Who Is Lefter Küçükandonyadis? The "Ordinarius" of Fenerbahçe and the National Team

Lefter Küçükandonyadis was born on 22 December 1925 on Heybeliada in Istanbul. A Turkish citizen of Greek descent, he was known for his elegance on the pitch and his footballing intelligence. Fans gave him the nickname "Ordinarius".

He spent the longest part of his career at Fenerbahçe. In the yellow and navy shirt, he is remembered as much for his gentlemanly conduct as for his goals and passes. He was in the squad when the club won its first National League title in 1959.

He was one of the first names in Turkish football to move abroad. He played for Fiorentina in Italy and for Nice in France, and became a guiding example for later generations.

He made 50 appearances for the senior national team and scored 21 goals. He represented Turkey at the 1948 London Olympics. After retiring from playing, he also worked as a coach.

Despite his minority background, he earned the respect of supporters of different clubs, and in this respect he is regarded as an example of football's unifying power.

Lefter Küçükandonyadis died in Istanbul on 13 December 2012. He is remembered as a symbol of an era for both Fenerbahçe and Turkish football.