Refik Osman Top

Refik Osman Top — Biography

Born in 1897 in Istanbul and known by the nickname "Şiir" (the Poem), Refik Osman Top was a Turkish national footballer, referee, coach and sports columnist who died in Istanbul on 26 April 1957. He began playing at Beşiktaş Valideçeşme and became one of the founders and earliest players of Beşiktaş J.K.'s football department.

One of the first players to represent Turkey internationally, Top also holds the distinction of being the first footballer to have played for all three of Turkey's "Big Three" clubs. Having won the Istanbul Football League both as a player and as a manager, he ranks among the most decorated figures of early Turkish football. After his playing career ended, he remained active in the sport as a referee, coach and sports columnist.