Turkish Club Galatasaray Announce Death of Former Player Umit Aktan
- Galatasaray have announced the passing of their former player and revered Turkish sports commentator Umit Aktan
- Aktan began his football career in the club’s youth academy before a severe injury ended it prematurely
- He was a beloved figure in Turkish sports media, known for his elegant commentary and contributions since 1972
Turkish club Galatasaray have announced the passing of former player Umit Aktan, who passed away at the age of 76, leaving the team in mourning.
Aktan was celebrated for his contributions both on the pitch and in the media after he became a revered Turkish sports commentator.
His career spanned decades, including stints at Son Havadis, TGRT, and Kanal 6, where he hosted programs like Haydi Maca.
Source: Instagram
In their official statement, Galatasaray expressed deep sorrow. The club said on Instagram:
"It is with deep sadness that we have learned the death news of Umit Aktan, member of our club with registration number 14152, former football player, a valuable name in Turkish sports press.
"The football journey, which started at a young age in Galatasaray's infrastructure, was unfortunately cut short due to an unfortunate injury.
"However, his passion for sports and football has never diminished. His career that started in 1972, he made a mark on the screens with his voice; over the years he has been remembered as one of the respected and loved names of Turkish sports press.
"Umit Aktan was not just a narrator with his elegance, knowledge and distinctive style; he was a name who added value to sport and people.
"May God have mercy on the deceased; we express our condolences to his family, his loved ones, our community and the Turkish sports press."
Born in 1949 in Nazilli, Aydin, Aktan began his football career with Galatasaray’s youth system, but was forced out due to a nagging injury.
Undeterred, he transitioned to sports journalism and then joined the famous Turkish out TRT in 1972 as a commentator, One Dio reports.
His distinctive voice and insightful commentary made him a beloved figure in Turkish sports media.
Fans have also taken to social media to react:
aslanhaber._ said:
"May he rest in peace, he was a good person. The legend also told about the Manchester United match in which a Turkish team participated in the Champions League for the first time.
"He can't take that ball out if all the Michaels come on."
ciprutselim added:
"I will never forget that Manchester United match he narrated. It was a nice person."
mine_kalpakcioglu posited:
"When I say oh football, I used to think of his voice and image when I was young. May he rest in peace."
Source: Getty Images
Porto loses former player
Legit.ng earlier reported that Portuguese club FC Porto confirmed in an official statement that their former player, captain and football director Jorge Costa, has passed away at the age of 53.
The club added that the former player, who was born in the city and spent most of his career at Porto, died of cardiorespiratory arrest on Tuesday, August 5.
Source: Legit.ng
