Erdal Keser

Erdal Keser — Biography

Ali Erdal Keser is a forward who grew up in Germany, played in both the Bundesliga and Turkey, and was part of Galatasaray's rise in the 1990s. His background in two countries later shaped his work too: he became a figure in bringing Turkish-descent players abroad into the national setup, and held posts at Galatasaray as an executive and assistant coach.

Born in Sivas, Keser moved to Hagen with his family at an early age, joined Borussia Dortmund from SSV Hagen's youth ranks at 17 and reached the first team in 1980-81. In 1984 he came to Galatasaray at Jupp Derwall's request; two seasons later he returned to Dortmund, then captained Sarıyer, scoring 17 and 12 goals in his two seasons there. He rejoined Galatasaray in 1989 and ended his career there in 1994. With the club he won the Turkish Cup, took back-to-back league titles in 1993 and 1994, and was in the squad when Galatasaray became the first Turkish side to reach the Champions League group stage. He scored 27 goals in 106 games for Dortmund and 64 in 202 Turkish top-flight games, and won 25 caps for Turkey between 1982 and 1991, scoring twice.

After retiring he used his English and German to scout Turkish-descent players abroad for the federation. He represented Galatasaray at the 1993-94 Champions League draw, served as assistant to Eric Gerets, worked as sporting director of FC Wil in Switzerland, and received a German state order of merit.