Former Fenerbahçe and Turkey goalkeeper Şükrü Ersoy dies at 95

Fenerbahçe and the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) have announced the death of Ali Şükrü Ersoy, one of the most respected figures in Turkish football history, at the age of 95. Both institutions issued condolence messages expressing their sorrow and offering their sympathies to his family, loved ones and the wider Turkish football community. Details regarding his funeral are expected to be shared in the coming days.

A product of Fenerbahçe's youth system, Ersoy also played for clubs such as Vefa and Karagücü before spending many years wearing the yellow-and-navy jersey. He took over as Fenerbahçe's goalkeeper from Cihat Arman toward the end of the 1949 season and remained with the club until 1962, winning two Istanbul League titles and two Turkish League championships along the way. Following his time at Fenerbahçe, he moved abroad to join Austria Salzburg, continuing his playing career in Austria.

Ersoy holds a special place in Turkish football history as the goalkeeper who represented the national team at the 1954 FIFA World Cup, Turkey's first-ever appearance at the tournament. He featured in Turkey's second match of that World Cup, against Germany, cementing his status as part of the country's pioneering World Cup generation. Over the course of his international career, he earned eight caps for the Turkish national team.

After retiring from playing, Ersoy transitioned into coaching, beginning his managerial career with Balıkesirspor in the 1967-1968 season. He went on to coach several clubs, including Fenerbahçe, Trabzonspor, Denizlispor and Altay. He led Fenerbahçe as head coach for nine matches during the 1979-1980 season and later served on the club's board of directors in 1983-1984 and again in 1994. Ersoy also worked with the TFF for a period and, holding membership number 1107, remained a member of Fenerbahçe's Supreme Council until his passing.