Gündüz Kılıç

Gündüz Kılıç — Biography

Known by the nickname "Baba" (Father), Gündüz Kılıç was born on 29 October 1918 in Istanbul. He was educated at Galatasaray High School and was the son of Ali Kılıç and the brother of journalist Altemur Kılıç. As a player he represented both Galatasaray and Beşiktaş, and he competed for the Turkish national team at the 1936 Berlin and 1948 London Olympics. He was one of six Turkish footballers who carried the nickname "Baba" in the history of the sport.

After retiring as a player, Kılıç moved into coaching and is remembered as one of the most significant players and coaches in the long history of Galatasaray, the club he served for many years. He died on 17 May 1980 in the United States, and the Galatasaray community continues to honor his memory on the anniversary of his death each year.