Mert Hakan Yandaş returns to action after 568 days

Fenerbahçe beat Corendon Alanyaspor 3-0 in matchday 8 of the Süper Lig at Kadıköy, but the headline moment of the night was the return of Mert Hakan Yandaş. The 32-year-old midfielder appeared in an official match for the yellow-and-navy blue side for the first time in 568 days.

Mert Hakan Yandaş had spent time in prison amid an investigation launched against him and was also penalized by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) over betting-related conduct, in addition to a six-month suspension handed down by the Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK) last season. With his ban recently concluded, the experienced player finally earned a place back in the squad.

Head coach İsmail Kartal brought Mert Hakan Yandaş on in the 77th minute against Alanyaspor, replacing İrfan Can Kahveci. His return to the pitch was greeted with loud applause from the Kadıköy crowd as fans welcomed him back warmly.

At the final whistle, chants in honor of Mert Hakan Yandaş echoed through the stands as supporters celebrated the long-awaited moment with emotion. His last appearance in a Fenerbahçe shirt had come on March 28, 2025, in a league match against Bodrum FK.

Alongside the comfortable three points earned against Alanyaspor, Mert Hakan Yandaş's comeback brought genuine joy to the Fenerbahçe community. Both the club and its supporters are hopeful that the experienced player can once again contribute meaningfully to the team following his return.