Two Fenerbahce supporters have sparked international backlash after appearing in blackface amongst thousands of fans welcoming N’Golo Kanté to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.
Images and video footage circulating online captured the pair awaiting the French midfielder’s arrival to finalise his transfer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. One individual had Kanté’s name written across his forehead, whilst the other wore a yellow and blue Fenerbahce scarf.
The practice of darkening one’s face to imitate people of colour is widely condemned as racist across many cultures. However, some individuals in Turkey contend the act represents admiration rather than offence, despite its historical association with racial mockery and discrimination.
Kanté’s move to the Turkish Süper Lig club nearly collapsed earlier this week when Fenerbahce released a statement blaming Al-Ittihad for the deal’s breakdown. The Saudi club reportedly failed to submit necessary documentation required for the transaction to proceed.
The situation was salvaged on Wednesday following diplomatic intervention from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The head of state had been conducting an official visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, during which he engaged in discussions concerning the proposed transfer.
Erdogan’s involvement proved decisive in ensuring the 34-year-old could complete his move to Istanbul despite administrative complications threatening the agreement. The deal also involved Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri heading in the opposite direction to Al-Ittihad.
Kanté departs the Middle East after a lucrative stint that reportedly earned him £21.6 million annually. He joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 as a free agent following his departure from Chelsea, where he had spent several successful seasons.
The midfielder arrives in Turkey as a two-time Premier League champion, having first lifted the trophy with Leicester City before adding another winners’ medal at Stamford Bridge. He also claimed football’s ultimate prize when France triumphed at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Kanté watched from the stands on Thursday night as his new club defeated Erzurumspor 3-1 in the Turkish Cup. Fenerbahce currently occupy second position in the Turkish Super Lig table, having secured 13 victories from their 20 fixtures so far this season.
The blackface incident has generated significant online discussion about cultural differences in understanding racial sensitivity. Whilst some Turkish social media users defended the fans’ actions as expressing enthusiasm for the signing, international observers condemned the behaviour as perpetuating racist stereotypes.
Neither Fenerbahce nor Kanté have issued public statements addressing the controversy surrounding his airport welcome. The club has not indicated whether any action will be taken regarding the supporters who appeared in blackface.
Kanté is expected to make his competitive debut for Fenerbahce in upcoming Super Lig fixtures as the club pursues the championship title. His addition to the squad represents a significant coup for Turkish football, bringing a World Cup winner and proven Premier League performer to the domestic league.
The incident raises questions about how clubs and football authorities address supporter behaviour that causes offence across different cultural contexts, particularly as the sport continues to globalise and attract international attention.
