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İlkay Gündoğan
Personal information
Gündoğan lining up for Germany in 2018
Date of birth	(1990-10-24) 24 October 1990 (age 34)
Place of birth	Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Height	1.80 m
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Manchester City
Number	19
Youth career
1994–1998	SV Gelsenkirchen-Hessler 06
1998–1999	Schalke 04
1999–2004	SV Gelsenkirchen-Hessler 06
2004–2005	SSV Buer
2005–2008	VfL Bochum
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps^†	(Gls)^†
2008–2009	VfL Bochum II	2	(1)
2009–2011	1. FC Nürnberg	48	(6)
2011–2016	Borussia Dortmund	105	(10)
2012	Borussia Dortmund II	1	(0)
2016–2023	Manchester City	188	(44)
2023–2024	Barcelona	36	(5)
2024–	Manchester City	20	(0)
National team
2008	Germany U18	7	(0)
2008–2009	Germany U19	6	(0)
2009–2010	Germany U20	2	(0)
2010–2012	Germany U21	8	(1)
2011–2024	Germany	82	(19)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 23:42, 19 January 2025 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals).

İlkay Gündoğan (Turkish: [ilˈkaj ˈɟyndoan]; born 24 October 1990) is a German professional footballer. He plays as a midfielder for the English club Manchester City.

Gündoğan started his youth career at VfL Bochum. In 2009, he joined 1. FC Nürnberg. Later, in 2011, he signed with Borussia Dortmund. There, he played over 150 games. He helped Dortmund win the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal in his first season. He also scored in the 2013 UEFA Champions League final, which Dortmund lost to Bayern Munich.

In 2016, Gündoğan moved to Manchester City. He played over 300 games for them. He won five Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and the Champions League. In 2022, he became the club captain. He led the team to win three major trophies in the 2022–23 season. After a year with Barcelona in Spain, he returned to Manchester City in 2024.

Gündoğan first played for the German national team in 2011. Before that, he played for Germany's youth teams. He was part of Germany's squads for the UEFA European Championship in 2012, 2020, and 2024. He was captain for Euro 2024. He also played in the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

İlkay Gündoğan's Early Life

İlkay Gündoğan was born on October 24, 1990, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. His parents were from Turkey. His grandfather moved from Balıkesir, Turkey, to Germany to work as a miner. He was a "guest worker," which means he came to Germany to fill jobs.

İlkay Gündoğan's Club Career

Starting His Football Journey

Gündoğan with 1. FC Nürnberg in 2010

Gündoğan grew up in Gelsenkirchen. As a child, he briefly played for Schalke 04. But he had to stop playing for a while because of growth problems. He later said this was a very tough time for him. When Schalke wanted to sign him again at age 13, he said no. He was worried he might be disappointed again.

He then joined VfL Bochum's youth team. In 2008, he started playing for their reserve team. In 2009, he signed with 1. FC Nürnberg, a club in the 2. Bundesliga. In his fourth game, on September 19, 2009, he made his first assist against Bayern Munich. He scored his first goal for Nürnberg on February 20, 2010, also against Bayern Munich.

Playing for Borussia Dortmund

Winning Trophies and Reaching the Champions League Final

Gündoğan playing for Borussia Dortmund in 2015

On May 5, 2011, Gündoğan signed a four-year contract with Borussia Dortmund. He played his first game on July 23, 2011, in the 2011 DFL-Supercup against Schalke. The game ended 0–0, and Dortmund lost in a penalty shoot-out. On December 17, he scored his first goal for Dortmund in a 4–1 win against SC Freiburg.

On March 20, 2012, Gündoğan scored a goal in the 120th minute. This helped Dortmund beat Greuther Fürth and reach the 2012 DFB-Pokal final. On May 12, he played the whole final game. Dortmund won 5–2 against Bayern Munich. This win gave Dortmund their first domestic double (winning both the league and cup).

In the 2012–13 season, Gündoğan was a key player for Dortmund. They reached the 2013 UEFA Champions League final. He was praised for his performance against Real Madrid in the semi-finals. On May 25, 2013, he scored a penalty goal in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich. The game was played at Wembley Stadium. Dortmund lost the final 2–1.

