Full Name: İlkay Gündoğan
Date of Birth: 24 October 1990
Place of Birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s): Midfielder
Current Club: Manchester City
Jersey Nuo.: 19
While İlkay Gündoğan has dazzled football fans with his extraordinary skills on the pitch and is revered for his exceptional football intelligence, there are many facets of him that bear deeper significance.
He exhibited remarkable resilience and determination even when navigating youth teams and overcoming personal challenges. Facts about his journey reflect his trials and triumphs, illustrating a path that is as fascinating as inspiring.
Below Are Bio-Facts About İlkay Gündoğan Fans May Not Know
1. He was Born in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia
İlkay Gündoğan was born on October 24, 1990, in Gelsenkirchen, a city in the Ruhr region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Growing up in this industrial city with a rich football tradition, including the renowned Schalke 04, Gündoğan was deeply influenced by its football culture. His early life in Gelsenkirchen nurtured his passion for the sport and set the foundation for his successful career.
2. He is of Turkish Descent
Gündoğan is of Turkish descent, a fact that played a significant role in shaping his identity on and off the field. His grandparents moved from Balıkesir in Turkey to Germany as part of the country’s guest worker program.
Despite being born and raised in Germany, Gündoğan has maintained close ties to his Turkish heritage, something he has acknowledged in interviews throughout his career. His Turkish roots are a vital part of his personal and professional journey, making him a notable figure among Germany's multicultural football talents.
3. He Began his Career at SV Gelsenkirchen-Hessler 06, Before Other Youth Spells
Gündoğan's footballing journey began at the local club SV Gelsenkirchen-Hessler 06, where he first honed his skills as a young boy. After impressing in the youth ranks, he moved on to larger local clubs, including Schalke 04’s academy and SSV Buer.
He eventually found his way to VfL Bochum’s youth system, where his technical abilities and football intelligence started to truly shine. This early journey through multiple academies gave him a solid foundation and prepared him for the professional levels.
4. He Had A Boyhood Affiliation with Schalke 04
As a child, Gündoğan had a strong connection to Schalke 04, one of Germany’s biggest clubs and the pride of his hometown, Gelsenkirchen. He joined Schalke's youth academy when he was eight but his stint at the club was short-lived. Despite leaving at a young age, his early exposure to the club left an impression on him, and he has often spoken about his boyhood admiration for Schalke, even as his professional career took him elsewhere.
5. He was Obliged to Halt his Football Activities Due to Growth Problems
During his early teenage years, Gündoğan faced a significant setback when he was forced to take a break from football due to growth-related issues. These physical problems hindered his development and progression in the sport for a time. While it was a challenging period for him, the break allowed him to recover and return stronger.
6. He Regrets Rejecting A Second Chance to Join Schalke
At the age of 13, Gündoğan had the opportunity to rejoin Schalke 04’s academy, but he turned it down, a decision he later expressed regret over. At the time, he decided it was best to decline the move to avoid disappointment. In hindsight, he acknowledged that returning to Schalke might have provided a different trajectory for his career, but this decision didn’t deter him from achieving great success elsewhere.
7. His Stints at Bochum, Nürnberg, and Dortmund Prepared Him for the Premier League
Gündoğan's rise to prominence began with his stints at VfL Bochum and FC Nürnberg, where his technical skills and tactical intelligence came to the fore. In 2011, he made a breakthrough move to Borussia Dortmund, where under Jürgen Klopp, he became a key player in their midfield.
His time at Dortmund, especially during their Bundesliga-winning campaigns and Champions League run, sharpened his playmaking abilities and prepared him for the rigours of Premier League football, where he would eventually become one of Manchester City's best midfield maestros ever.
8. He Set A Premier League Passing Record in 2018 Playing Against Chelsea
On March 4, 2018, Gündoğan made Premier League history in a match against Chelsea by setting a record for the most passes completed in a single game. The German midfielder completed 174 passes, proof of his incredible vision and control in midfield.
This performance epitomised his style of play — precise, composed, and highly influential in dictating the flow of the game, which made him a key figure in Pep Guardiola's possession-based system at Manchester City.
9. He was City’s Top Scorer in the 2020–21 Premier League Season
In the 2020-21 Premier League season, Gündoğan took on an unexpected role as Man City's top scorer, netting 13 goals in the league. With key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Agüero struggling with injuries, Gündoğan stepped up with timely goals, often arriving late into the box with clinical finishes.
His contributions were crucial in City's title-winning campaign as he showcased his versatility and ability to thrive in different roles. It was a standout season that earned him praise for evolving into a more attack-minded player under Guardiola.
10. His Final Day Magic in the 2021–22 Season was Cityzenic
The 2021-22 Premier League season finale was nothing short of dramatic, and Gündoğan was at the centre of it. On May 22, 2022, with Man City trailing 2-0 against Aston Villa and needing a win to secure the title, Gündoğan came off the bench to score twice in a stunning 3-2 comeback win. His first goal gave City hope, and just minutes later, he scored the winner, clinching the title for his team. It was a moment of brilliance that cemented his legacy at the club.
11. He Scored the Fastest Goal in FA Cup Final History
Gündoğan made history again on June 3, 2023, when he scored the fastest goal ever in an FA Cup final. Just 13 seconds into the match against Manchester United, Gündoğan unleashed a stunning volley from outside the box, leaving United’s goalkeeper De Gea with no chance. The match ended in a 2-1 victory for City, with Gündoğan scoring both goals. This victory helped City secure the second piece of their historic treble-winning season.
12. He is the First Man City Captain to Lift the Champions League
On June 10, 2023, Gündoğan led Manchester City to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, completing a historic treble for the club. As captain, he became the first player in City’s history to lift the prestigious trophy, following a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final. Gündoğan’s leadership and experience were vital in City’s long-awaited European success, marking the pinnacle of his career at the club.
13. He is the Second-oldest Player to Score for Barcelona in El Clásico
After joining FC Barcelona in the summer of 2023, Gündoğan quickly made his mark in Spain. On October 28, 2023, in his first El Clásico against Real Madrid, he scored for Barcelona, becoming the second-oldest player to do so at the age of 33 years and 4 days. Despite his age, Gündoğan proved that his footballing intelligence and finishing abilities remained sharp, contributing to one of the most iconic fixtures in world football.
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