Bülent Esel

Bülent Esel — Biography

Bülent Esel was a Turkish footballer, born in Istanbul on 23 July 1927, remembered as one of Beşiktaş's most productive forwards. His powerful build and fierce long-range shooting earned him the nickname "Kasatura Bülent" among fans. Between 1951 and 1954 he took his career abroad, playing in Italy's top flight, Serie A, for SPAL.

After returning from Italy, he continued playing in Turkey for Beşiktaş as well as Vefa and Altınordu. Once his playing days ended, he stayed involved in the sport by moving into coaching.

Esel spent his later years in İzmir, where he died on 17 August 2004 at the age of 78. Mourners placed Beşiktaş and Altınordu flags on his coffin in tribute to the clubs he had represented, and he was buried at Limontepe Cemetery in İzmir.