31.12.2025 18:00
Former national football player and sports writer Gökmen Özdenak passed away at the age of 78 in the hospital where he was being treated after an illness.
Sad news has come from Gökmen Özdenak, the former national football player who is among the legendary players of Galatasaray.
GÖKMEN ÖZDENAK HAS PASSED AWAY
Gökmen Özdenak, who was recently hospitalized due to heart problems, unfortunately passed away at the age of 78 despite all the interventions made at the hospital where he was treated. Özdenak's death has plunged the sports community, his fans, and his loved ones into mourning.
HIS HEART STOPPED TWICE DUE TO ILLNESS AT HOME
Gökmen Özdenak fell ill at his home around 3:00 PM on December 29. Özdenak, who was reported to have COPD, was without breath for about 40 minutes, causing his pulse to stop. The paramedic who arrived at the house intervened and revived Özdenak, whose heart had stopped twice. After the interventions, Özdenak was intubated and taken to intensive care at the hospital.
HE BECAME AN UNFORGETTABLE NAME ON TELEGOL SCREENS
Gökmen Özdenak, who won the hearts of sports fans with his stance, character, and achievements on the field during his football career, became one of the beloved figures on screen after retiring from football. Özdenak, who served as a commentator on the Telegol program, one of the most-watched programs in the sports world, created unforgettable moments in the memories of viewers.
WHO IS GÖKMEN ÖZDENAK?
Gökmen Özdenak was born on June 22, 1947, in Istanbul. Özdenak, a former Turkish national football player and sports writer, became one of the prominent names in Turkish football while wearing the jerseys of Galatasaray and İstanbulspor. After his football career, he worked as a sports writer and television commentator. He was also known to the public by the nickname "Ayı Gökmen." He is the brother of former national goalkeeper and former football players of Galatasaray and İstanbulspor, Yasin Özdenak.
Gökmen Özdenak wore the jerseys of İstanbulspor and Galatasaray during his professional football career. During his 13 years at Galatasaray, he witnessed significant successes in the club's history. During this period, he was part of teams that won 4 league championships and 2 Turkish Cups. In 1976, he scored Galatasaray's 50th goal in European Cups. He was known for his goal-scoring ability and especially his success in header shots. Gökmen Özdenak ended his active football career in 1980.