Esat Kaner

Esat Kaner — Biography

Esat Kaner was a Turkish footballer and manager born in Istanbul in 1913, the son of Süleyman Bey. He transferred to Fenerbahçe from Moda Atlas in 1932 and, despite his short stature, established himself as a winger and midfielder thanks to his aerial ability and refined technique.

Shifted to a forward role for the 1936-1937 season, he finished as the league's top scorer with 14 goals. Over 17 years in the Fenerbahçe shirt he won the Istanbul League five times, the National Division five times and the Turkish Championship three times, making him one of only two players to have won eight Turkish football titles with the club.

Kaner retired from playing in 1948 and went on to coach in Cyprus and at Fenerbahçe before being appointed manager of Kasımpaşa in August 1963, a post he held until January 1964. He died on 6 August 1984 and is buried at Bülbülderesi Cemetery in Üsküdar.