argentine club. Maybe he wanted to be in his homeland or somewhere nearby with his family — we don’t know. But the club could have convinced both Muslera and Mertens to stay for one final season and continue making a big impact. It’s a shame. But such is life.
With that, I wish our great captain Muslera — who, with his good character, exemplary fatherhood, and overall behavior, has earned the admiration of all fans, Galatasaray or not — all the best in the final chapter of his career and a joyful life with his family.
To our great captain Muslera: may your path always be bright. Our hearts and our doors will always be open to you.
