Coşkun Taş, one of the oldest living Beşiktaş football players, passed away in 1935. Former Beşiktaş football player Coşkun Taş, who played for the Turkish National Team in the 1954 World Cup, passed away in Germany at the age of 90. Coşkun Taş, who was a teammate of the late Beşiktaş Honorary President Süleyman Seba and an important figure for the National Team, could not be remembered properly in Turkey.
The news of his death was covered in only 1 paragraph on the official website of Beşiktaş Club. There wasn’t even a photo of Coşkun Taş in the condolence news. The Turkish Football Federation also expressed its condolences with a short article and photo that did not suit his story. Maybe many of us would never learn the story of such an important football man, but the officials of Germany’s Cologne Club wrote a wonderful article in memory of Coşkun Taş. Let’s take a look together at the moment of silence paid by the Cologne Club to the legend, who shared the very special memories and photos of Coşkun Taş, whom they transferred in 1959, on their official website…
THE TURKISH WHO MADE THE HISTORY OF COLOGNE!
Coşkun Taş, who was transferred from Beşiktaş Istanbul to Cologne, Germany, in 1959, became the first Turkish football player in the history of FC Köln. In his career in Germany, Taş came second in Germany with FC Köln in 1960 and won the title of West German Champion twice.
NATIONAL TEAM AND WORLD CUP CAREER
Coşkun Taş, who was born in Aydın and started his football life here, attracted attention in a short time with his successful performance in Aydınspor and was promoted to the first team. He was discovered by Beşiktaş in a tournament held in Bursa in 1951 and transferred to Istanbul, where he also studied business administration. Taş, who played in almost every offensive position in Beşiktaş, was promoted to the Turkish National Team in 1952 and represented Turkey in the 1954 World Cup held in Switzerland.
AGE CHEATING AND FIFA YOUTH TOURNAMENT
Coşkun Taş, who had an interesting incident in his football career, changed his birth year in order to participate in a youth tournament organized by FIFA in Brussels in 1953. On the instructions of his coach, his birth year was shifted from 1934 to 1935, allowing him to participate in the tournament. As a result of this arrangement, he appeared one year younger in official documents throughout his life.
JOURNEY TO COLOGNE FOR A NEW CHALLENGE
In 1959, Coşkun Taş decided to go to Cologne to open a new page in his life. Regarding this decision, he said, “I wanted to do something new, learn a different language and get to know the culture of another country. I had an acquaintance who was a sports journalist; He was the publisher of the then ‘Kicker’ magazine, Dr. He had good relations with Friedebert Becker. That journalist was Halit Kıvanç… Becker suggested my name to Franz Kremer and one day I received a letter from Kremer with an invitation,” he explained their first contact. After reaching Venice by ship, Taş went to Cologne by train.
‘A SUITCASE AND 17 MARK’
Recalling the day he first came to Cologne, Taş said, “I had a small suitcase in my hand and only 17 German Marks in my pocket. I had no knowledge of the language except a few words in German. I found FC Köln’s number in a phone booth and reached Franz Kremer. ‘Here is Turk Taş,’ I said and Kremer did not understand who I was at first. ‘Who are you?’ he asked in surprise. “I said, ‘Your enthusiasm is here,'” he described those moments. Ultimately, Kremer’s wife, Liselotte, picked him up from the train station; He first took him to the Kremer family’s house and then to Geißbockheim, where he had trial training the next day. Taş signed an official contract with the club a few days later.
(Photos taken from the Cologne Club website.)
ONE OF THE 18 TURKS IN COLOGNE!
Although it took time for Taş to adapt to the FC Köln squad, which consists of players from the Rhineland region, he adapted faster than expected. It took him some time to get used to the new style of play, the harsh training and the on-field directives of his teammates. FC Köln also offered Taş a work opportunity and helped him find a job at the Kaufhof store. Coşkun Taş, who was only the 18th Turk to live in Cologne after the Second World War, quickly gained respect from his teammates and those around him with this dedication.
Coşkun Taş became one of the important players of the team with his performance in the left wing position at FC Köln. Forming a dangerous wing duo with Helmut Rahn, Taş played a major role in FC Köln’s advancement to the German Championship final for the first time in its history with the goals he scored in seven official matches. While preparations were continuing for the final to be played against Hamburg at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt on 25 June 1960, Taş experienced the biggest disappointment of his career with an incident he experienced on the match day.
