Trabzonspor’s rise to the top of the Turkish football pyramid is one of the most incredible tales in the Süper Lig era. But after a long wait of 38 years, the Black Sea Storm finally got their 7th league championship in season 2021-22, putting an end to years of frustration and bringing a smile to the faces of supporters.
The championship was more than a trophy. It demonstrated the power of a club outside Istanbul to compete against the traditional powerhouses of Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş. The achievement also garnered a broader audience of football fans who are keen to closely follow and study Turkish sports and new prospects, such as those on platforms like Premierbet reviewed by SportyTrader team for more insights into football markets.
The team’s stability, tactical discipline and a mix of experienced veterans and young talent were key to Trabzonspor’s success. Now, Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu is backed by a world-class creative genius in the form of Mohamed Salah and hopes are high that the club will go for more trophies.
A historic title built on patience
Having tasted the bitterness of failure in previous seasons, Trabzonspor started the 2021-22 season with a sense of urgency to overcome their struggles. Abdullah Avcı turned the team into a balanced side that could dominate the game by playing a balanced midfield and an efficient attacking line.
It was confirmed on 30th April 2022, in a draw against Antalyaspor at Şenol Güneş Sports Complex. The victory put an end to the club’s longest league drought since they claimed their last title in 1983-84, to a historic era of the Turkish game.
Trabzonspor had already gained a reputation in the 1970s and early 1980s winning six league championships between the 1975-76 and 1983-84 seasons. They established a tradition of pride and competitiveness in football and successfully became the first team outside of Istanbul capable of dominating Turkish football.
The heroes behind the championship
This 2021-22 title was won as a team not by an individual. Uğurcan Çakır was leading the team with his constant presence in goal, and Anastasios Bakasetas controlled games from his midfield position, also adding some important goals.
Captain Marek Hamšík, the Slovakian legend who joined in 2020, provided leadership and experience in midfield, while his 6 goals and 7 assists in the title-winning campaign demonstrated his enduring quality at 37 years old.
There were also other influential players such as Anthony Nwakaeme who could deflate opponents with his technical skills, creativity and experience. Andreas Cornelius provided several offensive goals and added the pulling power to Trabzonspor’s game in tough times.
The team’s most notable strength was their balance. All players knew their place and Trabzonspor remained consistent during this challenging league campaign.
Trabzonspor’s trophy tradition
Trabzonspor remains one of the most successful clubs in Turkey, having won seven Süper Lig titles (1975-76, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1980-81, 1983-84 and 2021-22).
The club has also been successful in domestic cups, winning the Turkish Cup 10 times (most recently in 2025-26) and the Turkish Super Cup 10 times (most recently in 2022). In total, Trabzonspor have lifted 27 major trophies, making them one of the most decorated clubs in Turkish football history. All these accomplishments have helped Trabzonspor become one of the leading clubs that can challenge the wealthiest clubs in Turkey.
The 2021-22 title was particularly significant, as it totally changed the landscape of Turkish football. It demonstrated how important it was for careful planning, good recruitment and teamwork to overcome the financial disadvantage.
Onuachu’s leadership in attack
Paul Onuachu is one of the most important figures in Trabzonspor’s recent history. The Nigerian striker came back permanently after his impressive loan spell in 2023-24 where he scored 15 league goals.
He has good speed, agility and finishing, which make him a tricky player to deal with for any defender. Onuachu, who stands more than two metres, provides Trabzonspor with a traditional centre-forward role and has demonstrated better movement and technique.
These attributes proved significant in the 2025-26 campaign. The Nigerian striker netted 22 league goals in 28 appearances to finish as the Süper Lig’s top scorer, his second-best league goalscoring season of his career after his 15 goals in 21 appearances during his first loan spell in 2023-24. He was also pivotal to Trabzonspor’s success in the Turkish Cup, which they won in 2025-26. He is dependable enough to become the centre of the attack for the club.
Salah partnership creates new possibilities
Trabzonspor’s aspirations have another dimension with the arrival of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian striker has experience in Premier League, Champions League and International football which is why he joined the club after a very successful spell with Liverpool in the English Premier League.
Salah was reunited with former Liverpool teammate Fabinho in August 2026, when the Brazilian midfielder also joined Trabzonspor on a free transfer after his spell with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The duo’s chemistry from their Anfield days is expected to give Trabzonspor a significant advantage in both domestic and European competitions.
Salah’s skill, mobility and strike rate are all qualities which might revolutionise Trabzonspor’s attacking line up. His inclusion will likely give Onuachu more room to play as he can’t be the only target of defending. Onuachu should be able to take advantage of better set-pieces and more chances inside the box when Salah is stretched out in wide attacking positions.
The partnership provides complementary attributes. Onuachu brings physical power and dominance, as well as aerial ability and finishing touches and Salah has speed, dribbling, intelligent movement and final pass. The pair could create a lethal attacking duo in Turkish football.
Can Trabzonspor win another trophy?
Trabzonspor are not just a possession based team with two brilliant attackers but it will rely on the whole team. Defensive consistency and midfield control, as well as staying in good form in a long season, are important skills for winning trophies.
The Süper Lig is highly competitive and the Istanbul-based teams spend huge amounts of money on talented players. If Trabzonspor are going to be a challenge for big honours they need discipline and depth.
The club has already proved that success can be achieved when strategy and teamwork is combined, though. This year’s title (2021-22) was not won by one player but by a collective achievement.
Onuachu’s goals and Salah’s creativity make Trabzonspor’s attack a solid one. Their partnership has sparked a renewed sense of hope among supporters, who hope for a new history to be made.
The 2022 title, which was left to be decided in the 38th, is also Trabzonspor’s proud heritage. With Onuachu at the helm and Salah adding quality, the Black Sea Storm have the chance to create another memorable Era and go on to win trophies at the top of Turkish football.
Onuachu’s path is yet another example of African talent influencing football in Europe, a trend that has become commonplace in recent years. His signing with Salah also adds interest for Trabzonspor, as they become a Turkish football brand. The task now is taking the individual quality and making it a team product and making sure the Black Sea Storm can get back to the top.
