Esat Kaner

Esat Kaner — Biography

Esat Kaner (1913, Istanbul – 6 August 1984) was a Turkish footballer and manager.

He was born in Istanbul as the son of Süleyman Bey. In 1932, while playing for the team of the Greek club Moda Atlas, he transferred to Fenerbahçe. Despite his short stature, thanks to his athletic abilities, his success in aerial balls and his developing technique, he played as a winger and midfielder for Fenerbahçe.

In 1936–1937 he played as a forward. That season he became the top scorer with 14 goals. He wore the Fenerbahçe jersey for 17 years. He won the Istanbul League 5 times, the National Division 5 times and the Turkish Championship 3 times, thus becoming one of the two footballers who won the most Turkish Football Championships (8) in a Fenerbahçe shirt.

He retired from football in 1948. After ending his playing career, he coached for a time in Cyprus and at Fenerbahçe. In August 1963 he was appointed manager of Kasımpaşa. He left the post in January 1964. His funeral prayer was held at Moda Mosque, and his grave is in the Bülbülderesi Cemetery in Üsküdar.