Nevide Cicek: Meet Türkiye’s 23-year old football team president

From the football pitch to the world of beauty pageants and back to the field—Nevide Cicek is redefining boundaries.

Now at just 23 years old, she has taken on a groundbreaking role as the president of Cakallikli Spor, an amateur men’s football team.

Passion for football sparked in childhood

Growing up in Istanbul, Nevide Cicek discovered her love for football early, playing with her male classmates on school fields. Her talent and enthusiasm eventually led her to Guzeltepe Dogu Youth and Sports Club.

Despite her promising trajectory in football, Cicek didn’t confine herself to the pitch.

A multi-talented career in beauty and acting

Cicek ventured into modeling and acting, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2021, she proudly represented Türkiye at the Miss Tourism Universe competition in Lebanon, clinching the crown. Her success didn’t stop there—she went on to secure third place at Russia’s Miss Eurasia pageant in 2023, competing against representatives from 25 countries.

Alongside her beauty pageant accolades, she made her mark on Turkish television with roles in various series and films.

Returning to football

Despite her multifaceted career, Cicek never let go of her love for football. She recently returned to the game with 1207 Antalyaspor Women’s Football Club, playing in Türkiye’s leagues.

But she didn’t stop at playing—she made history by becoming the president of Cakallikli Spor, an Antalya-based team in the Super Amateur League.

Breaking barriers in men’s football

Cicek’s presidency is a significant milestone in the male-dominated world of men’s football. She stands out as the only female president in the league.

Balancing her personal training regimen with her new administrative responsibilities, she ensures her team’s training sessions receive her full attention.

Nevide Cicek: “I am in love with football”

Expressing her deep passion for the sport, Cicek shared:

I love football; I am truly in love with it. I want to show that women have a place in football too. This time, I’ve ventured into men’s football, and I’m so happy to be here.

Nevide Cicek’s journey—from beauty queen to football club president—illustrates her resilience and ambition. Her story is a testament to breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of women to carve out their space in traditionally male-dominated fields.