New Contracts and More Finals

Gündoğan scored in the 2013 DFL-Supercup on July 27, 2013. Dortmund won 4–2 against Bayern Munich. In August, he got a back injury while playing for his country. This injury kept him out of the game for a whole year. In April 2014, Gündoğan signed a new contract with Dortmund until 2016.

On April 28, 2015, Gündoğan scored in a penalty shoot-out win against Bayern Munich. This sent Dortmund to the 2015 DFB-Pokal final. A few days later, it was announced he would not renew his contract. However, on July 1, 2015, Gündoğan signed another contract extension. This kept him at Dortmund until June 2017.

Moving to Manchester City

First Season and Injury Challenges

On June 2, 2016, Gündoğan joined Premier League club Manchester City. He signed a four-year contract. He was the first player signed by the new manager, Pep Guardiola. Gündoğan played his first game for City on September 14. This was his first game in four months. It was a Champions League group stage match against Borussia Mönchengladbach. City won 4–0. Gündoğan earned a penalty kick that Sergio Agüero scored.

Three days later, Gündoğan started a game and scored against AFC Bournemouth. City won 4–0 at home. On October 29, 2016, he scored two goals against West Bromwich Albion in a 4–0 win. He continued his great form by scoring twice against Barcelona in a 3–1 Champions League win.

However, on December 14, Gündoğan got a serious knee injury. He tore a ligament in his right knee. This meant he would miss the rest of the season.

Winning Premier League Titles

Gündoğan playing for Manchester City in 2021

On September 16, 2017, Gündoğan played his first game for Manchester City in nine months. He came on as a substitute in a 6–0 win against Watford. Three months later, he scored his first goal of the season with a header. This goal gave City the lead in their 4–1 win against Tottenham Hotspur. On February 13, 2018, he scored two goals as City won 4–0 against FC Basel in the Champions League.

On March 4, 2018, he set two Premier League records. He made the most passes attempted (174) and completed (167) in one game. This was in a 1–0 win over Chelsea.

In August 2019, Gündoğan signed a new four-year contract with City. On September 21, 2020, he tested positive for COVID-19. He had to stay home for ten days. After recovering, he scored his first Premier League goal of the season on December 15. This was in a 1–1 draw against West Bromwich Albion.

On February 7, 2021, Gündoğan scored two goals in a 4–1 win against Liverpool. This was City's first win at Anfield since 2003. On February 12, he won the Premier League Player of the Month award for his great games in January. He won the award again for February, scoring four goals and making one assist. He was the first City player to win this award two months in a row. He finished the season as City's top scorer in the league with 13 goals.

On May 29, 2021, he played in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final. City lost 1–0 to Chelsea. On May 22, 2022, he scored two goals in a 3–2 win against Aston Villa. This win on the last day of the 2021–22 Premier League season helped City win the Premier League title.

Captain and Treble Winner

On August 14, 2022, his teammates chose Gündoğan as the new club captain. On May 6, 2023, he scored both goals in a 2–1 win over Leeds United. This was City's 10th league win in a row during the 2022–23 Premier League season. On May 14, Gündoğan scored two more goals against Everton. One was a clever flick, and the other was a great free kick. His manager, Pep Guardiola, praised his quality and importance. These performances helped City win the league title again.

On June 3, 2023, Gündoğan scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history. It was a volley within 12 seconds of the 2023 final against Manchester United. City won the match 2–1, with Gündoğan scoring the second goal as well. He was named man of the match. On June 10, he won his first Champions League title. City beat Inter Milan 1–0 in the final. He became the first captain of Manchester City to lift the European Cup. On June 26, City announced that Gündoğan was leaving the club after seven years.

Playing for Barcelona

On June 26, 2023, Gündoğan signed a two-year contract with La Liga club Barcelona. He joined them for free. He scored his first goal for Barcelona on October 28. It was in the sixth minute against Real Madrid in El Clásico. His goal gave his team the lead, but Barcelona lost 2–1. He became the second oldest player to score for Barcelona in that famous match.

