Ogün Altıparmak, the former Turkish footballer and coach, has passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy within the sport. Known primarily for his remarkable career at Fenerbahçe, Altıparmak's contributions to football are honored today, reverberated across the sport's community and echoing the sentiments of loss felt by his fans and peers.
Altıparmak's history is firmly rooted within Fenerbahçe, where he played from 1963 to 1971 and made significant contributions to the club's successes. During his time, he helped Fenerbahçe clinch four Türkiye Ligi championships, one Türkiye Kupası, and several other trophies, establishing himself as one of the club's legends. He is also affectionately remembered as the first player to become the league's top scorer during his tenure, contributing heavily to the club's storied history.
His passing was met with immediate expressions of grief. Şekip Mosturoğlu, the Chairman of the Fenerbahçe High Disciplinary Board, conveyed his condolences on social media, stating, "Ogün (Altıparmak) abimizi kaybettik. Allah rahmet etsin, mekanı cennet olsun," emphasizing the deep loss felt within the Fenerbahçe community.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Aşkın Bak, also shared his sorrow, addressing the significance of Altıparmak's impact. His message was clear: "Türk futbolunun ve Fenerbahçe’nin kıymetli isimlerinden Ogün Altıparmak’ın vefat haberini üzüntüyle öğrendim. Merhuma Allah’tan rahmet; ailesine, sevenlerine ve spor camiamıza başsağlığı diliyorum," reflecting the widespread sentiment of loss among fans and fellow athletes alike.
Altıparmak's legacy extends beyond his playing days; after retiring as a player, he took on various roles within Fenerbahçe, including serving as a club executive from 1986 to 1988. His expertise shaped many aspects of the club's evolution during its formative years.
On the field, Altıparmak began his career at Karşıyaka, eventually transferring to Fenerbahçe at the age of 24. Over the years, he accumulated numerous accolades, including being recognized as the top goal scorer during the 1970-1971 season, enhancing his status among Fenerbahçe's greats.
Despite his successful career, Altıparmak faced health issues later in life, though details remain scant as there has been no official confirmation about the nature of his illness. Nonetheless, his passing has led to widespread recognition of both his sportsmanship and the challenges he faced.
The funeral for Ogün Altıparmak is scheduled to be held shortly at the Erenköy Galip Paşa Mosque, with fellow players and fans expected to come together to honor his life and career. Memorial services are set for 14:30, following which he will be laid to rest at Karacaahmet Cemetery, as members of the Turkish football community pay their last respects. Many leagues will observe a moment of silence before upcoming matches as part of the tribute to Altıparmak.
The Turkish Football Federation, echoing the sentiments expressed by others within the community, stated, "Türk futbolunun değerli isimlerinden, A Milli Takımımızın eski oyuncusu Ogün Altıparmak'ın vefatını derin bir üzüntü ile öğrenmiş bulunuyoruz. Merhum Ogün Altıparmak'a Allah'tan rahmet; kederli ailesine, yakınlarına ve başta Fenerbahçe olmak üzere tüm spor camiasına başsağlığı dileriz," attesting to their commitment to preserving his memory within the storied history of Turkish football.
Ogün Altıparmak will be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the pitch but also for his role as a mentor and leader within the Fenerbahçe community. His strategies and outlook significantly impacted the players around him, fostering the next generation of talent. The void left by his departure will be felt deeply, but so too will the admiration for the incredible legacy he crafted through decades of devoted service to the sport he loved.