A product of Beşiktaş JKyouth system, Nihat Kahveci (born 1979 in Istanbul) would eventually become an indispensable player for the senior team with his extraordinary pace, powerful shots and accuracy like no other. In 2002, he was transferred to Real Sociedad of Spain by former Beşiktaş JK Manager Benjamin Toshack. Nihat scored 57 goals in 115 appearances for the Spanish side. During 2002-03 season, his 23 goals made him the joint-second top scorer in La Liga. Furthermore, in 2004, he was chosen “The player of the Year” in Spain. The prolific forward later moved to Villareal, but saw limited action because of his injuries. He returned to Beşiktaş in 2010. He was a key player of the Turkish national squad which finished third in Euro 2008. Kahveci parted ways with the Black Eagles at the end of 2010-11 season.