Besiktas #9 Les Ferdinand Match Jersey 1988/89 - Size XL

Les Ferdinand was loaned from Queens Park Rangers to Beşiktaş in 1988 at the request of Gordon Milne. As soon as the 1988–89 season began, he quickly became a major attraction with the typical qualities of a natural centre-forward. The moment he arrived in Turkey, he was embraced with such warmth and affection that it did not take him long to form a strong bond with Beşiktaş and its humorous, passionate supporters. However, Ferdinand, who had won a special place in the hearts of Beşiktaş fans, returned to his former club Queens Park Rangers for the 1989–90 season.

He was one of the most loved Black players among the foreign footballers who had played for Beşiktaş and left one of the finest impressions on the club's supporters. Since Gordon Milne knew him well and believed he had a bright future, Ferdinand was brought to Beşiktaş on loan in 1988 at Milne's request. He was only 22 years old at the time.

When he arrived at the Black-and-White club from Queens Park Rangers, he was like a closed book. Apart from Gordon Milne, nobody knew much about his ability or potential. For Beşiktaş supporters, he became a love story that was left unfinished. At the same time, he was the first Black foreign player to grace the grass of İnönü Stadium.

After returning to England from Beşiktaş, where he had been sent on loan to gain experience, he was named Player of the Year while wearing the Black-and-White shirt of Newcastle. However, an unfortunate injury prevented him from becoming a global football superstar.

With his ball control, dominance in the air and distinctive dribbling skills in one-on-one battles, as well as the beautiful goals he scored using both feet, he was a player who reminded many of Beşiktaş's legendary centre-forward Kemal Gülçelik. During the first half of the 1988–89 Turkish league season, and later in the Turkish Cup final, his goals against Schumacher, the famous German international goalkeeper who was guarding Fenerbahçe's goal that season, created tremendous excitement among those watching.

In 44 official and friendly matches for Beşiktaş, he scored a total of 22 goals and firmly established himself in the hearts of all Beşiktaş supporters. During the Beşiktaş–Fenerbahçe derbies of that era, the chant “Let’s put four past them, boys!” became a song of victory in the stands, thanks to his prolific goalscoring.

Ferdinand shared the İnönü Stadium pitch with Beşiktaş's legendary trio Metin–Ali–Feyyaz, and it did not take long for him to win the hearts of the supporters. The Beşiktaş faithful, who initially watched the Englishman with curiosity and some hesitation, soon began applauding him on his feet as the weeks went by.

The supporters became deeply attached to Ferdinand, the first Black footballer in Beşiktaş's history, and even gave him a Turkish nickname: “Ferdi.” With his tall stature and powerful physique, Ferdinand tormented opposing defences and became the hero of difficult matches with his goals.

Ferdinand's goals helped the Black-and-Whites win the Turkish Cup that season, even though they did not win the league championship.

He also experienced Presidential Cup triumphs and, after winning a permanent place in the hearts of Beşiktaş supporters, was eventually forced to return to England.

Of course, he left with a heavy heart...

Source: Vala Somalı, Beşiktaş Magazine, Issue 69