When discussing the biggest ultras groups in Turkish football, the name Genç Fenerbahçeliler instantly stands out among the most influential and passionate supporter movements in the country. Known simply as GFB, the group represents the heart of Fenerbahçe SK and has played a massive role in shaping the atmosphere inside Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium for more than two decades.
Founded in 1998 by Sefa Kalya, better known among supporters as Sefa Reis, Genç Fenerbahçeliler quickly became one of the most recognised ultras groups in Turkey. Although the organisation officially started in 1998, the real growth of the movement happened during the early 2000s when thousands of young Fenerbahçe fans united behind the group and created one of the loudest football atmospheres in Europe.
The name Genç Fenerbahçeliler translates to “Young Fenerbahçe Supporters,” perfectly reflecting the youthful energy and aggressive passion that became associated with the group. Over the years, GFB developed into much more than a simple supporters organisation. For many Fenerbahçe fans, it became a symbol of loyalty, identity and devotion to the yellow and navy blue colours of the club.
During its early years, the group first established itself in the legendary Marathon Tribune of Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. That section of the stadium soon became famous among Turkish football supporters for its nonstop chanting, intense atmosphere and passionate displays. Later, due to changes and redevelopment inside the stadium, the group moved through different sections before eventually settling in the Türk Telekom Okul Açık Tribune, where Genç Fenerbahçeliler continue to organise support today.
One of the reasons GFB became so influential is its highly organised structure. Over time, the movement expanded into multiple subgroups representing different generations and communities of supporters. Among the most famous are 1907 Gençlik, Uni GFB, Lise GFB, GFB Europe, Devils of GFB, Boğaz Hooligans and 1907 Ultras. These subgroups helped create a massive supporter network that extends far beyond Istanbul.
Today, Genç Fenerbahçeliler has members across Europe and countries with large Turkish communities including Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, England and Switzerland. This international presence helped transform Fenerbahçe away matches into major events, with thousands of supporters regularly travelling across Europe to support the club.
The atmosphere created by Fenerbahçe ultras is considered one of the strongest in Turkish football. Massive chants, coordinated displays, flares and passionate support turned Şükrü Saracoğlu into one of the most intimidating stadiums in Europe. Derby matches against Galatasaray SK and Beşiktaş JK became especially famous for their intensity and unforgettable scenes inside the stadium.
Unlike many ultras groups focused only on football, GFB also became known for building international friendships with other supporter movements. One of the most notable relationships developed with supporters of Serbian club FK Novi Pazar and their group Torcida Sandžak. In 2011, Genç Fenerbahçeliler displayed a giant banner inside Şükrü Saracoğlu reading “Kalbimiz Seninle Novi Pazar,” meaning “Novi Pazar, our heart is with you.” In return, Torcida Sandžak later displayed banners supporting Fenerbahçe and welcomed members of GFB during a match in Serbia.
There is also a well known friendship between Fenerbahçe supporters and fans of Greek club AEK Athens. During the 2017 EuroLeague Final, Fenerbahçe supporters displayed a banner reading “Same City’s Sons,” symbolising the historical connection and friendship between the two fanbases despite the political tensions that often exist between Turkey and Greece.
The legacy of Sefa Kalya remains deeply connected to the identity of Genç Fenerbahçeliler. Following his death in January 2016, thousands of supporters paid tribute to the man who helped build one of Turkey’s most powerful ultras movements. For many Fenerbahçe fans, Sefa Reis became a symbol of unconditional loyalty and terrace culture.
Over the years, Genç Fenerbahçeliler helped shape modern Turkish ultras culture through organised support, powerful terrace identity and passionate loyalty to the club. The group became one of the defining forces behind Fenerbahçe’s intimidating home atmosphere and remains one of the most influential supporter groups in Turkish football history.
In modern football, where supporter culture is increasingly commercialised, Genç Fenerbahçeliler continue to represent the traditional ultra mentality built around loyalty, identity, passion and unconditional support for the club.