Fenerbahçe, one of Turkey’s most successful and storied football clubs, has been home to some of the finest talents to ever play the game. From domestic legends to international stars, the club has produced a wealth of footballing icons.
Fierce rivals of Galatasaray, we take a look at the best Fenerbahce players ever, ranked according to their impact, skill, and legacy with the club. Here are the 10 best Fenerbahce players of all time.
10. Tuncay Şanlı
A versatile forward who could play across the attacking line, Tuncay Şanlı is one of Fenerbahce’s most dynamic and exciting players. Known for his tireless work ethic and clinical finishing, Tuncay’s time at Fenerbahce saw him develop into one of the most influential Turkish players of his generation.
His ability to score goals and assist his teammates cemented his place among the club’s greats, helping guide the club to three Süper Lig titles and earning a move to the Premier League with Middlesborough.
9. Volkan Demirel
The long-serving goalkeeper of Fenerbahce, Volkan Demirel was a towering figure both on and off the pitch. A true leader, Volkan played 523 matches for the club and became known for his incredible shot-stopping ability with his three penalty saves in the 2007-08 Champions League against Sevilla helping guide Fenerbahce to the quarter-finals for the first time in history.
His passion, vocal presence, and commitment to Fenerbahce made him one of the club’s most beloved players in recent history having won five Süper Lig titles and goalkeeper of the year twice.
8. Müjdat Yetkiner
A classic Fenerbahce legend, Müjdat Yetkiner was a lethal forward with a keen eye for goal. During his time at the club after joining in 1980, he helped Fenerbahce claim several domestic titles.
His ability to consistently deliver at the back across 763 games left a lasting legacy, and he remains a symbol of the club’s golden era thanks to his elegance and creativity.
7. Alaattin Baydar
Alaattin Baydar was a key figure in Fenerbahce’s early-20th century dominance. Debuting in 1916 his brother Nasuhi Baydar was a founding member of Fenerbahce. Alaattin went on to become a forward for the club and was known for his precise finishing and ability to create chances for his teammates.
His time at the club coincided with some of Fenerbahce’s most successful seasons, and his contributions to the team’s offensive power were invaluable. He went on to score 362 goals in only 324 games for the club
6. Can Bartu
As one of Fenerbahce’s first truly international stars, Can Bartu was a player ahead of his time. A gifted midfielder with an eye for both playmaking and scoring, Can Bartu’s legacy at Fenerbahce is unquestionable.
His technical ability, vision, and leadership on the field made him a pivotal figure in Fenerbahce’s rich history after debuting in 1955 and he went on to score 162 times in 326 games for the club.
5. Rüştü Reçber
Rüştü Reçber, one of Turkey’s finest goalkeepers, made his mark at Fenerbahce with his reflexes, composure, and shot-stopping prowess. A key figure in Fenerbahce’s defense for many years, Rüştü played a crucial role in several domestic and international campaigns.
His international experience and leadership at the back made him one of the club’s most respected players. In 12 seasons he helped guide the club to four Süper Lig titles and even earned himself four games with Barcelona.
4. Şeref Has
Known for his exceptional technical skills, Şeref Has was one of Fenerbahce’s most beloved forwards. His sharp footballing mind and ability to score in critical moments helped him carve out a place in the club’s history and he featured in 605 games at the club.
He was instrumental in the team’s success winning four league titles. On the back of his creativity and technical ability from midfield, he remains one of the club’s most cherished figures.
3. Alex de Souza
Arguably one of the best foreign players to ever wear the yellow and navy blue of Fenerbahce, Alex de Souza brought a touch of brilliance to every match he played. So revered is the Brazilian a statue was erected by the club in his honor.
A skilful attacking midfielder, Alex was the team’s heartbeat for many years and also served as club captain. His creativity, vision, and free-kick mastery earned him the adoration of Fenerbahce fans and established him as one of the best Fenerbahce players of all time. He went on to finish with 344 games, 172 goals and three Süper Lig titles.
2. Zeki Rıza Sporel
Zeki Rıza Sporel was an iconic forward whose goalscoring ability and consistency placed him among the best Fenerbahce players ever. Playing for Fenerbahce during the 1930s and 1940s, he went on to score 470 goals in 352 games across 18 years.
Sporel’s legacy as one of the club’s top scorers remains unchallenged. His contributions to Fenerbahce’s early success have left a lasting imprint on the club’s rich history and even more importantly for supporters, is top scorer against bitter rivals Galatasaray in the Intercontinental Derby with 27 goals.
1. Lefter Küçükandonyadis
Greek-born Christian Orthodox striker Lefter Küçükandonyadis is Fenerbahce’s greatest player of all time. A true legend in every sense of the word he was renowned for his exceptional technique, vision, and goal-scoring ability, Lefter is often referred to as the “Emperor” by Fenerbahce fans.
His impact on the field was immeasurable, and his contribution to the club’s legacy cannot be overstated. All up Ordinaryüs managed to score 423 goals across 615 games. He won the Süper Lig three times, was league top scorer twice, and also earned playing time with stints in Italian and French football. Lefter’s place at the top of the list of the best Fenerbahce players ever is undisputed.
