- Gündoğan began his professional career with Nürnberg, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Bundesliga
- Gündoğan captained Manchester City, leading them to 14 major titles before his departure in 2023
- Gündoğan’s retirement from international football comes after earning 82 caps and scoring 19 goals for Germany
İlkay Gündoğan, one of the most accomplished midfielders of the past decade, has announced his retirement from international football. The German star made his senior team debut in October 2011, coming on as a late substitute in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Belgium. Wearing the iconic number 8 jersey for the German national team, İlkay Gündoğan has made his mark on football history.
Here are 8 fascinating things you need to know about this remarkable player:
1. German by Birth, Turkish by Heritage: Gündoğan was born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on October 24, 1990, to parents of Turkish descent. He has represented Germany at the senior level since 2011, featuring in two World Cups and two European Championships.
2. From Nürnberg to Stardom: Gündoğan’s professional career began at Nürnberg, where he helped the team secure promotion to the Bundesliga. His first Bundesliga goal was particularly special, as it came against Bayern Munich.
Despite his illustrious career, he still considers himself a Nürnberg supporter.
3. A Champions League Journey: At 32, Gündoğan has played in three Champions League finals. He scored for Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 final, although they lost to Bayern Munich.
In 2021, he was again on the losing side with Manchester City against Chelsea.
However, he finally lifted the trophy in 2023 when City defeated Inter Milan in Istanbul.
4. A Memorable Farewell at City: The 2023 Champions League final was Gündoğan’s last game for Manchester City, capping seven years with the club. He became City’s captain in 2022. He has to his name 14 major titles during his time at the club. Notably, he was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at City.
5. Mentored by the Best: Gündoğan has had the privilege of being coached by three of the most renowned managers in modern football, Jürgen Klopp at Dortmund, Thomas Tuchel at Dortmund, and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
6. Political Controversy: In May 2018, Gündoğan, along with Mesut Özil and Cenk Tosun, met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in London. His reference to Erdoğan as "my president" sparked a political backlash in Germany, leading to jeers from German fans during national team games. This was one of his most difficult times as a player as he was constantly booed over a couple of games.
7. Family of Athletes: Gündoğan’s cousin, Naz Aydemi, is a professional volleyball player who has represented Turkey at the Olympics in 2012 and 2021.
8. A Heart for Giving: Gündoğan is also known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2021, he donated to reforestation campaigns in Germany and Turkey after natural disasters.
He has also auctioned personal items to support environmental sustainability causes, a cause close to his heart.
Gündoğan’s journey from Nürnberg to becoming a Champions League winner with Manchester City is a testament to his skill, determination, and leadership. His retirement from international football, after earning 82 caps and scoring 19 goals for Germany, marks the end of an era for one of football’s true greats.
Community Shield: 3 things we learnt as Manchester City edges out Manchester United
Previously, TheRadar reported that Premier League champions, Manchester City, triumphed over FA Cup winners Manchester United with a 7-6 victory in a penalty shootout to win the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.
This victory marked City’s first Community Shield win since 2019, breaking a streak of losses to Arsenal, Liverpool, and Leicester City in previous years.
