Gundogan lifts trophies. The German midfielder has won league titles in England and Spain, plus a Champions League with Manchester City. But the name also belongs to a quiet coastal town near Bodrum, Turkey, where holidaymakers book all-inclusive stays. This article separates the footballer from the geography, then answers the questions fans ask most.
What Gundogan’s Manchester City Exit Teaches About Modern Transfers
He left as a free agent in 2023. No transfer fee changed hands. City had offered a new deal, but the length and terms did not match what Barcelona put on the table. The lesson is simple: even a treble-winning captain can walk away when contract timing and personal priorities align.
Gundogan captained City to the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in his final season. He scored twice in the FA Cup final against Manchester United. That performance made the departure harder for fans to accept. Yet the move was not about money alone. Barcelona offered a longer contract and a new challenge in La Liga.
City’s recruitment model rarely panics. They did not rush to sign a direct replacement. Instead, they trusted the squad depth and later brought in younger midfielders. The weaker claim here is that Gundogan forced his way out. Public statements from both sides suggested a respectful parting. He called City his family. The club called him a legend.
His exit also showed how free agency empowers players over 30. Gundogan was 32 when he signed for Barcelona. Many clubs hesitate to offer long deals to players that age. Barcelona did. That decision carried risk, but it reflected their immediate need for experience after losing Sergio Busquets. On a related note, What Really Happened at the Funeral of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy adds helpful background
| Club | Years | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | 2011–2016 | Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal |
| Manchester City | 2016–2023 | 5 Premier League titles, Champions League |
| Barcelona | 2023–2024 | None in first season |
| Manchester City | 2024–present | Returned after one season |
The return to City in 2024 surprised many. Barcelona needed to reduce their wage bill. Gundogan agreed to leave after just one season. He rejoined Pep Guardiola’s squad without a transfer fee. That quick reversal is rare for a player of his stature.
How Gundogan Compares to Other German Midfielders of His Generation
Gundogan is not the fastest. He is not the strongest. His game relies on first touch, spatial awareness, and late runs into the box. Compare him to Toni Kroos and the difference is clear. Kroos dictates tempo from deep. Gundogan operates higher, closer to the striker, and scores more goals.
Against Sami Khedira, the contrast is even sharper. Khedira was a box-to-box destroyer. Gundogan is a creator. He rarely makes sliding tackles. Instead, he intercepts passes and recycles possession. That style aged well. At 33, he still starts for a top Premier League side.
His goal record stands out. Gundogan scored 13 league goals in the 2020–21 season. That was a career high. No other German central midfielder matched that output in a single Premier League campaign. The number came from Guardiola’s system, which pushed him into the penalty area more often.
In terms of trophies, few German midfielders match his collection. He won five Premier League titles with City. Kroos won multiple Champions Leagues with Real Madrid. Khedira won league titles in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Gundogan’s Champions League win in 2023 completed the set.
One area where he differs is leadership. Gundogan captained City during their treble season. Kroos never wore the armband regularly for Real Madrid. Khedira captained Germany briefly. Gundogan’s quiet authority worked because he led by example rather than shouting.
His injury history also separates him from peers. A serious back problem in 2013 threatened his career. He missed the 2014 World Cup. Kroos and Khedira both played in that tournament and won it. Gundogan had to wait until 2018 for his first World Cup appearance. A reference profile of the subject is maintained on İlkay Gündoğan – Player profile 26/27 | Transfermarkt
Gundogan’s Current Status at Manchester City and What Comes Next
He plays for Manchester City again. The club re-signed him in August 2024. His kit number is 19, the same number he wore during his first spell. He signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year.
His role has changed. In his first City stint, he was a guaranteed starter. Now he rotates more. Guardiola uses him in specific matches where control matters more than pace. Gundogan still starts big games, including Champions League fixtures.
Injuries have been less frequent in recent seasons. He missed a few weeks in late 2024 with a minor muscle issue. But he returned quickly. His fitness record at City has been solid since the back surgery he underwent in 2013.
What comes next is unclear. His contract expires in 2025 unless the option is triggered. A move to Major League Soccer has been rumored. Turkish clubs, including Galatasaray, have shown interest in the past. Gundogan has never played professionally in Turkey, despite his heritage.
