Vahap Özaltay

Vahap Özaltay or Vehâb Özaltay (born, Beşir oğlu Vahap; in 1907, 1908 or 1909 and track and field athlete.

He is notable for being the first Turkish player to ever play for a foreign club, when he signed for Racing Club de France in 1932, and for his three stints with Altay S.K. with whom, in 1937, he became the first professional footballer in Turkey. He chose his last name based on his love for Altay (lit. "Pure/Real Altay").

Coaching career After his football career, he worked as a manager for Altay and for the national team of the military. He became famous as being the first manager to use the WM formation. With the national team he won the World Army Football tournament of 1954.

Personal life Özaltay was married with 7 children. His younger brother, Saim, also played for Altay S.K. Although the rivalry between their clubs, Özaltay and Said Altınordu, Altınordu F.K. icon were best friends. Özaltay died due to a heart attack following his given speech at generalassembly of Altay S.K., on 10 June 1965.