22-Year-Old Woman Makes History as Men’s Team Coach in Turkey

The appointment of 22-year-old Zeynep Mestan as head coach of Turgutluspor’s men’s first team has attracted international attention, with the historic move making headlines in the English press.

Mestan was appointed coach of the Aegean club, which competes in the Manisa Super Amateur League, becoming the first woman to take charge of Turgutluspor’s senior men’s team.

The appointment was highlighted by British newspaper The Sun, which described it as a historic decision by the Turkish club to hand its men’s team to a 22-year-old former women’s footballer.

Mestan’s remarkably young age and her transition from playing to coaching have been central to the international interest surrounding the appointment.
She began her football career with K.Yaka BES in 2019 before moving into coaching in 2025 with Bornova Young Stars.

Her appointment at Turgutluspor now represents the latest step in a coaching journey that began only last year, while also marking a significant milestone for women in Turkish football.

The attention from outside Turkey has further highlighted the unusual nature of Turgutluspor’s decision to entrust its men’s senior team to one of the country’s youngest coaches.