Who is Dilan Bora? Could you share the details of your journey into football and the youth academies you played for? What positions have you played over the years, and which position do you feel most successful and comfortable in?
I was born on February 15, 2002. I'm originally from Kars, but I was born and raised in Ankara. I've been playing football since I was 10, and I turned professional at 15. I’ve played for several teams. Education-wise, I graduated as a physical education teacher. My first club was Ankara Fomget, where I spent seven years. After Fomget, I transferred to Hakkarigücü. Following a successful season there, I joined the Fenerbahçe community. After a great season with them, I received an offer from Europe and transferred to Glasgow City, representing our country as the first Turkish female footballer in Europe. I then spent a year at ALG Spor, a team that has won championships in Turkey. After that, I had two successful seasons at Trabzonspor. As for positions, there isn't one specific role I feel most comfortable in; just being on the pitch is enough for me. Whether it's on the wing, in central midfield, at center-back, or as a striker—wherever I'm assigned, I try to do my absolute best. Just being on the field is reason enough for me. 😁
Your football journey began at a very young age. What drew you to the sport?
In primary school, watching the boys play really caught my attention. At first, they didn't want to let me join, but later they did—though initially, they would always stick me in goal. That's how my football adventure began.
When you decided to play football, what kind of reactions did you get from your family and your surroundings?
Twelve years ago, there was a lot of prejudice against women's football; it wasn't at all like it is today. Naturally, I received the most support from my family, especially my father. No matter how much negative feedback I got from my surroundings back then, those same people all congratulate me now. Because I had to walk a thorny path, I learned how to overcome every obstacle.
How would you describe being a female footballer in Turkey? What are the main challenges you've faced on this journey, and what steps need to be taken to overcome them?
Being a female footballer in Turkey was genuinely very tough. Achieving success over time and introducing women's football to the public has been incredibly rewarding for us. Now, everyone watches us with admiration. We are doing exceptionally well with the national team, and I believe we represent Turkey beautifully. Our Women's National Team head coach, Necla, has put an immense amount of effort into women's football; thanks to her, we have overcome many hurdles. Women's football needs to be valued much more in every sense—both financially and morally.
You draw a lot of attention as a highly consistent defensive player. How would you describe your own playing style?
Every season, I start in one position and finish in another. Last season, I played as a center-back and was actually named Center-Back of the Year. If I had to pick a player to describe my style, I'd say Puyol. From the outside, people usually compare me to Jose Sosa or give Batista Mendy as an example.
What does playing in defense mean to you? What is the most important trait that separates a good defender from other players?
Playing in defense might look easy from the outside, but every split-second move you make there can determine the team's fate. I think defense requires a much higher level of focus. Compared to other positions, it demands far more ambition and experience...
By wearing the national jersey many times in the U19 and youth categories, you played international matches against teams like England, Portugal, and Russia. What did these early international experiences teach you?
It is an immense source of pride to play for the youth national teams at an early age. Naturally, there were differences depending on the opponents we faced, mostly in terms of physicality. The greatest lesson I took from those early experiences was to never lose my discipline, whether facing hardship or enjoying success.
You are currently continuing your career at Trabzonspor. How has your experience in Trabzon been so far, and how do you evaluate your goals at the club? We also know you've received transfer offers; what are your plans for your career journey?
I had some wonderful years at Trabzonspor. We could have been champions, but there were some setbacks, poor choices, and frequent changes. These factors ultimately affected our title run. I hope they find success in the future. As for my own career plans, I hope to elevate myself to an even better position than where I am now.
Who are the domestic and international footballers that inspire you?
There are many players I draw inspiration from. I actively watch and follow successful players like Valverde, Désiré Doué, and Virgil van Dijk.
Where do you see yourself in the future, and what are your goals after retiring from football?
I want to finish my career at the top, delivering strong performances. After I retire, I want to stay involved in football. That could be as a coach or an educator; time will tell.
How do you view the development of women's football in Turkey? As a female player, what do you think still needs to be done?
Right now, women's football is on the rise; the national team's success is having a positive impact on the clubs as well. Of course, we don't receive full support yet, but things are gradually getting better. The only issue is that the high quota of foreign players is blocking the path for Turkish female footballers. We need to be supported in every aspect. We are still very much in the background compared to men's football.
Last year, you won the 'Defender of the Year' award at the Crystal Feet Award Ceremony. What does this prestigious award, along with initiatives like the Women Footballers Association, mean to you in terms of the recognition of women's football?
The award I received last year was the ultimate payoff for all my hard work and exhaustion. It’s an incredibly proud moment, of course; it's hard to even describe. Receiving congratulatory messages from both people I know and complete strangers after winning the award was absolutely delightful. I hope to continue being successful in the coming years and earn even more of these awards.
What message would you like to give to young girls who aspire to become professional footballers?
To anyone who wants to become a footballer: never give up. Whether the conditions are in your favor or not, just keep wanting it. When you truly want something, God makes it possible. Hard work is the greatest achievement. The path to victory lies in discipline. Success is always on the side of those who strive for it. So, my biggest advice to my younger sisters is to keep working and constantly improve yourselves.
