Ismail Kartal has been named head coach of Fenerbahce on a one-year contract, returning for his fourth managerial spell at the Turkish club on June 18, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Kartal, 65 years old, has a long history with Fenerbahce, having spent a decade there as a player and previously coaching the team during 2014-15, on an interim basis in 2021-22, and throughout the 2023-24 season [1, 2].
Kartal was also assistant manager when Fenerbahce won the Turkish Super Lig title twice in recent years [1, 2]. Despite those successes, the club finished second in the league for five consecutive seasons, while archrival Galatasaray won four straight league titles over the same period [1, 2].
Alongside Kartal’s appointment, Fenerbahce named Oguz Cetin as football director on June 18 [3]. Kartal expressed gratitude toward club president Aziz Yildirim and Cetin. Reflecting on his return, he said, "Returning home again makes me very happy. Even having our president (Yildirim) call me and ask how I was doing was very emotional for me. We have very special memories together from the past" [3].
Kartal pledged to confront the challenges ahead. "Emotions can only take us so far; we have to face reality. In the new season, my staff and I will overcome every challenge both in Türkiye and in Europe," he added [3]. Former Fenerbahce player Dirk Kuyt will join Kartal’s coaching staff as an assistant [3].
Kartal’s first season back at the helm begins with the 2026-27 league campaign.