SHOCKING DECISION IN THE GERMANY FINAL
A few hours before the match, at the Landessportschule where the team was camping, coach Oswald Pfau informed Taş that he would not be allowed to play in the final and that young Karl-Heinz Thielen would be on the left wing instead. Taş expressed the sadness he felt at that moment with the words, “This was an unexpected and immeasurable disappointment for me.” Later, Franz Kremer, a member of the FC Köln management team, learned that Pfau and Heinz Neubauer had met and decided to field only German players in the final. Additionally, the inclusion of Georg Stollenwerk, who recently returned from injury, to the squad deeply affected Taş. Stollenwerk later admitted that it was a mistake not to play Taş in this critical match. FC Köln lost the match, known as the “hot battle of Frankfurt”, with a score of 2-3.
A NEW START AFTER HIS FOOTBALL CAREER
Coşkun Taş, who left FC Köln a year later, continued his career at Bonner FV and then served as a coach at amateur level. Having completed his football education, Taş also followed a successful path in his professional life. He also proved himself in business life by working in a responsible position as a systems analyst at Ford Factories in Cologne.
THE FIRST GERMAN-TURKISH WEDDING IN COLOGNE
Coşkun Taş remained loyal to Cologne, which he saw as his second home throughout his life; At the same time, he never severed his ties with Türkiye. He married Gerda Vogel in 1962. This was the first German-Turkish wedding in Cologne. He shared a happy life with her. Taş, who closely followed the developments at FC Köln, lived in Köln-Longerich with his wife Gerda and their only son. Çoşkun Taş, who lost his beloved Gerda in 2018, passed away 6 years after his wife’s death.
LİYAKAT NISHANI’NA LAYIK GÖRÜLDÜ
He worked as a volunteer in the Cologne Football Association for many years; He attracted attention especially with his contributions to integration in football. Thanks to these works, he was awarded the Order of Merit by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in 2013.
FC Köln included the following statements in the last paragraph of the article in which they said goodbye to their club Coşkun Taş:
”He promised to leave a memory that will always be remembered with respect for this valuable player who went down in the history of the Cologne club. “Coşkun Taş will always remain a name that will be remembered with honor in the club and the football community.”
Coşkun Taş: A Legacy Overlooked
Ah, the beautiful game! It brings us joy, excitement, heartbreak, and, often, a great deal of head-scratching. Today, let’s talk about a tale that combines all these elements to perfection. Coşkun Taş, a forgotten giant of football, has left us with more questions than answers. The tragic irony? His story is nothing short of legendary, yet he barely gets a footnote in Turkey’s football history. I mean, even my uncle who thinks he’s an expert on football remembers every tackle from the World Cup, but Coşkun Taş? Crickets!
Taş, who played with the pride of a lion for Beşiktaş and the Turkish National Team back in the day, passed away in Germany at the grand old age of 90. That’s right, not even a century—he must’ve seen a lot, including the invention of the internet! And yet, Beşiktaş Club’s official website couldn’t even muster up a proper tribute. A single paragraph? Was it written in a hurry while someone held a gun to the editor’s head? No photo, no heartfelt story, just a casual, “Oh, and by the way, he died.” Talk about a kick in the shin to a legend!
Coşkun Taş: The first Turkish player to play in FC Köln.
The Turbulent Journey Begins
Now, let’s rewind a bit. Born in Aydın, Portugal, Coşkun started his football saga with an impressive stint at Aydınspor, and boy did he make waves! Discovered by Beşiktaş in 1951, this man transitioned from local talent to a national icon faster than I can down a pint. And when he strutted onto the pitch for the Turkish National Team during the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, you could hear the celebrations echoing in Aydın!
The Notorious Age Switcheroo
But wait, there’s more! Taş, in a move that rivals only the most questionable dealings in football management, decided to switch his birth year. Why, you ask? Well, to participate in a youth tournament organized by FIFA. Ah yes, who among us hasn’t wished we could take a few years off the calendar? Now, he was a whole year younger on paper! Imagine telling your age to someone and having to remember a scandalous anecdote every time. It’s like every birthday cake is just a reminder of your paranoid past!
A New Home in Cologne
Fast forward to 1959, when our man Coşkun packed his bags—and a whole suitcase with just 17 marks—and made the big leap to FC Köln in Germany. “I wanted to learn the language and mingle with the locals,” he explained, like some kind of adventurous Turkish superhero. The guy had guts! And there he was, the first Turkish player in the history of FC Köln. Can you imagine that first conversation at the local pub? “So, what brought you here?” “Well, I just wanted to fit in, but now I’m the Turkish football guy!”
The Cologne Chronicles
At FC Köln, Coşkun quickly became a fan favorite, dazzling audiences with his performance. He made a reputation for himself on the left wing, teaming up with the flashy Helmut Rahn. However, one fateful day, as the legend goes, just before the German champion final, he was told he wouldn’t be playing! Cue the dramatic music. Picture it; a young man’s dreams shattered like a glass trophy! That match ended in tragedy for FC Köln, and it was one heartbreaking moment for Taş. Talk about a gut punch!
