Zeki Rıza Sporel
The Master: Fenerbahçe's legendary striker and Turkey's first international goalscorer.
Zeki Rıza Sporel (28 February 1898 – 3 November 1969) was a Turkish football player and a politician. He plied his trade at the striker position for Fenerbahçe and the Turkey national football team. His career started in the Fenerbahçe youth teams until he was promoted to the senior team. Zeki spent his entire career with the club, setting numerous records. He was also a forerunner for Turkey, becoming the first player to score for the team. He is often cited as one of the best strikers in Turkish football history. He was also active in politics as he became a member of the Democrat Party in 1946. 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's career began in the Fenerbahçe youth system, where he spent three years. He was promoted to the senior squad during the 1915–16 season at the age of eighteen. His left foot was dominant, as he scarcely used his right foot and his head. Zeki set many scoring records at Fenerbahçe, including most goals in a single match, and fastest goal. On 13 February 1931, Zeki scored a record eight goals in a match as Fenerbahçe won 16–0 against Üsküdar Anadolu. His prolific goal-scoring ability led him to be affectionately named Üstad (The Master). The entirety of his career was spent at Fenerbahçe, retiring in 1934 after eighteen years of service. Zeki's final goal record was 470 goals in 352 matches. If you include the goals from the national team, Istanbul Select and other club selects his total would reach to over 800.
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
A member of the first Turkey national team, Zeki played and scored in the country's first international match against Romania. He rounded off the performance with a second goal in the other half. Winning sixteen caps, Zeki 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. He was also among the directors of the Party newspaper Zafer.
Did You Know?
- Zeki Rıza Sporel was the younger brother of Hasan Kamil Sporel, who both played for and served as president of Fenerbahçe S.K.
- He scored a record eight goals in a single match on 13 February 1931 as Fenerbahçe won 16–0 against Üsküdar Anadolu.
- His final goal record for Fenerbahçe was 470 goals in 352 matches, with over 800 goals including national team and select teams.
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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