Turkish professional footballer Tolga Kalender, a defender for second-division club Bandırmaspor, has died at the age of 25 following a long battle with cancer that metastasized to his lungs.
Kalender passed away in hospital on Tuesday, September 22, just two days after being admitted for a routine medical checkup. His funeral took place on Wednesday, September 23, in the city of Adana.
According to news outlet Aykiri, the player suffered fatal complications while receiving medical care in hospital. His family and former teammates gathered in Adana to pay their final respects during the burial service.
Battle with eye tumor
Speaking to Turkish news outlet Posta, his cousin Levent Kalender revealed that the footballer had been fighting an eye tumor for more than a year. The diagnosis had initially been made roughly twelve months prior to his death.
Levent Kalender explained that the defender underwent extensive medical treatment following his diagnosis. His health appeared to show encouraging signs of improvement at the beginning of the summer.
However, the cancer later spread from his eye into his lungs. The cousin noted that both men had returned to the hospital together two days before his death to undergo a routine medical assessment, during which his condition rapidly deteriorated.
Ocular tumors that metastasize to distant organs such as the lungs represent a severe medical escalation. In secondary organ involvement, cancer cells travel through the bloodstream, presenting complex challenges for treatment and recovery.
Career in Turkish football
Kalender developed his skills as a youth player within the academy systems of Tuzlaspor and Istanbul Başakşehir, two prominent clubs in the Turkish football structure. He gradually established himself as a promising defensive talent in domestic competitions.
In 2021, the defender completed a transfer to top-flight side Adana Demirspor. Based in the southern city of Adana, the club competes in the Süper Lig, the highest tier of professional football in Turkey.
During the 2024/2025 season, Kalender featured in 25 first-division matches for Adana Demirspor, becoming a regular contributor in their back line. He later transferred to Bandırmaspor, a club based in the Marmara region competing in the 1. Lig, the second tier of Turkish football.
Throughout the previous season at Bandırmaspor, Kalender earned 11 starting appearances for the club as he continued his professional career despite his ongoing medical battle.
Tributes across the sport
Bandırmaspor issued a statement on Wednesday expressing deep sadness over the loss of their player. The club offered prayers for God's mercy upon him while extending heartfelt condolences and patience to his family, relatives, teammates, and supporters.
Former club Adana Demirspor also paid tribute to the late defender in an official message. The club acknowledged his years of service and dedication, noting that he had worn their navy and blue shirt with pride.
Adana Demirspor stated that Kalender's determination, hard work, and fond memories created during his time at the club would remain permanently etched in the memory of their community.
In his personal life, Kalender had reached a major milestone shortly before his diagnosis, having married in October 2025.
