Çağla Korkmaz is a former Turkish-German footballer and current coach. Since August 2025 she has been part of Galatasaray, where she works as Assistant Coach of the women’s first team and Head of Girls Academy. A former Turkey international, she brings the experience of playing at the highest level, the structural discipline of German football, and the ability to translate both into her daily coaching work. With a worldwide network in women’s football and a deep commitment to player development, she combines international expertise with a clear vision for building sustainable pathways for girls and women in the game.
Education & Early Career
Born on November 14, 1990, in Munich, Germany, Korkmaz began her football journey in the youth setup of FFC Wacker München. Her early development in Germany’s well-structured football ecosystem gave her a strong foundation in technical and tactical aspects of the game. After progressing through the youth ranks, she played for clubs such as FC Stern München 1919 and FC Ingolstadt 04, eventually establishing herself as a reliable defender.
Professional Playing Career
Her senior career included stints at 1. FC Lübars, VfL Wolfsburg II, TSV Schott Mainz, and SV Meppen. Korkmaz combined defensive stability with leadership on and off the pitch, which earned her a call-up to the Turkey women’s national team, where she represented the country between 2015 and 2018.
Transition to Coaching
After retiring from playing, Korkmaz quickly moved into coaching. In 2018–2019 she served as assistant coach for SV Meppen U17, focusing on youth development and tactical preparation. From 2021 to 2025 she worked as head coach at her former club FFC Wacker München, becoming one of the few female Turkish-German coaches leading a senior team in the German football pyramid. In August 2025 she took the next step by joining Galatasaray as Assistant Coach of the women’s first team and Head of Girls Academy, combining day-to-day elite coaching with long-term academy development.
Leadership & Philosophy
Korkmaz’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, mutual respect, and individual growth within a team-oriented structure. Drawing on her own playing career, she prioritizes player confidence, technical improvement, and emotional intelligence. She advocates for equal opportunities in football and is committed to raising the visibility of women in leadership roles.
Current Role at Galatasaray
At Galatasaray, Korkmaz supports first-team preparation and match analysis while overseeing the Girls Academy. She integrates the discipline and structures of German football into the Turkish environment and uses her international network to create new opportunities for players and staff. Her remit includes methodology design across age groups, coach education, and talent identification. The ambition is to align academy principles with senior-team demands and to establish a transparent pathway from grassroots to the first team.
Vision for Women’s Football
As a bilingual professional navigating both Turkish and German football cultures, Korkmaz serves as a bridge between two systems. She speaks often about the importance of institutional support, quality coaching education, and international exposure for young athletes. Her long-term ambition remains contributing to structured player pathways and inspiring more women to pursue coaching and leadership roles.
Our Exclusive Interview with Çağla Korkmaz
Who is Çağla Korkmaz outside of football?
I’d say I’m the same person on the pitch as I am off it. For me, it’s really important to stay true to who you are in everyday life. If someone were to describe me, I’d say, above all, I’m a mom. I’m deeply family-oriented, I come from a big family, I value harmony, and I love spending time with friends and family doing all sorts of activities.
You recently joined Galatasaray as Assistant Coach of the women’s first team and Head of Girls Academy. What convinced you about this step?
The Galatasaray project offers the chance to combine elite football with long-term development. For me it was important to find a place where I could bring all of my experiences together – my years in German football with its structures and discipline, my international perspective as a Turkish national team player, and my passion for building environments where girls see a clear pathway. Galatasaray is a big club with strong traditions and ambitions, and being able to help shape both the first team and the academy was a unique opportunity.
What excites you most about shaping the Girls Academy at such a big club?
The academy is where the future of women’s football begins. What excites me is creating a structure where young players clearly see their next steps – from grassroots to the first team. At Galatasaray, we have the resources and visibility to make that pathway tangible. For me it’s about more than just training sessions: it’s about preparing girls technically, tactically, and mentally to perform in a professional environment.
Your playing and coaching journey spans both Germany and Türkiye. How do you combine those influences in your daily work?
I was educated as a player in Germany, where discipline, structure, and detailed methodology are central. At the same time, representing Türkiye at international level gave me a deep understanding of different football cultures and the importance of adaptability. In my daily work, I try to combine both: the structural and disciplined approach from Germany with the passion, energy, and resilience that are very present in Turkish football. It’s a mix that I think players respond well to.
You are known for having a strong international network. How does that benefit your work at Galatasaray?
Football is global. Having a wide network means access to knowledge, exchanges with other coaches, opportunities for friendly matches, and also visibility for our players. It allows us to benchmark ourselves against international standards and bring in fresh ideas. For the girls in the academy especially, knowing that they are part of a wider football world can be very motivating.
What philosophies guide your leadership as a coach?
My philosophy is built on discipline, respect, and clarity. Players should always know what is expected of them and why. At the same time, I believe coaching is not only about tactics but also about developing people. My aim is to create an environment where players grow in confidence and character. When you combine a clear game model with open and authentic communication, the results come naturally.
How does your daily routine look inside a top-club environment like Galatasaray?
The rhythm is very intense. Mornings usually start with staff meetings and video analysis of the previous match or the next opponent. Then we move into planning and delivering training sessions. Afternoons are often filled with individual talks with players, academy coordination, and organizational work. The day doesn’t end after training; there are always discussions, feedback, and preparation for the next session. It’s a lot of responsibility, but the professionalism of a club like Galatasaray provides a strong structure that makes the work effective and rewarding.
Who have been the biggest influences on your career?
There are two. First, Salih from my time at Wacker – he played a decisive role in my transition from player to coach, and without him I might not have taken this path so early. Second, my former coach at BSC in the 2nd league, Jürgen Franz. He embodied values that I want to carry forward: integrity, discipline, and humanity. Both shaped me as a coach and as a person.
What are your goals at Galatasaray in the short and medium term?
In the short term, I want to help the first team compete successfully and implement a clear playing identity. At the same time, I am focused on building the foundations of the Girls Academy: methodology, coaching education, and a clear pathway for players. Medium term, the goal is to see academy players regularly making the step into the first team. Personally, I want to continue developing myself, complete further coaching licenses, and contribute to raising the standards of women’s football in Türkiye and beyond.
