Naci Özkaya

Naci Özkaya — Biography

Born Mahmut Naci Özkaya on 1 July 1922 in Trabzon, he became known by the nickname "Sarı Naci" ("Blond Naci") for his fair hair. He represented Turkey as a right back at the men's football tournament of the 1948 London Olympics.

Özkaya spent the bulk of his career at Galatasaray, with whom he became closely identified, at times serving as team captain during his playing days. After retiring as a player he stayed on at the club in various capacities, including assistant coach, head coach and team manager, and remained a member of Galatasaray's board of trustees until his death. Regarded by fans and the club itself as one of the most significant figures in its history, he died in Istanbul on 7 March 2007.