Metin Kurt

Metin Kurt — Biography

Metin Kurt (15 March 1948, Kırklareli – 24 August 2012, Istanbul) was a Turkish winger and football manager who wore the colours of Altay İzmir, Galatasaray, Kayserispor and Türk Telekom during his playing career. He enjoyed his greatest success at Galatasaray, helping the club to three consecutive Süper Lig titles, and earned the nickname 'Çizgi Metin' (Sideline Metin) for the way he drew defenders out of position.

Beyond the pitch, Kurt was known for his outspoken left-wing convictions. A long-time member of the Communist Party of Turkey, he ran for office on the party's ticket on several occasions and became one of the earliest advocates for organized labour in Turkish football, helping to found the players' union Spor-Sen — activism that at times cost him his place in the game. After his playing and coaching career, and a stint in sports broadcasting, he devoted much of his later life to trade unionism.

Kurt died of heart failure in Istanbul's Fatih district on 24 August 2012. He continues to be honoured by Galatasaray and by leftist circles in Turkey through annual memorial events, and a sports facility in Yedikule now bears his name. He was the brother of fellow Galatasaray international İsmail Kurt.