Iconic deaf soccer player passes away at 36

In Europe, Huseyin Er, a Deaf football player -- in the U.S. we call it soccer, but in Europe, they call it football -- Huseyin (shows name sign), who played for UK and Turkish Deaf football teams, sadly passed away on May 16. People called him an “icon,” a “legend,” and “the king of deaf football.”

Many people in Europe expressed their sadness on social media about the loss of Huseyin. He was famous in the football world. Huseyin passed away because his heart stopped and he was 36 years old.

(Video CREDIT to St. John Football Deaf Club)

Huseyin: Great Britain semi-finals…

Huseyin: Yes, 1 and 0 ! We won! Your daddy’s team won!

Huseyin was the only deaf UK player to win gold in the Deaflympics, European Championships, and the World Cup for Turkey. He played for the St. John’s Football Deaf Club in London and also for Turkey’s Deaf football team at the international level. In his football career, he has won many awards.

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Aside from his football career, he was one of 8 children: 3 hearing and 5 deaf. He was also a twin. His twin brother’s name is Hasan. Hasan also plays football. People said he was so kind, big hearted, sweet, and always the one to stop a fight. He smiled all the time.

The Daily Moth reached out to the Costi brothers: Memnos and Marios. Both of them know Huseyin and his family very well. They were all very close and grew up together. The Costi brothers mentioned that Huseyin and his family are like their own family too. We reached out to them for an interview about Huseyin. I want to let you know that they are using International Sign (IS) in the interview.

Memnos: I have known Huseyin and his twin brother since they were 6 years old. One was broad and one was thin. I met them and gave them a name sign. Huseyin (the thin) and Hasan (the broad). I have taught them football each week since that age. I was also focused on my male football team and training the twins separately. However, Huseyin was a fast learner. He became part of my male football team when he was 14 years old. Around the same time, Marios, my brother, was 15 years old when he also quickly picked up and became part of our male football team. You know, as a coach for a long time, if you see a special player, you just know this person has the skills. So, at a young age, Marios played with Huseyin for a long time and they were very close.

Marios: Yeah, well, the first time when I was part of the youth football team, my brother (Memnos) warned me that the twins were very good. I was about 10 or 11 at that time. I met them for a brief time then after a bit of time, the twins decided to just go ahead and visit my house. I remember opening my door and I saw both of the twins by my door. The twins openly said hello and told me about my brother Memnos. I was like yeah..then the twins were like, “so let’s come on and play football together!” Ever since that day, I have been so close to them.

Memnos: Marios, remember in 2017 during the Deaflympics in Samsung, Turkey? A little before it started, Huseyin was not really feeling himself as he kept practicing with his team. For the first match of the opening ceremony, it was Turkey versus Saudi Arabia. Huseyin called me the night before, He looked so shocked. He told me, “They are going to bench me. I will not play.” I told Huseyin, “Well, you’re old. You are 34. Time flies by fast.” Huseyin looked at me and said, “No. You watch me. Tomorrow, I am going to get back in the game.” I was like “Ok, go for it! But remember, don’t feel too down because it is about teamwork.” Huseyin said okay. The next day, the Turkey team was not doing well. The score was 1 (Turkey) - 1 (Saudi Arabia) at that time so the Turkey coach called Huseyin in the game. He ended up assisting a score and scored himself. The score became 3 for Turkey and 1 for Saudi Arabia. I was like wow! There is a live recording of that game. Deaf people can see that video.

(video)

Marios: In 2015, in Germany for the Europe World Cup, Huseyin was playing for Turkey. I was part of the England team, the Great Britain team. So, in Germany, during the semi-finals, my team went against Turkey. Huseyin and I went up against each other. It’s funny because we have known each other ever since we were kids and now we are playing against each other.

Memnos: Yes, and both of them were wearing number 11!

Marios: Yes, 11 ! I have a photo I can show. Our GB team scored 2 points and Turkey was 0. Right before the whistle was blown for half time and to switch sides of the field, Huseyin carried the ball and scored a goal so it was 2 for GB and 1 for Turkey. So, there was competition. After half time, we switched sides of the field. Turkey scored two more points so they had 3 and we had 2. I was heartbroken. After the final whistle, I got down on my knees and began crying.

Memnos: Wait wait, yes to add to that, I was watching the match. I felt so stressed because there were two of my beloved people on the field- one on the Turkish side and one on the British side. After the game was over with the score of 3 -2, I jumped off a bench as I was working with a film team, I ran over to Marios because he was on his knees crying, he was heartbroken. As I ran over, there was someone else who also ran over to Marios too. It was Huseyin. All of the Turkey team were celebrating and they were jumping up and down together, but Huseyin did not join them. He first ran over to Marios. So, it was the both of us who tried to comfort Marios. Huseyin told Marios, “I’m really sorry!” Marios told Huseyin, “I know! I know! If you did not play on that team, I would have beaten them, but you played for them!” All 3 of us laughed together, hugged, and cried.

Memnos: After that, Huseyin and his Turkey team won the finals 4-0 against Russia.

Memnos: Huseyin was the complete package. No one can take his 10 – his number for football. There are great players, but we all know that for the next 50 years, it will be hard to find a player like Huseyin.

Renca: We want to thank Memnos and Marios for their time to share about Huseyin. They also mentioned that the hearing semi-professionals have been wanting to get Huseyin to play for them, but he told them that he was deaf and his heart belonged to the Deaf community. Both of the brothers also mentioned that they are heartbroken for the loss of Huseyin, but they also grieve for other deaf football players who have passed away too.

The Daily Moth sends our thoughts to Huseyin’s family and friends during this time. He may be gone, but his football legacy will last forever.

Turkey vs Saudi Arabia game Deaflympics 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzfmLEI-GWw