Ali Koç: “Fenerbahçe Is the World’s Biggest Sports Club”

In his statement, Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç expressed the following:

“Fenerbahçe Never Gave Up”

“We say Fenerbahçe is the world‘s biggest sports club. This is not just a definition; it is a fact. In every sport we compete in, we are a club that both competes and nurtures talent. In every branch we are involved in, we train athletes who proudly and diligently represent our club. For the last three years especially, we have proudly used this definition—the brand of ‘the world’s biggest sports club.’ This story didn’t start in the last few years. This story wasn’t achieved with just one branch or one championship. Throughout its history, Fenerbahçe Sports Club has worked tirelessly, striving to earn this title, putting in the effort. There were times when we were sad, and times when we were happy, but we never gave up on serving our beautiful country.

We express our gratitude to all our presidents, including the founding presidents of our Fenerbahçe, who have contributed to the vision of ‘the world’s biggest sports club,’ a vision embraced with pride even by our rivals, and especially to Mr. Aziz Yıldırım, who is not with us tonight due to travel.

“They Have Given Us Unforgettable Joy”

In the last 20 years, just as in all amateur branches, we have achieved great success in volleyball as well. We became European and World Champions. Even during the most challenging July 3rd period, Fenerbahçe never considered downsizing its amateur branches. In the most difficult days of 2011-2012, our Women’s Volleyball Team became Champions League champions and gave us unforgettable joy.

“We Hope This Understanding Continues Forever”

Since its founding, our club has taken it upon itself to nurture smart, agile, and ethical athletes who uphold the values of our country in line with the goals of our Republic and the principles of our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. We hope this understanding continues forever.

“We Took Pride in Being the Club That Provided the Most Athletes to Turkey”

Our Fenerbahçe, the world’s largest sports club, draws its greatest strength first from its history and the great Fenerbahçe brand, and then from its community in all the branches it competes in. Being both a competitor and a nurturer in every branch is not easy. We participated in the Paris Olympics with 27 athletes in 7 branches, and we took pride in being the club that provided the most athletes to Turkey. We were proud of them and our delegation. In short, there is one thing all Fenerbahçe supporters should embrace: if there is a news report about a sports record somewhere, it is very likely that Fenerbahçe is behind that athlete.

“We Believe Wholeheartedly”

It is our right to speak about these achievements, recount what has been experienced, and take pride in them. However, being able to say ‘We are the world’s biggest sports club’ does not happen by merely expressing it or wishing for it. It requires a great deal of dedication, discipline, hard work, and resources. At a time when major sports clubs are facing financial hardships, and our eternal rivals and eternal friends are almost downsizing, Fenerbahçe has not deviated from this vision. This can only be achieved by creating resources. The support of our valued sponsors is indispensable in this journey. Sponsoring Fenerbahçe is touching the future of Turkish youth; it is a national step. We believe in this wholeheartedly.

“Our Team is One of the Best in the World”

Our Women’s Volleyball Team, with the investments we have made in recent years and the courage provided by our sponsor, is, in my opinion, one of the best teams in the world today. This has only been possible with the courage our sponsors have given us.

I would like to thank everyone here for their support and for being with us on behalf of our community. Wishing this year to be filled with yellow and navy-blue successes, I greet you all with respect and love.”