Living legend Eda’s sculpture unveiled in Istanbul

· Eda Erdem statue unveiled last week in a special ceremony on International Women’s Day

· The Türkiye women’s national team and Fenerbahçe Opet captain inspires girls across the country to dream big, stating: “If I can do it, you can too.”

· Recognised as one of the best middle blockers in the world, Erdem has helped lead her national team and club to an array of titles

· FIVB extends heartfelt wishes to Eda Erdem for a speedy recovery after a recent injury

Last week, on International Women’s Day, the Turkish volleyball community celebrated the national team’s hugely successful season by unveiling a sculpture of team captain Eda Erdem.

The statue was sculpted by Pinar Oktem Dogan and inspired by a famous picture of Erdem (the main photo above) by Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF) photographer Mert Bulent Ucma.

Eda Erdem and the sculpture (photo credits: fenerbahce.org)

In 2023, a year marking Türkiye’s 100th anniversary, the women’s national team won every major competition they entered. The team secured historic titles in the Volleyball Nations League and the CEV European Championship, and qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 after going undefeated in their qualification tournament.

“I am honoured to have captained our women's national team to three major trophies on the 100th anniversary of our Republic. On this occasion, I congratulate all our women who did not give up, protected their values, and pursued their dreams. I am here, in front of you, at the unveiling of this statue, which will once again emphasise the place of women in society and give little girls the message that if I can do it, they can too,” said Erdem in her speech during the ceremony.

The sculpture of the living volleyball legend, who also captains the team of Fenerbahce Opet Istanbul, the club she devoted nearly her entire athletic career to since 2008, stands at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu sports complex.

“What makes me Eda Erdem is my belonging to Fenerbahce and the unconditional love of Fenerbahce fans,” Erdem added.

Erdem attends to the fans during the statue unveiling ceremony (photo credits: fenerbahce.org)

During her career, abundantly sprinkled with multiple individual accolades, mostly for Best Blocker or for Best Middle Blocker, the 36-year-old star has collected numerous medals from major international and domestic competitions. In addition to her tremendous contribution to the success of the national team, Erdem has helped Fenerbahce win the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship in 2010, CEV Champions League in 2011, CEV Cup in 2014, six national titles, three national cups and four national super cups, among others.

TVF President Mehmet Akif Ustundag and Fenerbahce Opet Istanbul President Ali Koc were among the many esteemed guests at the statue unveiling ceremony.

On behalf of the global Volleyball Family, the FIVB extends its heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to Erdem after a recent injury. We are all hopeful to witness the Turkish legend light up the court at Paris 2024 later this year.

Erdem, TVF President Mehmet Akif Ustundag, Fenerbahce President Ali Koc and other distinguished guests in front of the sculpture (photo credits: fenerbahce.org)