Turkey’s Return to the World Cup Is Overshadowed by a Viral Superfan

Turkey’s historic return to the World Cup after a 22-year absence drew major attention in Vancouver on Tuesday night, but one supporter became the unexpected star of the team’s opening match against Australia. The fan, widely known as Udi Neco, was captured on camera in the stands at BC Place and quickly went viral for his dramatic black-and-white face paint.

Udi Neco, whose real name is Nejdet Olçerman, is closely associated with Beşiktaş and has followed Turkey everywhere for years. His striking look, which many viewers described as eerie or intimidating, made him one of the most talked-about figures of the tournament on social media. Despite the appearance, the article says he is considered a cheerful, humorous figure and a beloved symbol of Turkish supporters.

The profile of the fan dates back to 2017, when it first emerged during an away match for Beşiktaş in France. Since then, he has become an unofficial brand for the Turkish fan base, and his presence at Turkey’s World Cup opener was described as the formal start of the supporters’ celebration in North America. Photos and clips of him spread rapidly across major football accounts online.

Turkey, which has not played on the World Cup stage since 2002, will continue its group-stage campaign against Paraguay and the United States. Australia won the match, and the article notes that Neco is likely to keep giving photographers plenty of work in the coming games.