Naci Özkaya

Naci Özkaya — Biography

Naci Özkaya, known as "Sarı Naci" (Blond Naci) for his fair hair, was a right back counted among the important figures in Galatasaray's history. He represented Turkey at the 1948 London Olympics, and in 1998 he was chosen as best right back in the "Golden Team of the Republic" picked for the republic's 75th anniversary. After playing he stayed close to the club for years as a coach and official.

He began his professional career at MKE Ankaragücü, moved to Ankara Demirspor in 1945-46 and won the Turkish championship with them in 1947. He then joined Galatasaray, where he played 80 matches and scored 24 goals between 1947 and 1954, at times captained the side and took his testimonial at 32 in 1954. He debuted for Turkey on 23 April 1948 in a 3-1 win over Greece and won 16 caps, captaining the side in three. At the Olympics Turkey beat China 4-0, lost 3-1 to Yugoslavia and finished fifth. In 1949 he was part of the side that finished runner-up in the Mediterranean Cup.

After retiring he coached Beykoz, Feriköy, Manisaspor, Sivasspor and, from 1971, Giresunspor for three seasons; at Galatasaray he served as assistant coach, team manager and board member, and in 1986 he founded the association of Galatasaray's former athletes. He died in Istanbul on 7 March 2007 and was buried at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery; a minute's silence was observed for him at the Galatasaray-Trabzonspor match. In 2011 he was honoured at Galatasaray's Night of Respect to Legends.