Şenol Güneş, born on 1 June 1952 in Trabzon, is a figure who has made significant contributions to Turkish football both as a player and as a technical coach.

Education, Childhood and Youth

Şenol Sun, born on 1 June 1952 in Trabzon, is a prominent figure in Turkish football who has made important contributions both as a player and as a technical director. From a young age, Güneş showed interest in sports; although he initially gravitated toward basketball, growing up within Trabzon’s football culture led him to develop a stronger passion for football. Developing his skills as a goalkeeper, Güneş began his playing career at Erdoğdu Gençlik Kulübü and joined Trabzonspor’s youth academy at the age of 17.

Playing Career

Şenol Güneş began his playing career in the youth system of Trabzonspor and joined the professional team in 1972. During his time as a goalkeeper, he played a key role in Trabzonspor’s victory in the 1975–1976 Süper Lig championship. He was also called up to the Turkish National National Team between 1974 and 1975, competing at the international level. After concluding his playing career at Trabzonspor, he retired from playing and transitioned into coaching.

In addition, during the 1978–1979 season, he set a Süper Lig record by going 1,110 minutes without conceding a goal.

Coaching Career

Şenol Güneş began his coaching career in 1988 as head coach of Trabzonspor. In 2000, he was appointed head coach of the Turkey National Team and led the team to third place at the 2002 FIFA World World Cup. He was named UEFA’s Best Coach of the Year in 2002. During his tenure at Trabzonspor, he guided the team to two league runner-up finishes and also coached at Boluspor, İstanbulspor, Antalyaspor and Sakaryaspor such as clubs. Between 2007 and 2009, he managed South Korea’s FC Seoul, reaching finals in both the league and cup competitions. In 2009, he returned to Trabzonspor and became the head coach of the team that won the Süper Kupa. In 2015, he took charge of Beşiktaş, winning two Süper Lig titles with the club. In 2019, he returned as head coach of the Turkey National Team and led the team to qualification for the 2020 Europe European Football Championship. However, due to results achieved, he stepped down from his position in 2021. He returned to Beşiktaş in 2022 and resigned in 2023. In 2024, he was appointed head coach of Trabzonspor and left the position in 2025.

Güneş has coached various clubs in Turkey and South Korea and has represented national teams in international tournaments.

Şenol Güneş (Photo: Anadolu Agency)

Güneş’s coaching career has not been limited to trophies; he has also contributed to efforts aimed at increasing the international recognition of Turkish football and improving the country’s football development system. He has participated in various projects concerning player development and the overall structure of the game. In addition, he has been a prominent voice in public discourse through his opinions and statements on football. He has emphasized that football is not merely a sport but also carries cultural and educational dimensions, and has advocated for these aspects to be taken into account in Turkish football.

Club Achievements

Trabzonspor:

• Süper Lig Championship: 1975–1976
• Türkiye Kupası: 1976–1977, 1983–1984
• Türkiye Süper Kupa: 1976, 1979

Beşiktaş:

• Süper Lig Championship: 2015–2016, 2016–2017
• Türkiye Kupası: 2010–2011, 2015–2016
• Türkiye Süper Kupa: 2015, 2016

National Team:

• 2002 FIFA World Cup Third Place (2002)
• UEFA European Football Championship: Semi-Final (2008)

Şenol Güneş (Photo: Anadolu Agency)

Individual Achievements

• Süper Lig Coach of the Year: 2016, 2017
• Honorary Award for Contributions to Turkish Football
• Beşiktaş Coach of the Year: 2016–2017

Current Status

Güneş, appointed head coach of Trabzonspor in 2024, left the position on 10 March 2025. The Trabzonspor management offered him a sporting director role, but Güneş declined the offer. As of one, he has no current contract with any club.