Savaş Koç

Savaş Koç — Biography

Savaş Koç was a footballer who played in attack and on the right of midfield for Galatasaray in the 1980s. With the club he won the Süper Lig in 1986-87, their first title in 14 years, and again the following season, lifted the Turkish Cup in 1985 and 1989, and was in the squad that reached the 1988-89 European Champion Clubs' Cup semi-finals. He was also called up to the national team in those years.

Born in Ankara, Koç moved to Germany as a child when his family emigrated for work. After playing in the youth sections of local amateur clubs, he joined the youth setup of Türkgücü München, a club founded by Turkish immigrants. He is said to have been fast, with a hard shot. His goal against Malatyaspor stands out in Galatasaray's 1986-87 title run. He was called up four times, played three times for Turkey, and was in the squad for the opening 1990 World Cup qualifiers.

With Galatasaray he also won the Presidential Cup in 1987, 1988 and 1991 and the Prime Minister's Cup in 1989. To tell him apart from his namesake Savaş Demiral, born in 1961, who arrived at the club a year after him, fans called him "Küçük Savaş" (Little Savaş), while Demiral became known as "Büyük Savaş". His daughter Yeliz Koç is also known in the press.