Mauro Icardi has etched his name into Galatasaray folklore after breaking a long-standing club record held by one of its greatest-ever icons, Gheorghe Hagi.
The Argentine striker reached 72 goals for the Turkish giants after calmly converting a penalty in Galatasaray’s 4-0 win over Kayserispor last Sunday. With that strike, Icardi became the joint highest-scoring foreign player in Galatasaray’s history, drawing level with Romanian legend Hagi.
Then, five minutes into the Turkish Cup match against İstanbulspor on Wednesday, Icardi got the goal that makes him the outright top foreign scorer for Galatasaray on 73.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the speed at which Icardi has reached the milestone. The former Inter and PSG forward needed just 118 matches to score his 74 goals, compared to 192 appearances for Hagi‘s 73.
In Hagi’s defence, he was considered a player who operated primarily as a creative No.10 rather than an out-and-out striker.
Following the match that equalled the record, the former Inter striker took to social media to acknowledge the significance of the moment, writing: “It’s an honour to share a throne with you. Legend,” in reference to the Romanian.
The message was widely shared among Galatasaray supporters, many of whom already view the Argentine as one of the most decisive foreign players to ever wear the famous yellow and red shirt.
Then, after breaking the record on Wednesday, Icardi made a far broader post, thanking the club, the fans, and his teammates for their role in his milestone.
“Today, I enter the history books of this great club as the top foreign goalscorer,” he wrote on Instagram. “This personal achievement would not have been possible without you, without this shirt, without this stadium, without these people who made me feel at home from the first day I set foot in Istanbul.
“Ours is not a love like any other; it is a love that cannot be explained, only felt. It is connection, respect, passion, and gratitude. I am sure that all the love you have given me is transformed today into this little piece of history that we have built together.”
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What does Gheorghe Hagi mean for Galatsaray?
Hagi’s legacy at Galatasaray is monumental. The legendary playmaker starred for the club between 1996 and 2001, playing a central role in one of the most successful periods in its history.
During his time in Istanbul, Galatasaray won four consecutive Süper Lig titles and famously lifted the UEFA Cup in 2000, a historic triumph that remains unmatched in Turkish football.
But Hagi’s influence went far beyond goals, as he defined an era with his leadership, creativity and flair.
Icardi, meanwhile, has become the modern standard-bearer for Galatasaray’s attacking threat. His goals have been vital both domestically as well as in Europe, and his ability to deliver in decisive moments has made him a fan favourite. While his role differs from Hagi’s, the impact is undeniable.
With the record now broken – and more matches still to come – Icardi appears poised to set a very difficult record to be surpassed in the future.
For now, though, Galatasaray fans can celebrate a rare moment where past and present meet, united by two foreign legends who have helped shape the club’s identity in very different eras.