Basri Dirimlili

Basri Dirimlili — Biography

Born on 7 June 1929 in Silistra, Basri Dirimlili was a Turkish international defender best known for his long career with Fenerbahçe. He was part of Turkey's squad at the 1954 FIFA World Cup finals, and his combative, self-sacrificing style of play earned him nicknames such as "Mehmetçik Basri," "Cengaver Basri" and "Asker Basri" ("Soldier Basri"). Those nicknames took hold in part because of a friendly match against Adana Demirspor in which he stayed on the pitch despite a broken jaw.

After retiring as a player, Dirimlili went on to serve as a head coach and assistant coach at several clubs. He died on 14 September 1997. Regarded by Fenerbahçe supporters as one of the club's legendary players, he is commemorated each year at his grave in Karacaahmet Cemetery on the anniversary of his death.