Returning to Manchester City

On August 23, 2024, after one season away, Gündoğan rejoined Manchester City. He signed a one-year deal. Later that year, on October 23, he played in his 100th Champions League match. This was in a 5–0 win against Sparta Prague.

İlkay Gündoğan's International Career

Gündoğan lining up for Germany in 2019

Gündoğan played for different German youth teams for many years. In August 2011, he was called up to the senior German team. This was for a friendly game against Brazil, but he did not play. On October 11, he made his debut for Germany. He came on as a substitute in a 3–1 win against Belgium.

In May 2012, he was chosen for Germany's squad for Euro 2012. Germany reached the semi-finals, but Gündoğan did not play. On March 26, 2013, Gündoğan scored his first goal for Germany. It was in a 4–1 World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan. He scored his second goal in his next game, a friendly against Paraguay. However, he got a back injury in that game. This injury kept him out for a year. He missed the 2014 World Cup, which Germany went on to win.

Gündoğan returned to international football on March 25, 2015. He played in a 2–2 draw with Australia. He also played in the Euro 2016 qualifying games. He scored in a 7–0 win over Gibraltar and a 3–2 win against Scotland. On May 6, 2016, it was announced that Gündoğan could not play in Euro 2016 due to another injury.

He was part of Germany's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. On May 19, 2021, he was chosen for the squad for Euro 2020.

On November 10, 2022, Gündoğan was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In Germany's first game against Japan, Gündoğan scored a penalty. Germany led 1–0, but Japan won 2–1. In September 2023, he was named captain of the national team. This happened when the regular captain, Manuel Neuer, was injured. When Neuer returned, the new coach confirmed Gündoğan would stay captain.

Gündoğan was in Germany's squad for UEFA Euro 2024. On June 14, he captained Germany to a 5–1 win over Scotland in the opening match. He became the first German player of Turkish background to captain the team at a major tournament. On June 19, he was named Player of the Match in a 2–0 win against Hungary. He scored a goal and made an assist, helping Germany qualify for the next round. On August 19, 2024, Gündoğan announced he was retiring from international football.

İlkay Gündoğan's Playing Style

Gündoğan is known for his great vision, athletic ability, and leadership on the field. His Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, called him "one of the best players [he had] worked with." Jürgen Klopp, his former coach at Borussia Dortmund, said Gündoğan is an "intelligent and complete midfielder." He has many strengths.

When he first joined Dortmund, Gündoğan found it tough. But his "willingness to learn" and "great attitude" helped him become a key player. He played as a deep-lying playmaker. This role allowed him to combine creativity and excellent passing with defensive skills and endless energy.

In his younger years, Gündoğan often played on the sides of the field. But he later became a central midfielder at Dortmund. He said he felt better playing as a defensive or central midfielder. He also believed he could play as a playmaker. At Manchester City, Gündoğan played in many different midfield positions. He was praised for his ability to keep the ball and create space for other players. Throughout his career, Gündoğan has had to deal with injuries.

İlkay Gündoğan's Personal Life

Gündoğan married Sara Arfaoui in 2022. They have one child, who was born in 2023. Gündoğan's cousin, Naz Aydemir, is a volleyball player.

Gündoğan is a Muslim. In May 2018, he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in London. He was with Mesut Özil and Cenk Tosun, two other German-born players of Turkish background. Gündoğan faced some criticism for calling Erdoğan "my president." This caused some discussion in Germany. Gündoğan was booed by some German fans when he played for the national team weeks later.

Years after leaving Nuremberg, Gündoğan still keeps in touch with 1. FC Nürnberg. He also stays in contact with the local school where he finished his studies in 2011. He remembers those years as some of the happiest in his football career.

