Overview
Çaykur Rizespor Kulübü, based in Rize, a city on Turkey's Black Sea coast, is a prominent football club with a rich history rooted in its local community. Founded in 1953, the club has become synonymous with the region's famed tea industry, which is reflected in its primary sponsor, Çaykur, a national tea company. The club's colours, green and blue, symbolize the lush landscapes and the Black Sea, respectively. As of the 2025-2026 season, Çaykur Rizespor competes in the Süper Lig, the highest division of Turkish football, where it has maintained a presence across multiple decades, albeit with periods of promotion and relegation. The club's identity is deeply intertwined with its geographical location, drawing passionate support from the Rize province. Their home ground, the Çaykur Didi Stadyumu, is a modern facility that serves as a focal point for the community during match days. While not among the traditional giants of Turkish football, Çaykur Rizespor has consistently challenged for mid-table positions in the Süper Lig and has a strong record in the TFF First League, earning promotion to the top flight multiple times. The club's ownership structure typically involves a board of directors, often with strong local business ties, ensuring its continued connection to the region's economic and social fabric. Their defining tradition revolves around resilience and a strong home advantage, making them a challenging opponent, particularly on their home turf.
History
Çaykur Rizespor Kulübü was founded on May 19, 1953, initially as Rizespor. The club's early years were spent in regional leagues before the establishment of the professional Turkish football league system. They first achieved promotion to the top flight, then known as the Turkish First Football League, in 1979 (Wikipedia). This marked a significant milestone, bringing national attention to the club and the city of Rize. However, their initial stay in the top division was brief, experiencing relegation and promotion cycles in the subsequent decades.
The 1980s saw the club consolidate its position in the professional ranks, often competing in the second tier. A notable period in their history was the 2000s, when the club, now officially known as Çaykur Rizespor due to sponsorship, managed to secure several promotions to the Süper Lig. They enjoyed a relatively stable period in the top flight between 2003 and 2008 (Transfermarkt), establishing themselves as a consistent presence. During this era, they became known for their competitive spirit and ability to upset more established clubs.
The club has experienced several relegations to the TFF First League (second tier) throughout its history, with each downturn often followed by a determined effort to return to the Süper Lig. This pattern of promotion and relegation has become a defining characteristic of Çaykur Rizespor, showcasing their resilience. For instance, after being relegated in 2017, they secured an immediate return to the Süper Lig in the 2017-2018 season by winning the TFF First League title (Soccerway). The modern era has seen the club continue this trend, aiming to solidify its status in the Süper Lig. While major trophy successes have been limited, their consistent battles for promotion and survival have endeared them to their loyal fanbase and cemented their place in Turkish football's competitive landscape.
Honours & trophies
While Çaykur Rizespor has not lifted the Süper Lig title or major continental trophies, the club has a distinguished record in Turkey's second-tier league, the TFF First League. These successes highlight their consistent ability to compete at a high level and earn promotion to the top flight. Their honours primarily consist of league titles from this division, demonstrating their competitive strength outside of the top tier.
| Competition | Wins | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| TFF First League | 5 | 1978–79, 1984–85, 2002–03, 2017–18, 2022–23 |
These five titles are a testament to the club's consistent performance and ambition to compete at the highest level of Turkish football. Each promotion season has been met with significant celebration in Rize, underscoring the importance of these achievements to the club and its supporters. While domestic cup success has been elusive, Çaykur Rizespor has often reached the later stages of the Turkish Cup, showcasing their ability to perform in knockout competitions.
Home stadium
Çaykur Rizespor plays its home matches at the Çaykur Didi Stadyumu, a modern football stadium located in Rize, Turkey. Inaugurated in 2009, the stadium replaced the older Rize Atatürk Stadium as the club's primary home ground (Wikipedia). The stadium has a seating capacity of 15,332, providing a vibrant atmosphere for Süper Lig matches. Its design is contemporary, featuring covered stands and facilities that meet UEFA standards, making it suitable for top-tier domestic and potentially international club competitions.
The Çaykur Didi Stadyumu is situated conveniently within the city of Rize, making it accessible for local supporters. The pitch is natural grass, maintained to a high standard, facilitating attractive football. The stadium is named after Çaykur, the club's main sponsor and a prominent Turkish tea company, which further strengthens the club's connection to the region's famous tea industry. The construction of the new stadium was a significant development for Çaykur Rizespor, providing improved infrastructure and a more comfortable experience for fans, reflecting the club's ambitions to establish itself firmly in the Süper Lig.
Notable players
Throughout its history, Çaykur Rizespor has been home to various talented players who have left a lasting impact on the club. These individuals represent different eras and have contributed significantly to the club's achievements, particularly its multiple promotions to the Süper Lig.
- Harmik Papazyan: An Armenian forward who was a prolific goalscorer for Rizespor in the late 1970s and early 1980s, playing a crucial role in their first promotion to the top flight in 1979. He is revered as one of the club's earliest legends.
- Ogün Temizkanoğlu: A versatile defender who played for Rizespor in the early 2000s, contributing to their promotion in the 2002-2003 season. He later had a distinguished career with major Turkish clubs and the national team.
- Zafer Biryol: A powerful striker who was a key figure for the club during their Süper Lig tenure in the mid-2000s. His goalscoring prowess was vital in keeping Rizespor competitive in the top division.
- Kweuke Leonard: A Cameroonian international striker who became a fan favourite during his spell from 2013 to 2017. Known for his strength and clinical finishing, Kweuke Leonard was instrumental in several Süper Lig campaigns and holds a high place in the club's modern history.
- Ali Çamdalı: A defensive midfielder who captained the team for several seasons in the 2010s. His leadership and consistent performances were crucial in guiding the club through various league campaigns, including promotions.
Current players making an impact include:
- Dal Varesanovic: The Bosnian attacking midfielder joined in 2023 and has quickly established himself as a creative force, contributing goals and assists from midfield.
- İbrahim Olawoyin: A Nigerian winger who arrived in 2023, known for his pace and dribbling ability, providing a significant threat on the flanks for the current squad.
Rivalries
Çaykur Rizespor's rivalries are primarily rooted in geographical proximity and historical competition within the Turkish football landscape. While they do not have a single, intensely fierce derby on par with Istanbul's giants, several matches carry significant weight for the club and its supporters.
The most prominent rivalry is often considered to be with fellow Black Sea region clubs, particularly Trabzonspor. Matches against Trabzonspor, dubbed the "Black Sea Derby," are always highly anticipated. The close geographical location and the regional pride associated with both clubs fuel this rivalry, leading to passionate encounters both on and off the pitch. While Trabzonspor generally holds a superior historical record, Rizespor supporters view these matches as opportunities to assert their standing in the region.
Other rivalries exist with clubs such as Giresunspor and Samsunspor, also from the Black Sea region. These games, while not as historically charged as the one with Trabzonspor, are important for regional bragging rights, especially when the teams compete in the same division. The competitive nature of Turkish football, coupled with strong regional identities, ensures that encounters with these clubs are always hard-fought and keenly contested by the fans.