Who are the best Fenerbahce players of all time? Fierce rivals of Galatasaray, the Istanbul giants are one of Turkey’s most successful and beloved football clubs, with a rich history dating back to 1907.
Let’s take a look at the ten best players who have ever played for the club, with these stars becoming beloved icons of the club and having worn the legendary yellow and navy blue:
10. Tuncay
Tuncay is one of the best Fenerbahce players of all time and was known for his work rate and creativity. A natural striker who could also play as an attacking midfielder, he quickly became a fan favorite across his five seasons.
After winning the three Süper Lig titles, the two-time Fenerbahce player of the year earned a move to the Premier League with Middlesbrough where he showed fans the same passion and energy, which earned him legend status at home.
9. Volkan Demirel
Arriving in 2002, Volkan Demirel showed extreme loyalty to Fenerbahce playing 17 seasons for the club. In total he featured in 523 games at goalkeeper and was a key player with his shot-stopping and commanding presence.
The club legend won five league titles and was Süper Lig goalkeeper of the year on two occasions. Demirel also starred in the 2007-08 Champions League and saving three penalties to guide Fenerbahce to the quarter-finals for the first time in the club’s history.
8. Müjdat Yetkiner
Müjdat Yetkiner was extremely versatile and spent his entire career at Fenerbahce. Joining the club in 1980 he played a record 763 games for the club lining up mostly at centre-back but could play almost anywhere.
Although primarily a defender he could line up anywhere in midfield and even played games up front. Fans fell in love with Yetkiner for his elegance and creativity, and he won three titles during his time at the club.
7. Alaattin Baydar
We go all the way back to Alaattin Baydar who made his debut with the club in 1916. His brother Nasuhi Baydar was in fact a founding member of Fenerbahce. Alaattin was a star of his generation and was a terror down the right flank.
In 324 appearances for Fenerbahce, Alaattin scored an astonishing 362 goals for the club on the back of his technical ability and intelligent play that made him a standout during his era.
6. Can Bartu
So renowned is Can Bartu in Fenerbahce folklore he has a statue erected in Istanbul. The versatile forward was dominant mostly down the left flank and featured in 326 games with Fenerbahce since his debut in 1955.
All up Bartu scored 162 goals with his technical ability a particular standout. One of the best Fenerbahce players ever, he won four league titles on the back of his magical performances where he displayed exceptional dribbling and vision.
5. Rüştü Reçber
The greatest Fenerbahce goalkeeper of all time, Rüştü Reçber is considered a Fenerbahce legend for his performances between the posts.Rüştü’s shot-stopping ability, reflexes, and leadership were key to Fenerbahce’s domestic winning four titles in his twelve seasons at the club
So good was Rüştü, he also featured four times for La Liga giants Barcelona in between two spells at the club, and helped Turkey to a third-place finish in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
4. Şeref Has
One of the most capped Fenerbahce players with 605 appearances against his name, Şeref Has debuted for the club in 1955 and showed incredible skill, leadership, and commitment to the club. A key figure throughout the 1960s, the midfielder earning a reputation for his creativity, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability.
An integral part of Fenerbahce’s success during his time, he won the Turkish league fourt times and his consistent performances and passion helped to cement his legacy as one of the club’s all-time greats.
3. Alex
Alex de Souza, or Alex, is immortalised as a Fenerbahce with a statue erected in honour of the Brazilian across the road from Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. Joining the club from Cruzeiro in 2004, he went on to feature in nine successful seasons at the Istanbul giants.
The attacking midfielder and Fenerbahce captain starred in 344 goals and scored an impressive 172 goals. Known for his creativity and vision, he earned two Turkish Football of the Year awards, three Süper Lig titles, and was the Champions League top assist provider in 2007-08.
2. Zeki Rıza Sporel
Considered one of the best strikers in Turkish football history, Sporel scored 470 goals in 352 matches during his 18-year career with Fenerbahce. He is also the top scorer in the Intercontinental Derby against bitter rivals Galatasaray SK with 27 goals.
Zeki Rıza excelled with his clinical finishing and leadership on the pitch with his dedication and performances becoming a symbol of club’s early success. Sporel’s left behind a legacy as one of the best Fenerbahce players of all time winning the Turkish Championship once, and the Istanbul Football League four times.
1. Lefter Küçükandonyadis
Not only is the best Fenerbahce player ever, the Greek-born Christian Orthodox striker bridged a seemingly possible ethnic divide by becoming one of the greatest Turkish players in history. Ordinaryüs scored 423 goals in 615 matches across two-spells with a stint in Italy and France in between.
Küçükandonyadis is considered by many to be the greatest Turkish player ever and has a statue in his honour at Yoğurtçu Park in Istanbul. He won the Süper Lig three times and was top scorer on two occasions, as well as being crowned Turkish Footballer of the Year in 1955.