Turkish football team Istanbulspor are in mourning following the passing of 20-year-old defender, Baran Vardar, after a lengthy battle with cancer. The young centre-half was diagnosed with the illness earlier in his career and had been receiving treatment. A statement from Istanbulspor confirmed Vardar’s tragic death.

It read: “We are in great pain and deep sorrow. We are experiencing profound grief over the loss of our footballer, our dear Baran Alp Vardar, who has been undergoing cancer treatment for some time. Baran Alp, with his character, loyalty to his team-mates and cheerful smile, will always be remembered. He will forever live in the hearts of our community. His departure from us at such a young age has deeply wounded us all.”

“We pray to Allah for mercy upon our late footballer Baran Alp Vardar, and offer patience and condolences to his precious family first and foremost, as well as to his loved ones, team-mates and our community.

“May your resting place be paradise, Baran Alp… We will never forget you. The funeral of our dear Baran Alp will take place after the funeral prayer to be performed at Beylikduzu Mevlana Mosque following the noon prayer on Sunday.”

Vardar came through the Istanbulspor academy and featured three times when they competed in the Turkish Super Lig during the 2023/24 campaign. He failed to make any subsequent appearances for the team after becoming unwell.

Tributes have been pouring in for the club. A statement from Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray read: “We have learned with sorrow the news of the passing of İstanbulspor’s young footballer Baran Alp Vardar. May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to his family, loved ones, and the İstanbulspor community.”

Trabzonspor also expressed their sympathy. “We have learned with profound sorrow of the passing of İstanbulspor footballer Baran Alp Vardar,” a post on Twitter read.

Fenerbahce added: “We extend our condolences to the family, loved ones, and the entire İstanbulspor community, and pray that the departed rests in peace.

“We have learned with great sorrow of the passing of İstanbulspor’s young footballer Baran Alp Vardar. May Baran Alp Vardar rest in peace; we extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the İstanbulspor community.”