Turkey star Calik dies, aged 27, in tragic car accident as Konyaspor pay tribute

The Konyaspor centre-back was pronounced dead at the scene after losing control of his vehicle on a motorway around 9am on Tuesday morning.

Calik was the only person involved in the accident, which has sent shock waves through Turkish football.

The former Galatasaray defender made eight caps for his country after rising through the youth ranks.

Konyaspor tweeted: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our football player Ahmet Calik, who has won the love of our fans and our city since the first day he came to our Konyaspor.

"Condolences to all of us, especially to the family of our football player Ahmet Calik."

Meanwhile, Turkey's youth and sports minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu said: "I have learned with deep regret that our national football player Ahmet Calik, who plays for Konyaspor, passed away in a traffic accident on the Ankara - Nigde highway.

"May God have mercy on the late Ahmet Calik, who also served in our national team.

"My condolences to his family, Konyaspor and the entire football community."

Calik spent most of his career at local club Genclerbirligi, joining their youth ranks aged nine before making his debut for the senior team in 2011.

The centre-back joined Turkish giants Galatasaray in 2017 and made 36 league appearances before signing for fellow Super Lig club Konyaspor in 2020.