De Colo ends his career by winning the Turkish league

The legendary game creator Nando de Colo closed an exceptional career in professional basketball on Friday. The 38-year-old French point guard wrapped up a twenty-year career by helping Fenerbahçe Beko secure the championship in the Turkish Insurance Basketball Super League, thus completing a cycle that will solidify his legacy among the greats of European sports.

Throughout this last season, De Colo faced considerable physical challenges. A persistent illness limited his performance during the playoffs, but the veteran player stayed committed to the team until the end. In the decisive final against Besiktas Gain at the Sinan Erdem Stadium in Istanbul, the Frenchman played nine minutes, during which he distributed three assists and stole a ball. His defensive contribution and ball handling were crucial in his team's triumph.

De Colo's track record reflects an elite career on the continent. The French point guard played 125 games in the NBA, competing at the highest level of world basketball. However, it was in Europe where he solidified his legendary status, winning two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague trophies, the most prestigious competition on the continent. His ability to lead the game and court vision made him an undisputed reference in the point guard position.

Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahçe's coach, highlighted De Colo's importance in European basketball. "Nando De Colo is one of the most important players in European basketball," stated the Lithuanian coach. Jasikevicius explained that after the Final Four of the continental competition, the Frenchman contracted a virus that caused him to lose five kilos, significantly limiting his physical performance. "Nevertheless, we wanted to give him the farewell he deserved," emphasized Jasikevicius, acknowledging that the club wanted to honor the magnitude of his career.

Last words from a champion

Following the title win in Istanbul, De Colo gave statements to beIN Sports Turkiye reflecting on the closure of his career. "Fenerbahçe is very special to me. I am very happy to end my career in this club as a champion," expressed the French point guard, showing emotion in his final moments as a professional player. His words reflected the importance the Turkish club had in the culmination of his trajectory.

The Frenchman was clear in marking the end of an era: "Today was my last day as a basketball player." Nonetheless, he nuanced his reflection with an open perspective on the future: "However, for me, basketball never ends. One story finishes, another begins." This statement suggests that, although he hangs up his sneakers as a player, his connection with the sport will continue in other forms.

Collective success as a priority

Throughout his career, De Colo always prioritized team success over individual achievements. This philosophy was particularly evident in his last seasons, when despite the physical problems he faced, he remained focused on contributing to the collective project to the maximum. His winning mentality and silent leadership set him apart from many other talents that passed through the European leagues.

The 2026 Turkish Insurance Basketball Super League playoffs showed Fenerbahçe's path to the title. In the quarterfinals, the team outperformed Safiport Erokspor with a clear advantage, winning both games with scores of 94-72 and 96-73. In the semifinals, Fenerbahçe faced Anadolu Efes in a more competitive series, resolving it 3-1 after four intense encounters. The final against Besiktas Gain resulted in a 3-1 triumph, consolidating the Turkish championship for the Istanbul-based team.

A future away from competition

Following his retirement as a player, De Colo has opted for a different path than many of his colleagues. Unlike other veterans who quickly accept roles as scouts or executives, the Frenchman seeks a complete detachment from professional competition at this time. He plans to move his family to Spain soon, seeking a peaceful environment away from the intense media scrutiny surrounding the world of professional basketball.

This decision reflects the accumulated exhaustion after two decades of elite career, marked by frequent team changes and the inherent pressures of competing at the highest level. However, this competitive break appears to be temporary in De Colo's mind. The point guard has admitted that his eventual transition to coaching is practically unavoidable, suggesting that his future in basketball will remain relevant, although from a perspective different from that of a player.

Nando de Colo's retirement represents the end of an era in European basketball. His legacy will endure as a reference of excellence, professionalism, and leadership in the point guard position. With two EuroLeague titles, NBA experience, and now a Turkish league championship as a grand finale, De Colo leaves an indelible mark on the history of continental sports.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, De Colo cierra su carrera ganando la liga turca