A Life Well Lived
But life, like football, has its ups and downs. Coşkun Taş left Köln for Bonner FV and then transitioned into coaching. He even morphed into a systems analyst at Ford. Can you envision that? From major league football to working with cars. “Does this brake pedal work? It’s not as dramatic as scoring a goal, but hey, I’m getting paid!”
The First German-Turkish Wedding: A Wonder!
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
And let’s not forget, while living in Cologne with his lovely Gerda Vogel, he kicked off the first German-Turkish wedding there in 1962. Now, that’s a plot twist worthy of a film: “Boy meets girl, boy marries girl, boy becomes an icon!”
Final Whistle: Remembering Coşkun Taş
Fast forward to today, Coşkun will be forever remembered not just for his skills but for the bridge he built between cultures. His integration efforts earned him an Order of Merit in 2013, making him not just a footballer, but a pioneer! The German authorities may remember him better than we do. Let’s hope that changes, or at least, that the next person writing his obit takes a bit more time than a single paragraph!
So, in the end, let’s raise a glass to Coşkun Taş. Here’s a man who played with heart, fought through hardship, and still made a significant contribution to society. If that doesn’t deserve a grand celebration, I don’t know what does!
Coşkun Taş, a celebrated icon in the annals of Beşiktaş football history, sadly passed away in Germany at the remarkable age of 90 in 1935. He proudly represented the Turkish National Team during the prestigious 1954 World Cup, where his talents shone on the global stage. As a notable teammate of the late Beşiktaş Honorary President Süleyman Seba, Taş greatly contributed to the team and was a revered figure in Turkish football, yet his legacy remains somewhat overlooked at home.
The announcement of his passing received a scant mention on the official Beşiktaş Club website, reduced to a mere single paragraph devoid of any imagery that would honor his contribution. Similarly, the Turkish Football Federation’s brief tribute, coupled with an insufficiently illustrative photograph, failed to encapsulate the weight of his story. Yet, in stark contrast, officials from Germany’s Cologne Club paid a heartfelt homage to him, showcasing his remarkable journey and shared memories. Let’s explore the tribute by the Cologne Club, which honored this legendary player and showcased unique photographs that captured his essence, particularly when he was transferred in 1959.
THE TURKISH WHO MADE THE HISTORY OF COLOGNE!
In 1959, Coşkun Taş made a pivotal move from Beşiktaş Istanbul to Cologne, Germany, thereby becoming the first Turkish football player to don the FC Köln colors. Throughout his career in Germany, he played a vital role in the team’s historic achievements, helping FC Köln secure second place in Germany in 1960 and earning the West German Champion title on two separate occasions.
NATIONAL TEAM AND WORLD CUP CAREER
Coşkun Taş, born in Aydın, showcased remarkable talent early in his career, making waves at Aydınspor before ascending to the first team. He caught the eye of Beşiktaş scouts during a tournament in Bursa in 1951, which led to his transfer to Istanbul, where he pursued a degree in business administration alongside his football career. His versatile playing style allowed him to shine in various offensive positions, leading to his selection for the Turkish National Team in 1952. Taş had the honor of representing Turkey in the 1954 World Cup held in Switzerland, portraying his skill on an international platform.
AGE CHEATING AND FIFA YOUTH TOURNAMENT
A notable chapter in Coşkun Taş’s career involved a controversial decision where he altered his birth year to participate in a FIFA youth tournament in Brussels in 1953. Under his coach’s guidance, his birth year was modified from 1934 to 1935, paving the way for his participation in the prestigious event. This manipulation led to the anomaly of appearing a year younger on official documents for the rest of his life.
JOURNEY TO COLOGNE FOR A NEW CHALLENGE
In a bold move for personal and professional growth, Coşkun Taş relocated to Cologne in 1959, driven by a desire to explore new horizons. He reflected on this significant decision, expressing his eagerness to learn a new language and immerse himself in a different culture. With the help of a sports journalist acquaintance, Halit Kıvanç, who had strong connections with notable figures in German football, Taş was successfully introduced to FC Köln’s management. Upon receiving a formal invitation from Franz Kremer, he embarked on a journey that would define his career.
‘A SUITCASE AND 17 MARK’
When recalling his initial arrival in Cologne, Taş humorously stated, “I had a small suitcase in my hand and only 17 German Marks in my pocket. I had no knowledge of the language except a few words in German.” After managing to contact FC Köln’s Franz Kremer, his identity initially puzzled the official, who later sent his wife, Liselotte, to welcome him at the train station and introduce him to the team.
