Turkey Fan in Black-and-White Face Paint Becomes a World Cup Viral Sensation

Necdet Ölçerman, a Turkish supporter, became one of the World Cup’s most talked-about figures after appearing in the stands during Turkey’s match against Australia in a striking black-and-white look. His face was painted completely black, with snow-white hair, a large white beard, and bright white contact lenses, giving him a horror-movie appearance that quickly spread online.

Behind the unusual costume is a longtime football fan, not a performer or celebrity. Ölçerman is a devoted supporter of Turkish club Beşiktaş, and the black-and-white colors he uses match the team’s identity. He has made the look part of his regular presence in the stands.

This is not the first time he has drawn attention. Football fans who followed Euro 2024 recognized him from the stadiums there, where he appeared in a similar style. The World Cup, however, pushed him onto a much larger global stage and made him far more widely known.

Turkey lost 2-0 to Australia, and online users joked afterward that one glance from the stands might be enough to motivate the team in its next matches against Paraguay and the United States. Even though Turkey did not start the tournament as it had hoped, one of its supporters has already become a viral star.