Early Years
Metin Kurt played for Altay (1966-1967), PTT (1967-1970), and Galatasaray (1970-1976). In 1976, he transferred to Kayserispor on the initiative of Kebapçı Hilmi and became one of the club’s unforgettable players from 1976 to 1979.
Kayserispor Years and Negotiations
During his time at Kayserispor, Kurt faced various difficulties. He said he was excluded from the squad and that a decision was made to have him leave the city. He was penalized for writing to local newspapers and was told to leave the city within 24 hours. After public signature campaigns, he was recalled to the team and played until the end of the season. Years later he returned to Kayseri as a coach.
Political and Union Struggle
Kurt was known as much for his political activism as for his football career. In the 2011 general elections he was a candidate for the Turkish Communist Party (TKP) for Istanbul. He earned fans with the slogan “Futbol borsada değil, arsada güzel” and was known for phrases like “Sıcak bir bira” and “Aşk sendikasında.” He pioneered unionization, refused to train over unpaid wages, and was one of the first to strike on the green field.
Later Years and Death
Metin Kurt died at age 64 on 24 August 2012 in Istanbul Yedikule. While undergoing treatment for laryngeal cancer, he died of heart failure. He coached Yedikule (1982-1983) and Eyüpspor (1992). He passed away 14 years ago.
Why the Nickname ‘Çizgi Metin’?
Kurt explained the nickname: “Where is the place closest to the public? The line. I would stand on the line. I don’t like playing in the area where the coach and management are. I would play with one side open on the right and the other side open on the left to avoid playing in front of the captain.”