ONE OF THE 18 TURKS IN COLOGNE!
Although the adaptation process to FC Köln was initially challenging, Taş managed to integrate into the squad with commendable speed. He diligently embraced the new training regimens and playing style, leading his teammates and coaches to respect him for his work ethic. FC Köln facilitated his adaptation by assisting him in finding employment at the Kaufhof store while he quickly gained respect within the community as the 18th Turk to settle in Cologne post-World War II.
Taking on a crucial role in the team, Taş’s performance as a left winger proved instrumental in FC Köln’s historic journey to the German Championship final for the first time, highlighted by his significant contributions across seven key matches. However, as the team prepared to face Hamburg in the decisive match, he faced an unforeseen setback that deeply affected him.
SHOCKING DECISION IN THE GERMANY FINAL
On the day of the much-anticipated final, a heart-wrenching decision was made by coach Oswald Pfau, informing Taş that he would not participate in the match, opting instead for the younger Karl-Heinz Thielen. Taş later described the news as an “unexpected and immeasurable disappointment.” It was revealed afterwards that a decision was made to favor only German players in such a pivotal game, which further complicated Taş’s emotional turmoil regarding his exclusion. The match, infamously known as the “hot battle of Frankfurt,” ended in a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat for FC Köln.
A NEW START AFTER HIS FOOTBALL CAREER
After leaving FC Köln a year later, Coşkun Taş continued his football journey with Bonner FV, followed by a coaching stint at the amateur level. His capabilities extended beyond the pitch; he successfully demonstrated his skills in the professional realm as a systems analyst for Ford Factories in Cologne.
THE FIRST GERMAN-TURKISH WEDDING IN COLOGNE
Coşkun Taş’s loyalty to Cologne, which he cherished as his second home, remained steadfast throughout his life, never faltering in his connections to Türkiye. In a historic moment for the city, he and Gerda Vogel tied the knot in 1962, marking the first German-Turkish wedding in Cologne. Their lives together were filled with happiness, and Taş maintained a keen interest in developments at FC Köln, residing with Gerda and their only son in Köln-Longerich. Following the passing of his beloved wife in 2018, Taş departed this world six years later, leaving behind a rich tapestry of memories.
LİYAKAT NISHANI’NA LAYIK GÖRÜLDÜ
Coşkun Taş dedicated many years serving as a volunteer for the Cologne Football Association, gaining recognition for his efforts towards fostering integration within football. His impactful contributions culminated in receiving the Order of Merit from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in 2013.
In their farewell tribute, FC Köln reflected on Taş’s legacy, stating: ”He promised to leave a memory that will always be remembered with respect for this valuable player who went down in the history of the Cologne club. “Coşkun Taş will always remain a name that will be remembered with honor in the club and the football community.”
Efeat for FC Köln. Coşkun’s dreams of contributing to a championship victory crumbled, symbolizing the ups and downs that defined not just his career but the broader experience of many immigrant players attempting to carve out a place in foreign lands.
A Chapter Beyond Football
Despite the setbacks on the pitch, Coşkun Taş’s journey evolved significantly after his time with FC Köln. Transitioning from a player to a coach, he held various positions and eventually leveraged his sports background to forge a career as a systems analyst at Ford. This switch not only showcased his adaptability but also highlighted a broader narrative of athletes reshaping their identities beyond their sports careers.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Taş’s influence extended beyond the football field into cultural realms as well. His marriage to Gerda Vogel in Cologne in 1962 marked a significant event in history, heralded as the first German-Turkish wedding. This union stood as a testament to the growing intercultural relationships in Germany, showcasing Taş’s ability to bridge gaps between communities through personalized experiences. It’s a love story that transcended both cultural and societal expectations, adding another layer to his legacy.
Legacy and Recognition
Coşkun Taş may have passed away, but the legacy he created remains dynamic. His contributions to FC Köln, and his symbolic role as the first Turkish player in a German club, resonate well beyond the football pitch. The recognition he received from German authorities, notably the Order of Merit in 2013, underscores the respect he earned in the country where he chose to build his life and career.
While his contributions may have been overlooked in his homeland, there’s a growing acknowledgment of his role in fostering a multicultural narrative within sport and society alike. Perhaps, in time, the stories of players like Coşkun Taş will inspire future generations both in Turkey and Germany to embrace their complex identities, just as he did during his remarkable life.
Final Thoughts
As we remember Coşkun Taş, it’s crucial to celebrate not only his prowess on the football pitch but also his resilience in navigating multiple cultures and identities. His life and legacy continue to inspire those seeking integration and acceptance in diverse environments. Here’s to a pioneer, a footballer, and a man who championed love across cultures, leaving an enduring mark on the hearts of many.
