A football prodigy rises to fame, battling prejudice and inner turmoil on his quest for greatness. Based on the life of Turkish legend, Lefter.
Acting
Kaynarca embodies Lefter's simmering restraint and explosive grief.
Production
Meticulous 1940s-50s Istanbul recreation, Fenerbahçe kits and all.
Direction
Ulkay refuses easy triumphalism for something messier, truer.
Director
Can Ulkay
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Lefter Küçükandonyadis scored 423 goals for Fenerbahçe but was banned from the national team for years due to his Greek heritage; the film was made with surviving family cooperation after decades of official obscurity.
The 1955 Istanbul Pogrom depicted mid-film remains taboo in Turkish cinema; Ulkay shot it in secret with international crew to avoid state interference.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
TR
