Mehmet Ali Yılmaz

Mehmet Ali Yılmaz was a prominent figure in Turkish sports, known for his significant contributions as a football executive and politician. He served as the president of Trabzonspor for three terms, making him the longest-serving president in the club's history, and was later honored as Honorary President. Under his leadership, Trabzonspor achieved notable successes, including winning the Turkish League Championship and several national cups. Additionally, Yılmaz played a crucial role in the Turkish Football Federation's transition to autonomy and was influential in establishing the pool system in football. His legacy extends beyond sports, as he also served as the Minister of Youth and Sports, contributing to the development of sports in Turkey. The 2025-2026 Süper Lig season has been named in his honor, reflecting his lasting impact on Turkish football.