In Cappadocia, 56-year-old Neslihan Demir has stitched greater than yarn – she’s sewn collectively sport, spirit, and star energy.
Demir, a grandmother of seven and lifelong Galatasaray supporter, lives in Yeşilova, a small village tucked into the Yeşilhisar district.
Long recognized for its handwoven Soğanlı dolls, Yeşilova is the place Demir honed her craft – making toys for her youngsters and neighbors, simply as her mom as soon as did in an period when shop-bought toys had been scarce.
But this yr, her newest creation wasn’t for a kid – it was for a champion.
Knitted over seven days with 4 shades of yarn, Demir’s latest doll is a tribute to Galatasaray’s newest cult icon: Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker, often known as a lot for his fierce goal-scoring as for the black protecting masks he wears, has develop into a beloved determine in Istanbul since becoming a member of the membership on mortgage in early 2024.
“I love Osimhen,” Demir instructed Anadolu Agency (AA), her fingers nonetheless flecked with wool. “I made sure to get every detail right – from the mask to his spirit.”
Demir desires of handing the doll to Osimhen himself – ideally as a token of Galatasaray’s anticipated Süper Lig triumph. “We’re winning the title,” she declared with a smile. “And if the club needs help keeping him, I’ll chip in!”
From Napoli to the Bosporus
Since arriving from Napoli, Osimhen has lit up Turkish soccer with unrelenting tempo, medical ending, and a charisma that transcends language.
In his debut season, the 26-year-old notched a staggering 35 objectives in 39 matches – shattering the report for many objectives by a overseas participant in a single season, beforehand held by Mario Jardel’s 34.
He didn’t simply rating – he soared. Osimhen’s brace within the Turkish Cup last towards Trabzonspor secured silverware and sealed his legend standing.
Streets in Istanbul echo his identify. Fans paint murals of him in yellow and pink. Children mimic his masks.
His performances earned him the Süper Lig Player of the Season award and turned him into an emblem of Galatasaray’s trendy ambition. “He’s one of us,” mentioned Demir, mirroring a sentiment now deeply rooted among the many Lions’ trustworthy.
Doll, dream, devotion
Demir balances her days between tending goats, household, and soccer.
Her evenings are spent in entrance of the TV, watching Osimhen battle defenders and lift hope throughout the nation.
In her dwelling, adorned with Galatasaray scarves and memorabilia, the “Osimhen baby” doll now sits proudly – a handcrafted testomony to a bond born not of geography, however of loyalty.
“I grew up making dolls because we had nothing else,” she mentioned. “Now, I’m keeping that tradition alive – for Osimhen.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com