Ferdi Kadioglu hopes award is the start of a special few days

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Defender was named Player of the Season at Tuesday's awards and would love to be celebrating again on Sunday.

Nick Szczepanik

2026-05-20T13:30+01:00

Ferdi Kadioglu hopes to be celebrating at the Amex again on Sunday by helping Albion reach Europe. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Men’s Player of the Season Ferdi Kadioglu was delighted to be voted the fans’ favourite at Tuesday’s Players’ Awards, but hopes to be celebrating another prize on Sunday – European qualification.

“Last season was difficult,” he said. “I just played eight games for Brighton. It was really hard for me because I wanted to show myself, and I couldn't do that.

“So I'm really happy with my comeback this season, and the appreciation from the fans for the effort that I put on the pitch. I'm really glad that they voted for me, and we have this Sunday one more important game and all together we can hopefully make it an unforgettable season.”

With the toe injury that sidelined him for so much of last season behind him, the Turkey defender has been able to showcase his non-stop energy and his attacking instincts.

“I'm a player who likes to put a lot of energy on the pitch,” he said. “I like to go forward, help the attackers, creating chances. But also, when we have to defend, I will do everything to avoid a goal against us. I think this season I did that quite well, and I can look back on a good season.

Men's player of the season Ferdi Kadioglu. 📷Paul Hazlewood

“I knew in the past that [defending] was part of me that I had to improve, and I think i have done well this season, both defensively and going forward. The coaches help me every day, and hopefully we can continue to do that next season as well.”

Whether Albion will be competing in European next season will probably depend on Sunday’s result at home to Manchester United.

“It’s a big final for us,” he said. “Everything is still possible. Together with the fans, hopefully we can make it a very nice game.

“We have to be on top of them. We have everything to play for, and we have to show that to everyone. We are very strong at home, and we have to do that again on Sunday.”