Eşfak Aykaç

Eşfak Aykaç — Biography

Eşfak Aykaç was born in 1918 on the island of Kınalıada and educated at Galatasaray High School. He spent his entire playing career, from 1936 to 1946, with Galatasaray, and is remembered within the club as one of its notable figures. After retiring as a player he went on to coach the same club, and in the single match he led the Turkish national team, he defeated Hungary's legendary 'Golden Team' 3-1. In later years he also worked as a sports commentator, remaining connected to the game.

Aykaç died on 21 November 2003 at Bakırköy Acıbadem Hospital, where he had been under treatment. Following midday prayers at Teşvikiye Mosque the next day, he was buried at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery.