Arda Güler regretted asking a Minera player for his shirt

The match between Real Madrid and Deportiva Minera in the Copa del Rey was full of emotion. Arda Güler scored two goals and impressed with his talent. But it was a gesture off the pitch that caught the eye: the Turkish midfielder asked to swap shirts with Omar Pedromo, a player from Deportiva Minera. It was a generous gesture, but one that provoked an unexpected reaction.

Arda Güler was one of the best players in Monday night’s King’s Cup match against Deportiva Minera. Close to the fans and the opposing players, he showed great humility. At half-time, the crack Turk asked Omar Pedromo to swap shirts. A common gesture among professional footballers, but one that has an unexpected consequence for players from modest clubs. Clubs in lower divisions such as Deportiva Minera do not have an unlimited supply of shirts. When a player gives away his shirt, he often has to buy a new one out of his own pocket for the rest of the season. This is what happened to Omar Pedromo.

Esto de Arda Güler y @Perdomomachado.

Fútbol.pic.twitter.com/w8FYS60ete

— Offsider (@Offsider_ES) January 6, 2025

Arda Güler’s team-mates were quick to react to the situation. According to Defensa Central, they jokingly ‘scolded’ the young Turk. ‘It’s going to cost the kid money for the shirt you asked for,’ they reportedly told him. Arda Güler was surprised and couldn’t believe it. He had no idea that his gesture, however generous, could have a financial impact on his opponent. But the Deportiva Minera players took it in their stride. For them, playing Real Madrid is an exceptional event. They were prepared to pay out of their own pockets to keep a unique souvenir of the match.

A special moment for Deportiva Minera

The match against Real Madrid was a dream for the players of Deportiva Minera. Arda Güler understood the importance of this moment for them. After the match, he once again showed his humility by visiting Javi Vera, another Deportiva Minera player. Vera told the press: ‘During the match, Güler told me I’d done very well in one action. I told him I was impressed and that I’d like to have his shirt. He was waiting for me, but as I was talking to my family, he left again. Later, he came to my dressing room with his shirt’.

Arda Güler scored two goals in this match, taking his total to 3 goals and 3 assists this season. These figures may seem modest, but it should be remembered that Güler has yet to accumulate many minutes of playing time. Carlo Ancelotti has faith in him and intends to give him more opportunities in the second half of the season. The Turkish phenomenon Güler is a spectacular talent. His technical ability, his vision and his ability to score goals make him a promising player. Yesterday, he showed that he has everything it takes to become a Real Madrid star.