Career
A native of the town of Karasu in the Marmara Region"s Sakarya Province, Recep Çetin began his football career in 1979 at the age of 14 as a youth trainee in the Sakaryaspor football club, where he remained upon turning professional at 19 in 1984. Transferring to Boluspor in 1986 and Beşiktaş J.K. in 1988, he was selected to play for the Turkey national football team 56 times and played 10 seasons in Beşiktaş. Upon leaving Beşiktaş he transferred to Trabzonspor in 1998 and then to İstanbulspor in 1999, ultimately retiring in 2002.
Known for his versatile playing style, defensive strength, and charismatic looks, he was nicknamed "Takoz Recep".
His goal against Switzerland elevated Takoz to legend status. He remains a football icon in Turkey with a cult following.