Fatih Terim, a legendary head coach in Turkish football, is about to return to coaching. After coaching Panathinaikos in Greece, Terim is reported to have received an unexpected offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab FC.
Terim is best known for his achievements with Galatasaray and the Turkish National Team. Under his leadership, Galatasaray achieved its best results in European competitions, notably winning the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) and the UEFA Super Cup in 2000. He would also coach the Turkish National Team to the semi-finals of Euro 2008, marking one of Türkiye’s best international performances.
Terim is often called by his nickname, “The Emperor.”
After a stint with Panathinaikos, where he coached for a season and managed 26 matches, Terim parted ways with the Greek club before the playoffs. Since then, he has been living in Bodrum and attending local Bodrumspor matches.
Terim is allegedly very close to signing a contract with Al Shabab FC, the first Saudi football club based in Riyadh. Reports from the Saudi media suggest that an agreement with the 71-year-old coach is nearly finalized.
Al Shabab, which is currently in 6th place in the Saudi Pro League, is excited to have “The Emperor” on board.
Fatih Terim is set to leave Istanbul and travel to Riyadh to officially sign with Al Shabab. His new team’s next match is on Jan. 6, 2025, against Al Feiha in the Saudi Arabian Champions Cup quarterfinals.
Along with Terim, his trusted assistants Hamza Hamzaoglu and Levent Sahin will also join Al Shabab.
