Getting to Know – Galatasaray’s latest addition Wang Yuanyuan

Two-time Olympian, middle-blocker Wang Yuanyuan of China joined Galatasaray Daikin ISTANBUL this past November – thereby moving abroad for the very first time after spending her entire career with Tianjin Bohai Bank. 

“My time in Türkiye has been very enjoyable this far. Even though I joined the team quite some time after the start of the season, everyone welcomed me warmly and supported me. I am very happy to be a part of the Galatasaray family,” Wang says. “I must admit that at the beginning, adapting was really difficult. Everything here was completely different from China, both in terms of training routines and daily life. There were many things I had to learn. However, my team supported me greatly. Everyone is very friendly and warm, which made my adaptation process much easier and smoother.” 
 
Wang recalls her first experience playing a competitive match for Galatasaray: “I have never experienced such strong and ritual-like fan support in my Volleyball career before. I had only seen this kind of atmosphere in football matches. This chanting style gave me incredible energy and helped me understand where Galatasaray’s strength truly comes from.” 

Since moving to Istanbul, she has started using social media more actively and the local fans are closely following her. “After moving abroad, I started learning how to use Instagram, and I have received many supportive and motivating messages. Volleyball has connected us with each other, and this makes me feel that sports truly have no borders. Seeing the comments makes me very happy and warms my heart.” 
 
She explores Istanbul whenever she has time. “I really enjoy sitting at a café near the sea, watching Istanbul’s scenery with a glass of Turkish tea or coffee. I would also love it if people recommended nice places to me. I think a large part of Turkish cuisine suits the Asian palate very well. In China, the most well-known Turkish dish is kebab, and it can be found on almost every food street. That’s why I wanted to try it in its most authentic form here. I especially love mixed kebab, rice pudding, and very spicy atom soup.” 

Her performance singing “Sabunu Koydum Leğene” became very popular and almost viral on social media. “The melody of this song is very beautiful. I noticed Yasemin [Güveli] singing it every day in the locker room, but when I tried to learn it, I realised it’s actually not easy at all. (Laughs)” 
 
She is slowly trying to learn some Turkish: “The first words I learned were “hello” and “thank you.” Now I can slowly say very basic things like “okay,” “no,” “yes,” “enjoy your meal,” “how are you,” and “I’m fine.”
 
Anthems play a major role in the matches of Galatasaray. “I like all of our anthems very much. They are both very enthusiastic and empowering. There is one in particular that really sticks in your mind. I don’t know its name, but it starts with “lailailailailailai…”. As I listen to it, I find myself humming along unconsciously, even though I do not fully understand the lyrics.” 
 
Finally, Wang reveals her pre-match routine: “I have a small match routine. Before every match, I always drink a coffee and eat a banana. I also have my own match playlist. After doing all of these things, my mind tells me, “Okay, I am ready,” and I step onto the court in a much better mindset.” 

Wang will soon return to the court for the 8th Finals of the CEV Volleyball Cup 2026, with Galatasaray due to play Belgium’s Darta Bevo ROESELARE on January 7.