Bülent Esel

Bülent Esel — Biography

Bülent Esel was a former Turkey international, regarded as one of Beşiktaş's most successful forwards, who also played in Italy's Serie A. His strong build and hard shooting from distance earned him the nickname "Kasatura Bülent", and after retiring he coached for many years, chiefly at Altınordu and Uşakspor. He died in İzmir on 17 August 2004, aged 77.

He started at Kırıkkalespor and played five seasons for MKE Ankaragücü from 1943. After joining Beşiktaş in 1948 he won the İstanbul League title and the league's top scorer award in 1949-50, and his goal against Galatasaray on 13 November 1949 was his first in the derby. On 13 May 1949 he made his senior international debut against Egypt, scoring, and helped Turkey to second place in the Mediterranean Cup. In 1951 he moved to SPAL, newly promoted to Serie A; he led the side with 13 goals in his first season and took part in the team's eighth-place finish in his second. He returned to Beşiktaş in 1954 and won the Federation Cup in 1956-57. He signed for newly promoted Altınordu in 1959 and retired in 1964 at 37.

His coaching career began at Altınordu, whom he kept up in 1967-68. From 1968 he managed Uşakspor, leading them to promotion to the 2. Lig as winners of the White group, and he also spent a spell at Aydınspor. At his funeral, Beşiktaş and Altınordu flags were placed on his coffin.