Famous sports commentator Ümit Aktan has passed away

Ümit Aktan, a former Galatasaray footballer and a well-known figure in the Turkish sports media, has passed away. The yellow-red club published a message of condolence following Aktan's death.

We have learned with deep sadness of the passing of our club's member with registration number 14152, our former footballer, and a valuable name in the Turkish sports press, Ümit Aktan.

His football journey, which began in the Galatasaray youth academy at a young age, unfortunately ended early due to an unfortunate injury… pic.twitter.com/t5aAWoowrY

— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) August 7, 2025

The statement from Galatasaray included the following remarks:

"We have learned with deep sadness of the passing of our club's member with registration number 14152, our former footballer, and a valuable name in the Turkish sports press, Ümit Aktan.

His football journey, which began in the Galatasaray youth academy at a young age, unfortunately ended early due to an unfortunate injury. However, his passion for sports and football never diminished. In his broadcasting career, which he began at TRT in 1972, he left his mark on the screens with his voice; for years, he remained in memories as one of the respected and beloved names of the Turkish sports press.

Ümit Aktan was not just a narrator with his elegance, knowledge, and unique style; he was a name who added value to sports and people.

We wish God's mercy upon the deceased; we extend our condolences to his family, his loved ones, our community, and the Turkish sports press."

Numerous individuals and institutions from the sports world, including the Turkish Football Federation, published messages of condolence for Aktan.

The messages shared for Aktan are as follows:

Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak: “I learned with sorrow the news of the passing of Ümit Aktan, one of the valuable names of our sports press. I wish God's mercy upon the late Ümit Aktan; I extend my condolences to his family, his loved ones, and our media community.”

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FROM TFF FOR AKTAN

"We have learned with deep sadness of the passing of Ümit Aktan, one of the valuable names of the Turkish sports press. Ümit Aktan, who played football at a young age but had to bid farewell to his career early due to an injury he suffered, began broadcasting by carrying his passion for sports to the screens. Starting his broadcasting journey at TRT in 1972, Ümit Aktan left a mark in memories with his narration of A National Team matches, Süper Lig encounters, and the European cup matches of our representatives. In addition to his broadcasting, Ümit Aktan served as a moderator and presenter for sports programs on many television and radio stations. Aktan, who also wrote columns in newspapers, became one of the beloved and respected names of the Turkish sports press. We wish God's mercy upon the late Ümit Aktan; we extend our condolences to his family, his relatives, his loved ones, and the Turkish sports community."

WHO IS ÜMİT AKTAN?

Ümit Aktan was etched in memories as one of the unforgettable names of the Turkish sports press. Leaving a mark in many fields such as broadcasting, journalism, writing, and program hosting, Aktan was born in 1949 in the Nazilli district of Aydın.

Interested in football during his youth, Aktan entered the Galatasaray youth academy during his high school years and began wearing the yellow-red jersey. However, an unfortunate injury ended his professional football career before it could truly begin.

His journey from the football fields to the microphone began in 1972 at TRT. In his broadcasting career, he quickly stood out with his unique style, impressive voice, and wealth of knowledge. He reached a wide audience not only with his match narrations but also with the programs he hosted.

In 1975, he joined the Sports Writers Association of Turkey. In the same years, he worked in the sports department of the Son Havadis newspaper. He took part in the establishment process of TGRT, becoming the face of the channel both in match narrations and in sports and competition programs. Afterward, he began hosting the program “Haydi Maça” (Let's Go to the Match) on Kanal 6; he later continued this program on Kanal A, and it remained on the air until 2009.

Aktan also established an important place in his journalism career. He wrote columns for the newspapers Tercüman, Yeni Şafak, and Türkiye. In his final years, he served as a commentator on the “Futbol Gecesi” (Football Night) program broadcast on TGRT Haber.