Who is Güler Ünal?
I'm Güler Ünal, originally from Bursa, which is also where my football journey began. I graduated from Akdeniz University's Faculty of Sports Sciences with a degree in Coaching. My football adventure actually started when I was 18 I'm the kind of person who loves to put in the work and keep improving. Since I started playing pretty late, I can honestly say this: starting something from absolute zero later in life and getting to where I am today is incredibly tough. My fellow athletes will definitely get what I mean. Of course, what got me here was discipline and a strong fighting spirit.
When people hear the name Güler Ünal, what three words do you want to come to mind?
Discipline, resilience, and determination.
Throughout your career, which coach or teammate helped you improve the most? What was the biggest lesson you learned from them?
I've worked with so many amazing coaches throughout my career, and every single one of them added something different to my game. But the person I'd call my absolute hero is my best friend and teammate, Eda Döndü Derin. We played together and gave our all for the same jersey for about three seasons. She taught me everything there is to know about football, from top to bottom. Once I stepped onto the pitch with her, I was no longer just a player looking lost out there. I became someone who could actually read the game and knew what to do. I'd like to take this chance to thank her once again.
Is there a lesson in your life that makes you say, "I wish I had learned this sooner"?
I wish I had learned a lot sooner to stop comparing myself to others and to accept that every athlete's development is unique. In the long run, patience is definitely your biggest asset.
Do you think women's football has gained real momentum in Turkey recently? What do you feel is still the biggest missing piece?
Yes, we've seen some serious progress in recent years. But I really think we still need much more investment in grassroots, better facilities, more media coverage, and solid sponsorship support. Once those areas grow, women's football will be in a much stronger position.
What are your thoughts on the current structure of women's football in Croatia?
Women's football in Croatia is still growing. They're making some really positive moves in terms of getting organized and turning professional. Getting to see different football cultures is an incredible experience for me, both on the pitch and personally.
Is there a match or a goal in your career that you'll never forget? What made that day so special?
Oh, definitely. The goal I scored against Amed Spor back when I played for Adana İdmanyurdu. I basically sprinted all the way from our own penalty box to theirs. My veteran teammate and mentor, Başak Ersoy, played this perfect pass, and all I had to do was tap it in. That was my very first goal in the Women's Super League.
Is there a club model you look up to in women's football?
I think Barcelona is incredibly successful when it comes to that.
Scoring a goal or assisting one?
Scoring.
Books or TV series?
Books.
Your favorite stadium?
Stadion Gradski Vrt.
Morning training or evening training?
Evening training.
Which female footballer in the world would you want to train with?
Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati.
What is the greatest life lesson football has taught you?
That no success is an accident—hard work, patience, and consistency always pay off in the end.
Do you have any pre-match routines?
I usually paint my nails red, or whatever color matches my jersey that day.
How do you think women's football award ceremonies like "Kristal Ayaklar" (Crystal Feet) impact athletes' motivation? If you could leave a one-sentence message for this organization, what would you say?
Events like these really boost the visibility of women's football and make us athletes feel that our hard work is actually being seen and valued. They're also a massive source of inspiration for young girls.
Lastly, if you had one message to encourage young girls to start playing football, what would it be?
Never give up on your dreams. There will absolutely be tough times, but if you work with discipline, believe in yourself, and refuse to quit, you will reach your goals. Football isn't just a game; it's an incredibly valuable journey that shapes your character, builds your confidence, and changes your outlook on life.
