Zeki Rıza Sporel
A record-setting Fenerbahçe striker and Turkish football icon.
Zeki Rıza Sporel (28 February 1898 – 3 November 1969) was a Turkish football player and a politician. He played as a striker for Fenerbahçe and the Turkey national team. His career began in the Fenerbahçe youth teams, and he spent his entire senior career with the club, setting numerous records. He is often cited as one of the best strikers in Turkish football history. He was also active in politics, becoming a member of the Democrat Party and was elected as a deputy in 1950. Zeki Rıza was the younger brother of Hasan Kamil Sporel, who both played for and served as president of Fenerbahçe S.K.
- role
- Forward / Striker
- affiliation
- Fenerbahçe S.K.
- era
- 1915–1934
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Born in Istanbul in 1898, Zeki spent three years in the Fenerbahçe youth system before being promoted to the senior squad during the 1915–16 season at age eighteen. His left foot was dominant; he scarcely used his right foot or his head. He set many scoring records at Fenerbahçe, including most goals in a single match and fastest goal. His prolific goal-scoring ability led him to be affectionately named Üstad (The Master). He spent his entire career at Fenerbahçe, retiring in 1934 after eighteen years. Commonly cited figures place his final goal record at around 350–400 goals in official matches for Fenerbahçe.
In Their Own Story
Zeki Rıza was a member of the first Turkey national team. He played and scored in the country's first international match against Romania, then added a second goal in the other half. Winning sixteen caps, he led the team ten times while scoring 15 goals. He also played for Turkey at the 1924 Summer Olympics and the 1928 Summer Olympics. After retiring from football, Sporel joined the Democrat Party and was among the directors of the party newspaper Zafer.
Reader's Guide
Zeki Rıza Sporel's career is defined by his loyalty to Fenerbahçe and his record-breaking goal-scoring. He is a one-club man, having spent his entire playing career with Fenerbahçe. His eight-goal match against Üsküdar Anadolu on 13 February 1931 remains a club record. His 470 goals in 352 matches for Fenerbahçe, plus over 800 total including select teams, show his extraordinary finishing ability. For fans, his nickname Üstad (The Master) reflects the respect he earned. His international career includes being the first Turkey goalscorer and captaining the team ten times. His political career after football, as a Democrat Party member and newspaper director, shows his continued public service.
Did You Know?
- He was not the first player to score for the Turkey national team; that honor belongs to Sait Oksal.
- Commonly cited figures place his final goal record for Fenerbahçe at around 350–400 goals in official matches.
- He was affectionately named Üstad (The Master) for his prolific goal-scoring ability.
- Zeki Rıza was the younger brother of Hasan Kamil Sporel, who both played for and served as president of Fenerbahçe S.K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zeki Rıza Sporel?
He was a renowned Turkish footballer and politician who dedicated his entire senior playing career to Fenerbahçe between 1915 and 1934. His legacy extends beyond sports, as he later served in government with the Democrat Party.
What position did Zeki Rıza Sporel play?
He played as a forward or striker and is widely regarded as one of the greatest attackers in Turkish football history. His prolific scoring ability allowed him to set numerous club records that stood for many years.
Why is Zeki Rıza Sporel famous in national history?
He holds the unique distinction of being the first player ever to score a goal for the Turkey national team. This historic achievement cements his status as an icon alongside his club accomplishments.
Did Zeki Rıza Sporel play for other clubs?
No, he remained loyal to Fenerbahçe throughout his entire professional life after developing in their youth teams. This one-club loyalty is a significant part of his enduring popularity among fans today.
What did Zeki Rıza Sporel do after retiring from football?
After hanging up his boots, he entered politics and became an active member of the Democrat Party starting in 1946. He lived until November 3, 1969, leaving a lasting mark on both athletics and public service.
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