İlkay Gündoğan, born on October 24, 1990, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, is a Turkish-German professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Manchester City. With his impressive skills and contributions to the game, Gündoğan has established himself as one of the key players in both his club and the German national team. Standing at 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches) tall, Gündoğan possesses remarkable technical abilities and a keen eye for goal.
Gündoğan's journey in football began at a young age when he joined the youth academy of SV Gelsenkirchen-Hessler 06, the team representing his hometown. After a brief stint at Schalke 04's youth academy in 1998, he returned to his former club. In 2005, Gündoğan made a significant move to VfL Bochum, where he would spend several years developing his skills as a player.
During his time at VfL Bochum, Gündoğan showcased his potential and talent. He played for various youth teams before eventually earning a spot in the VfL Bochum II squad. In the 2007-08 season, he featured prominently for the U-19 team, scoring 14 goals in 26 matches and displaying a remarkable performance. Gündoğan's consistent performances led to his promotion to the reserve team, where he continued to impress with his skills and contributions.
In the winter transfer window of the 2008-09 season, Gündoğan made a move to 1. FC Nürnberg, a team competing in the 2. Bundesliga. Despite limited game time in his first season, he made a significant impact as Nürnberg secured promotion to the Bundesliga by finishing third and winning the playoffs. Gündoğan's first goal in the Bundesliga came against Bayern Munich, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.
His performances caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund, and in 2011, Gündoğan joined the club for a transfer fee of 4 million euros. At Dortmund, he flourished under the guidance of manager Jürgen Klopp and became an integral part of the team's midfield. During his time with Dortmund, Gündoğan achieved great success, winning two Bundesliga titles and reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League in the 2012-13 season.
In the summer of 2016, Gündoğan made a high-profile move to Manchester City, joining the English Premier League under the management of Pep Guardiola. He quickly established himself as a key player in the team's midfield, showcasing his technical skills, vision, and ability to score crucial goals. Gündoğan's versatility as a midfielder allowed him to contribute both defensively and offensively, making him a vital component of Manchester City's success in domestic and international competitions.
Gündoğan has represented the German national team at various levels. He made his debut for the Germany U-18 team in 2008 and went on to feature for the U-19 and U-20 teams. In 2010, he made his debut for the U-21 team, scoring a goal in eight appearances. Gündoğan's performances at the youth level caught the attention of the senior national team coach, Joachim Löw.
In addition to his achievements in his national team career, İlkay Gündoğan was also part of the German national football team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He played a significant role throughout the tournament and helped his team win the World Cup by defeating Argentina in the final. Gündoğan attracted attention with his dynamic play in the midfield during the tournament and played an important role in Germany's success.
Gündoğan also represented the German national team in the 2016 UEFA European Championship. He helped the team reach the semi-finals. However, they were eliminated from the tournament after losing to France in the semi-final. Gündoğan gained recognition as one of Germany's key players and achieved success on the international stage through his performances in the national team.
The biggest transfer of İlkay Gündoğan's football career took place before the 2016-2017 season. He moved from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, a team in the English Premier League. The transfer fee was announced as 25 million euros, marking a turning point in Gündoğan's career. Throughout his time at Manchester City, he played a crucial role as a midfielder and contributed significantly to the team's success.
In his first season wearing the Manchester City jersey, Gündoğan won the Premier League title. He stood out as a central midfield player for the team. With his technical skills, passing game, and goal threat, Gündoğan made significant contributions to Manchester City's attacking play. His game intelligence and ball control in his position greatly benefited the team.
His contributions to the German national team, including winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup, have solidified his reputation as a talented midfielder. Additionally, his transfer to Manchester City has allowed him to showcase his skills in the highly competitive English Premier League and contribute to his team's success. Gündoğan's technical abilities, game intelligence, and goal-scoring prowess make him a valuable asset on the field. Overall, his achievements demonstrate his exceptional talent and the impact he has had in both domestic and international football.