Beard Turned White! Former Barcelona Star Ages Rapidly at 38: Only Two and a Half Years as a Coach, Yet Looks Completely Drained

Since retiring and stepping into coaching, Arda Turan seems to have been hit by a fast-forward button of aging. In a recently viral photo, the 38-year-old appears with a nearly full white beard and thinning hair, looking more like someone in his mid-50s. Fans were shocked: “He aged decades in just two years!”

This situation isn’t unique—Wayne Rooney famously aged rapidly during his coaching stint due to extreme pressure. Now, Turan is experiencing something similar.

Born in January 1987, Turan should technically still be in the prime years of his life. But in his latest photos, he looks like a once-blooming flower now fading quickly. During his playing career, he represented Galatasaray, Atlético Madrid, and FC Barcelona, becoming one of Turkey’s most iconic players. He retired in September 2022 at the age of 35 and quickly transitioned into coaching.

In April 2023, Turan became head coach of Turkish club Eyüpspor. He managed 84 matches, achieving 45 wins, 14 draws, and 25 losses, boasting a 54% win rate. This July, he made an even bigger leap by taking charge of Ukrainian powerhouse Shakhtar Donetsk.

This season, Turan’s performance has been recognized—after 14 league rounds, Shakhtar sit at the top of the table, two points ahead of second place. He has poured tremendous effort into the team, and his contract runs until June 2027.

But the toll is visible. His latest photos reveal a nearly fully white beard and clear signs of stress, prompting fans to comment:
“Tell me he’s 68 and I’ll believe it,”
“Is he coaching or practicing dark magic?”
“He looks 78, not 38,”
“This job really drains people!”

Another amusing moment occurred in August when Shakhtar secured a Europa League qualifying win. During a post-match interview with a female reporter, Turan kept his head down, avoiding eye contact—a gesture many interpreted as loyalty to his wife. Turan married in 2018 and remains devoted to his family.