Career Statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			National cup		League cup		Europe		Other		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
VfL Bochum II	2008–09	Regionalliga West	2	1	—		—		—		—		2	1
1. FC Nürnberg	2008–09	2. Bundesliga	1	0	—		—		—		—		1	0
	2009–10	Bundesliga	22	1	2	1	—		—		2	1	26	3
	2010–11	Bundesliga	25	5	1	0	—		—		—		26	5
	Total		48	6	3	1	—		—		2	1	53	8
Borussia Dortmund	2011–12	Bundesliga	28	3	5	1	—		2	0	1	0	36	4
	2012–13	Bundesliga	28	3	4	0	—		12	1	1	0	45	4
	2013–14	Bundesliga	1	0	1	0	—		0	0	1	1	3	1
	2014–15	Bundesliga	23	3	4	0	—		6	0	0	0	33	3
	2015–16	Bundesliga	25	1	5	1	—		10	1	—		40	3
	Total		105	10	19	2	—		30	2	3	1	157	15
Borussia Dortmund II	2011–12	Regionalliga West	1	0	—		—		—		—		1	0
Manchester City	2016–17	Premier League	10	3	0	0	0	0	6	2	—		16	5
	2017–18	Premier League	30	4	3	0	6	0	9	2	—		48	6
	2018–19	Premier League	31	6	6	0	4	0	8	0	1	0	50	6
	2019–20	Premier League	31	2	4	1	5	0	9	2	1	0	50	5
	2020–21	Premier League	28	13	4	1	2	0	12	3	—		46	17
	2021–22	Premier League	27	8	4	2	1	0	10	0	1	0	43	10
	2022–23	Premier League	31	8	3	2	3	0	13	1	1	0	51	11
	Total		188	44	24	6	21	0	67	10	4	0	304	60
Barcelona	2023–24	La Liga	36	5	3	0	—		10	0	2	0	51	5
Manchester City	2024–25	Premier League	20	0	1	0	1	0	7	2	0	0	29	2
Career total			400	66	50	9	22	0	114	14	11	2	597	91

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Germany	2011	1	0
	2012	3	0
	2013	4	2
	2015	8	2
	2016	4	0
	2017	2	0
	2018	7	0
	2019	8	3
	2020	5	1
	2021	12	6
	2022	12	3
	2023	7	1
	2024	9	1
Total		82	19

Scores and results list Germany's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Gündoğan goal

List of international goals scored by İlkay Gündoğan
No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	26 March 2013	Grundig Stadion, Nuremberg, Germany	7	Kazakhstan	3–0	4–1	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
2	14 August 2013	Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern, Germany	8	Paraguay	1–2	3–3	Friendly
3	13 June 2015	Estádio Algarve, Faro, Portugal	11	Gibraltar	3–0	7–0	UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
4	7 September 2015	Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland	13	Scotland	3–2	3–2	UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
5	11 June 2019	Opel Arena, Mainz, Germany	33	Estonia	4–0	8–0	UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying
6	13 October 2019	Lilleküla Stadium, Tallinn, Estonia	35	Estonia	1–0	3–0	UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying
7	13 October 2019	Lilleküla Stadium, Tallinn, Estonia	35	Estonia	2–0	3–0	UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying
8	6 September 2020	St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland	39	Switzerland	1–0	1–1	2020–21 UEFA Nations League A
9	25 March 2021	MSV-Arena, Duisburg, Germany	43	Iceland	3–0	3–0	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
10	31 March 2021	MSV-Arena, Duisburg, Germany	45	Macedonia	1–1	1–2	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
11	7 June 2021	Merkur Spiel-Arena, Düsseldorf, Germany	46	Latvia	2–0	7–1	Friendly
12	11 November 2021	Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg, Germany	53	Liechtenstein	1–0	9–0	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
13	14 November 2021	Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan, Armenia	54	Armenia	2–0	4–1	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
14	14 November 2021	Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan, Armenia	54	Armenia	3–0	4–1	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
15	14 June 2022	Borussia-Park, Mönchengladbach, Germany	60	Italy	2–0	5–2	2022–23 UEFA Nations League A
16	26 September 2022	Wembley Stadium, London, England	62	England	1–0	3–3	2022–23 UEFA Nations League A
17	23 November 2022	Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar	64	Japan	1–0	1–2	2022 FIFA World Cup
18	14 October 2023	Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, United States	70	United States	1–1	3–1	Friendly
19	19 June 2024	MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany	79	Hungary	2–0	2–0	UEFA Euro 2024