Rıza Kayaalp

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Rıza Kayaalp's trophy cabinet is staggering: five world titles, 13 European golds, and three Olympic medals. But the record that truly sets him apart is his 13 European championships, a feat no other wrestler has matched. Breaking Alexander Karelin's 12-title mark in 2026 was a historic moment, and Kayaalp did it at 36, after a 20-month layoff. His consistency across two decades is unmatched in Greco-Roman wrestling, and he remains a fierce competitor with his eyes on the 2028 Olympics.

AwardsKayaalp has won five World Championship golds and 13 European Championship titles, the most in history. He has also earned three Olympic medals: bronze in 2012, silver in 2016, and bronze in 2020. His 13th European gold in 2026 broke Alexander Karelin's record, cementing his legacy as the greatest European Greco-Roman wrestler of all time.

Honours & Distinctions

Most European Wrestling Titles

United World Wrestling·2026

First wrestler to win 13 European championships, breaking Alexander Karelin's record.

Most Decorated Turkish Greco-Roman Wrestler

Turkish Wrestling Federation·2026

Holds the most world and European titles among Turkish Greco-Roman wrestlers.

Records & Feats

Most European Wrestling Championships (13)

Record·2026

Won his 13th European title in 2026, surpassing Alexander Karelin's previous record of 12.

First wrestler to win 13 European championships

Historic First·2026

United World Wrestling officially recognized Kayaalp as the first wrestler to achieve this feat.