Amigo Orhan, the first cheerleader of Turkish football, has passed away

Orhan Erpek, known as "Amigo Orhan," who is considered the first cheerleader of Turkish football and became a legendary figure for Eskişehirspor fans, has passed away at the age of 87. Erpek, who led the Eskişehirspor stands for many years and made great contributions to the Anatolian stadium culture, had been receiving treatment for some time due to an illness. The Eskişehirspor Club announced in an official statement that Erpek passed away at his home.

The Eskişehirspor Club announced on its social media accounts that Orhan Erpek passed away at his home. The club shared the news of his passing with the following words:

“We have learned with great sadness that one of the most valuable and legendary names in our club's history, the first cheerleader of Turkish football, Amigo Orhan, has passed away. We wish God's mercy upon Orhan Erpek and extend our condolences to his family, his loved ones, and our entire community.”

WHO WAS AMIGO ORHAN?

Orhan Erpek was a legendary figure who wrote his name into Turkish football history as the “first cheerleader.” Starting his cheering career with the founding of Eskişehirspor in 1965, Erpek also worked as a civil servant at the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ).

GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS TO TURKISH STADIUM CULTURE

Amigo Orhan remained in memory as one of the most important figures for Eskişehirspor fans and the Anatolian stadium culture. He was a pioneering name not only for Eskişehirspor but for Turkish football stands as well.

One of his greatest legacies was his sportsmanship, which encouraged friendly rivalry in the stands, his dignified stance, and the good relationships he built even with opposing fans. Aiming to be the voice of Anatolian clubs, Amigo Orhan became one of the figures symbolizing the unity of Anatolian clubs against Istanbul teams.

THE LEGACY HE LEFT TO ESKİŞEHİRSPOR AND STADIUM CULTURE

The stadium culture pioneered by Amigo Orhan shaped the identity of Eskişehirspor fans. Under his leadership, Eskişehirspor fans:

Performed Turkey's first stadium choreography,

Went down in history as the first band-led fan group,

Developed stadium culture by prioritizing sportsmanship and respect.

Thanks to him, the Eskişehirspor stands became one of the most passionate yet most sportsmanlike fan groups in Anatolian football.

ONE OF THE UNFORGETTABLE NAMES

Orhan Erpek was not just a cheerleader who chanted in the stands, but an important figure who shaped football culture. Thanks to him, Anatolian stands gained an identity, and it was shown that football carries a spirit not only on the pitch but also in the stands.