By our reporter 5.11.2026
Former Liverpool player Dirk Kuyt said his six years at Anfield learning never to give up help his team Fenerbahce to come back from behind and beat Liverpool 3-2 in their Champions League clash Wednesday night at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul.
The win was Fenerbahce’s first Champions League win in 18 years, and it also ended Liverpool’s perfect record in the competition this season. Fenerbahce came back twice to secure the victory before their home fans.
Trey Nyoni and substitute Alexander Isak twice put the Reds ahead, but goals from Mason Greenwood, Archie Brown, and Vedat Muriqi turned the tie around.
“We’re very proud of this victory. We’ve won in this competition for the first time in 18 years, beating one of its most successful clubs — a team that famously staged a miraculous comeback to win the UEFA Champions League here in Istanbul,” Kuyt stated.
“Before kick-off, many people gave us little chance, but we believed in ourselves.”
“We pressed intensely and played with tremendous energy, and we’re delighted to have given our fans an unforgettable night,” the Dutchman added.
“These two clubs mean so much to me. My mother and father are the most important people in my life, but I also learned a lot during my six seasons as a Liverpool player,” Kuyt revealed.
“The most important lesson was to never give up, no matter what. That is what I have tried to instill in my players.”