Orhan Çıkırıkçı

Orhan Çıkırıkçı — Biography

Orhan Çıkırıkçı is a left-sided winger best known for the decade he spent at Trabzonspor (1989-1999). A strong left foot and real pace powered the overlapping runs that repeatedly pinned back opposing right flanks, which is why supporters called him "Son of the Wind". Once Trabzonspor had added Orhan Kaynak to the squad, the press started calling him "Big Orhan" so the two namesakes could be told apart. The club's community still counts him among Trabzonspor's legendary players.

After playing for Çorluspor and Eskişehirspor he joined Trabzonspor in 1989, and with the Black Sea side he won the Turkish Cup in 1991-92. He also turned out for Akçaabat Sebatspor. For Turkey he made 29 appearances and scored two goals. On October 12, 1994, in a qualifier for the 1996 European Championship against Iceland, he collided with goalkeeper Kristinsson and broke his foot, which kept him out for a long stretch. He still made it back in time and was part of the Turkey squad at Euro 1996.

After retiring as a player he worked as a coach, including a spell as an assistant coach at Trabzonspor.