Ilkay Gundogan is one of the best midfielders in the world of football. The versatile player can play as a defensive midfielder as well as a central midfielder. His game awareness and on-field skills and abilities are second to none at the highest level. He has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe like – Man City, Borussia Dortmund, FC Barcelona and Vfl Bochum. The 33-year-old represents Germany on the international stage.
The German-born midfielder has a knack for picking up pockets in the midfield area and then operating in those spaces to keep the ball ticking for his team. His ability to pick up passes at crucial junctures of a game stands out from other players of the modern generation. Various managers or coaches that Gundogan has worked with in his career have often praised his work ethic and dedication to the game.
Ilkay Gundogan Bio
- Full Name: Ilkay Gundogan
- Date of Birth: 24 October 1990
- Place of Birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
- Professional Debut: 2011
- Jersey Number: 21 (Germany); 22 (FC Barcelona)
- Position: Central Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan: The Early Years of the Midfielder
First Steps at VfL Bochum
VfL Bochum II
Ilkay Gundogan majorly got a shot at professional football as a player representing the German club Vfl Bochum II. He went on to play two matches for the club, scoring a sole goal for them, before being called up to the VfL Bochum’s under-19 team because of his solid midfield display.
VfL Bochum Under-19 (2007-2009)
With VfL Bochum’s Under-19 team, Gundogan made major strides in the world of football as his performances started getting noticed by major scouts in Europe. In his 39 appearances for the club, Gundogan registered an impressive tally of 26 goals and one assist to his tally.
FC Nuremberg (2009-2011)
Impressed by his performances, the German club decided to give Gundogan his first-ever senior professional football contract at the highest level. He went on to play 53 matches for the club. contributing by scoring eight goals and further assisting five.
Borussia Dortmund (2011-2016)
The Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund bought the German midfielder from Nuremberg in July 2011 with other big clubs also being constantly linked to him at that time. Gundogan proved to be a vital player for Dortmund and played a significant chunk of 157 games for them chipping in with a total of 35 goal-contribution.
Man City (2016-2023)
In July 2016, Gundogan joined the Premier League club Man City from Borussia Dortmund. His spell at the English club proved to be a significant milestone in his career garnering him worldwide attention and fame.
FC Barcelona (2023-Present)
In July 2023 Gundogan signed for the La Liga giants FC Barcelona from Manchester City. His current contract with the club runs till June 2025. The midfielder plays an important role for Barca in the middle of the park using all of his experience.
Outside Football
In June 2023, Gundogan took part in a heart-warming Ramadan initiative from his then-club Manchester City. He alongside Man City fan groups reportedly delivered about 3000 food packet parcels to the country Indonesia. Here we take a look at his career for the various clubs he has played for so far in terms of numbers.
Career and Stats:
| Club | Season | Apps | Goals |
| VfL Bochum II | 2008-09 | 2 | 1 |
| VfL Bochum U-19 | 2006-07 | 3 | 2 |
| 2007-08 | 24 | 14 | |
| 2008-09 | 12 | 10 | |
| FC Nuremberg | 2008-09 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009-10 | 24 | 2 | |
| 2010-11 | 25 | 5 | |
| Borussia Dortmund | 2011-2012 | 28 | 3 |
| 2012-2013 | 28 | 3 | |
| 2013-2014 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2014-2015 | 23 | 3 | |
| 2015-2016 | 25 | 1 | |
| Man City | 2016-17 | 10 | 3 |
| 2017-18 | 30 | 4 | |
| 2018-19 | 31 | 6 | |
| 2019-2020 | 31 | 2 | |
| 2020-21 | 28 | 13 | |
| 2021-22 | 27 | 8 | |
| 2022-23 | 31 | 8 | |
| FC Barcelona | 2023-2024 | 30 | 5 |
| Total | 414 | 93 |
Germany
| National Team | Year | Apps | Goals |
| Germany | 2014-15 | 5 | 2 |
| 2016-17 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2019-20 | 7 | 3 | |
| 2021-22 | 14 | 6 | |
| 2023 | 9 | 1 | |
| Total | 39 | 12 |
Personal Life
Ilkay Gundogan is married to Sara Arfaoui. She is reported to be an actress and model by profession. She is an Italian woman with her ethnic roots belonging to the Algerian background. The couple share one child. The Barcelona midfielder has often come across as an individual who deeply loves and cares for his close ones.
Gundogan Net Worth
Ilkay Gundogan’s current net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. His annual gross salary at the La Liga club FC Barcelona which he represents at present resides around the mark of $21.35 million, with his monthly wages hovering around the figure of $1.78 million, and his weekly salary coming to approximately $442K. His two-year deal with the Spanish club would secure him a salary figure of about $42.70 million.
FAQ’s
Q- Is Ilkay Gundogan a Muslim?
Answer: Yes, Ilkay Gundogan is a Muslim by religion.
Q- Where is Ilkay Gundogan from?
Answer: He is from Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
Q- How to pronounce Ilkay Gundogan?
Answer: His name is pronounced with a mixture of German and Turkish nativeness involved. Seemingly it goes like this – ‘ill-keye gun-doh-an’ (courtesy: BBC Radio Man City).
Also Read: FC Barcelona: Players, History, Records, Achievements, and Future Goals