Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: PSG
The PSG Academy Türkiye has reinforced its strategic expansion with the launch of a new training center in Bakırköy, Istanbul. This marks the academy’s fourth location in Istanbul and 14th nationwide, highlighting Paris Saint-Germain’s continued investment in Türkiye’s football development market. Since 2018, the PSG Academy has been scaling its operations, offering youth training programs aligned with the club’s European football methodology.
Strategic Growth and Market Positioning PSG Academy Türkiye
The official inauguration of the Bakırköy site on January 24, 2025, was attended by PSG Academy Türkiye founder Nihat Uğurlu and board member Cem Kılıç, who underlined the location’s strategic significance. The academy’s expansion is part of Paris Saint-Germain’s broader efforts to strengthen its global brand presence in key international markets.
"The PSG Academy Türkiye has been on a rapid growth trajectory. By leveraging PSG’s training methodologies, our objective is to introduce European football development standards across Türkiye while identifying and nurturing high-potential athletes," said Nihat Uğurlu.
Infrastructure and Development Goals
The Bakırköy facility, which features two outdoor pitches and modern football training infrastructure, supports the academy’s mission to enhance youth talent development. The PSG Academy Türkiye currently operates:
14 training centers across the country
1,200 players between the ages of 3 and 19
A dual-focus program integrating sports training with academic education
The new expansion aligns with PSG’s long-term market strategy, reinforcing its commitment to youth football development in Türkiye, a country with a strong football culture and significant commercial potential.
Expanding Competitive and Commercial Activities
To mark the launch of the new site, the PSG Academy Türkiye hosted the second edition of the PSG Academy Türkiye Cup, a tournament designed to elevate the academy’s competitive profile and attract new talent. Moving forward, PSG plans to increase event-driven engagement and expand its presence through structured competitions and scouting programs.
PSG’s Long-Term Strategy in Türkiye
The PSG Academy’s continued investment in Türkiye reflects Paris Saint-Germain’s broader international expansion strategy, positioning the club as a key player in youth football development globally. The Bakırköy facility represents a strategic move to further strengthen PSG’s market influence in Türkiye, with a focus on sustainable development, talent identification, and local football ecosystem integration.