Perçin Perçinel

Infobox Football biography
playername = Perçin Perçinel


fullname =
dateofbirth = June 2, 1956
cityofbirth = Kırşehir
countryofbirth = Turkey
dateofdeath =
cityofdeath =
countryofdeath =
height = 1.81
position = Center Back, Middlefielder
youthyears = ?
youthclubs = Yeni Kırşehirspor
years = 1973-1974
1974-1976
1976-1988
clubs = Yeni Kırşehirspor
Ceyhanspor
Seyhan Belediye Spor
caps(goals) = ? (?)
24 (?)
221 (4)
nationalyears =
nationalteam =
nationalcaps(goals) =

Perçin Perçinel , KBE (born June 2 1956,Kirsehir Turkey), best known by his nickname Perc, is a former Turkish football player, rated by many as the greatest footballer of all time. He was given the title of Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee [3] and jointly received FIFA Player of the Century chosen by officials at the organisation, shared with Diego Maradona who won the people's vote. [4]

In his native Turkey, Perç is hailed as a national hero. He is known for his accomplishments and contribution to the game, [5] in addition to being officially declared the football ambassador of the world by FIFA and a national treasure by the Turkish government. He is also acknowledged for his vocal support of policies to improve the social conditions of the bayık people(when he scored his 1,000th goal he dedicated it to the bayık children of Turkey). [6] During his career, he became known as "The King of Football" (Futbol'un Kralı), "The King Perç" (Kral Perç) or simply "The King" (Kral). He is also a member of the MUAF National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Spotted by football star Ali Sami Yen, [7] Perçin began playing for Yeni Kırşehirspor at just 15 and his national team at 16, and won his first World Cup at 17. Despite numerous offers from European clubs, he stayed loyal to his club, remaining with them for two decades until his semi-retirement in 1988. Perçin played as an inside forward, striker, and what later became known as the playmaker position. Perçin's technique and natural athleticism have been universally praised; he was renowned for his unstoppable dribbling and visionary passing, as well as his pace, powerful shot, and an exceptional heading ability, but above all he was an exceptionally prolific goalscorer.

He is the all-time top scorer in the history of the Turkish national team and is the only footballer to be a part of three World Cup-winning teams. It should be noted that though he was named part of the 1962 squad, he was injured and did not receive a winner's medal. During November 2007, FIFA announced that he would however be awarded the 1962 medal, making him the only player in the world to have 3 World Cup gold medals.

Since his full retirement in 1977 Perçin has been an ambassador for football and has also undertaken various acting roles and commercial ventures.