Story
Ilkay Gündoğan (born 24 October 1990) is a German footballer known for his talent as a midfielder, currently playing for La Liga giants Barcelona and representing the German national team .
Gündoğan’s journey began with 1. FC Nürnberg in 2009, followed by a notable period with Borussia Dortmund starting in 2011, during which he won both the 2011–12 Bundesliga and 2011–12 DFB-Pokal in its first season.
Ilkay Gündoğan’s exceptional talent and strategic prowess have established him as a key figure for country and club. His expertise in directing play from midfield and orchestrating scoring opportunities cemented his place in the German national team. His tenure at Borussia Dortmund was notable in that he won multiple domestic trophies before moving to Barcelona in 2021.
German football player
Ilkay Gündoğan |
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 Ilkay Gündoğan: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Info & About Data | |
| First and last name: | Ilkay Gündoğan |
| Stage name: | Gündoğan |
| Born: | October 24, 1990 (33 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Gelsenkirchen, Germany |
| Nationality: | German |
| Education: | do not apply |
| Height: | 1.8 m |
| Parents: | Irfan Gundogan, Ayten Gundogan |
| Siblings: | Ilker Gundogan |
| Couple: | Sara Arfaoui (m. 2022) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | do not apply |
| Children: | Kais Gundoğan |
| Job: | Football player |
| Net value: | 45 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Born on October 24, 1990 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Ilkay Gündoğan is a professional football player known for his skills on the field. He was raised by his parents, Irfan Gündogan and Ayten Gundogan, and grew up with his older brother, Ilker Gündogan.
Despite his flourishing football career, Ilkay Gündoğan also realized the importance of education and pursued his studies at Bertolt-Brecht-Schule in 2011.
Career
Growing up in Gelsenkirchen, Ilkay Gündoğan’s football dreams stemmed from his local team, Schalke 04. But life threw him a curveball when maturity issues forced him away from the sport , making him depressed. Even when Schalke came knocking again at the age of 13, offering him a second chance, Gündoğan hesitated for fear of facing disappointment again.
His football journey took a different turn when he found his footing at VfL Bochum’s youth academy before making waves with 1. FC Nürnberg in 2009. There, he marked his Bundesliga debut with an assist against Bayern Munich, showing a glimpse of his emerging talent. And soon after, he scored his first goal for Nürnberg, a sign of things to come.
But it was Borussia Dortmund that truly became his home in 2011. Ilkay Gündoğan’s time with Dortmund was spectacular, playing a key role in their Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal wins. His standout performances, especially during the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League campaign, etched his name into Dortmund folklore as a magician in the midfield.
Injuries plagued him during his time at Dortmund, but Gündoğan’s determination never wavered. Despite the setbacks, he remained committed to the club, signing a contract extension to demonstrate his loyalty. His memorable contributions, including important goals and record passing achievements, endeared him to fans and earned him much praise.
He then moved to Manchester City in 2016, where he demonstrated his versatility and leadership under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. Despite suffering a serious knee injury, his triumphant return has seen him play a key role in City’s Premier League title win, continually proving his mettle.
In 2023, after seven memorable years at Man City, Ilkay Gündoğan begins a new adventure with Barcelona. His arrival has injected experience and skill into the La Liga giants’ midfield, signaling a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Gündoğan’s journey with the German national team has been remarkable on the international stage. From his tense debut in 2011 to representing Germany at prestigious tournaments, he has become a mainstay of the team. Although he struggled with injuries, his impact on the field and leadership qualities made him an indispensable asset to his country.
Renowned for his vision, athleticism and adaptability, Ilkay Gündoğan’s playing style has earned him global admiration. Whether orchestrating play from midfield or breaking down defenses with incisive passes, his impact on the game was undeniable despite his occasional injury woes.
Awards & Nominations
Individual
- Best German Player of the Year (2023)
Club
- Champions League champions (2022-23 with Manchester City)
- Premier League champion (5 times with Manchester City)
- FA Cup champion (2 times with Manchester City)
- EFL Cup champion (4 times with Manchester City)
- German champions (once with Borussia Dortmund)
- Won the German Cup (once with Borussia Dortmund)
- Won the German Super Cup (twice with Borussia Dortmund)
Social Media
- Instagram handle:@ilkayguedogan
- Facebook manager: Ilkay Gündogan
- Twitter name: Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan)
Personal life
In 2022, Ilkay Gündoğan married Sara Arfaoui, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Their joy doubled with the birth of their first child, a son named Kais Gündoğan, born in March 2023.
Gündoğan’s pedigree boasts talent far beyond his own football prowess. His cousin, Naz Aydemir, shined as a professional volleyball player, adding to the family’s impressive sporting legacy.
Net value
Ilkay Gündoğan is a talented and successful football player. His skill and dedication have earned him a net worth of $45 million, mostly from his time playing for Barcelona.
As of now, İlkay Gündoğan’s weekly income stands at a total of 360,577 euros. On an annual basis, he earns a total of €18,750,000.