His net worth is estimated in the tens of millions. Exact figures vary by source. He earned high wages at City and Barcelona. Endorsement deals add to that. But he is not among the highest-paid footballers globally.
One specific detail fans remember: Gundogan once ate Nutella before a match. He mentioned it in an interview years ago. The story became a running joke. It also humanized a player known for being serious and reserved.
Gundogan’s Origins: Gelsenkirchen, Turkish Roots, and the Bodrum Connection
He was born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on October 24, 1990. His parents are Turkish. His grandfather moved from Balıkesir, Turkey, to Germany as a guest worker. That background shaped his identity. He holds German nationality and has represented Germany at every level.
His religion is often discussed. Gundogan is Muslim. He has spoken about fasting during Ramadan and balancing it with training. In 2018, he and Mesut Özil posed for a photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The image caused political controversy in Germany. Gundogan later said the meeting was about respect for his family’s roots, not politics.
The town of Gundogan, Turkey, has no connection to the footballer. It sits on the Bodrum peninsula. The name means “sunrise” or “daybreak” in Turkish. Tourists search for “holidays to Gundogan” and find a small resort with pebble beaches and family-run hotels. All-inclusive holidays to Gundogan are popular with British and German visitors.
His wife is Sara Arfaoui. She is an Italian model and television presenter. They married in 2022. Sara Gundogan’s nationality is Italian. Her ethnicity is often described as mixed, with North African heritage. The couple has one child, born in 2023.
Gundogan’s family includes his cousin, Ilkay’s relative named Irfan Gundogan. Irfan is not a professional footballer. The name appears in searches because fans confuse the two. Levent Gundogan is another name that surfaces. He is not a public figure connected to the footballer.
Ayten Gundogan is his mother. She has stayed out of the spotlight. His father, Irfan Gundogan, worked in a coal mine in Germany. That detail is often cited in profiles of the player. It explains the family’s working-class background.
The footballer’s position is central midfield. He can play as a number 8 or a number 10. At Dortmund, he played deeper under Jürgen Klopp. At City, Guardiola moved him higher. His versatility is a key reason he has lasted so long at the top.
His transfer history includes two major moves. Dortmund signed him from FC Nürnberg in 2011 for around €5.5 million. City paid a reported £20 million in 2016. Barcelona signed him on a free transfer in 2023. City re-signed him on a free transfer in 2024.
In EA Sports FC 25, Gundogan’s rating is 86. His passing and dribbling stats are high. His pace is lower. That reflects his real-world style. He is not a sprinter. He is a thinker.
Gundogan’s horse is not a known topic. The search term “gundogan horse” likely refers to a horse named after the player or a misunderstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the rumor true that Gundogan left Manchester City because of a falling out with Guardiola?
No credible source supports that. Both men spoke warmly about each other after the 2023 exit. The move to Barcelona was about contract length and a new experience. Guardiola said he wanted Gundogan to stay. Gundogan called Guardiola the best coach he ever had. The 2024 return further disproves any rift.
How does Gundogan’s playing style differ from Kevin De Bruyne’s?
De Bruyne is a risk-taker who plays long passes and shoots from distance. Gundogan is more conservative. He keeps the ball moving with short passes and arrives late in the box. De Bruyne creates more assists. Gundogan scores more goals from close range. They complement each other rather than compete.
Where is the town of Gundogan located in Turkey?
It is on the northern coast of the Bodrum peninsula, about 20 kilometers from Bodrum town. The area is quieter than nearby Gumbet or Bitez. It has a small marina and a pebble beach. Most hotels are family-run. The town is not linked to the footballer in any way.
Why did Gundogan return to Manchester City after only one season at Barcelona?
Barcelona faced financial pressure and needed to reduce wages. Gundogan agreed to terminate his contract early. City offered him a familiar role under Guardiola. He also wanted stability for his young family. The move was completed quickly in August 2024.
What is a good alternative to Gundogan for a fantasy football midfield pick?
Martin Ødegaard offers similar assist potential at a lower price. Bruno Fernandes scores more goals but takes more risks. For a budget option, Pascal Groß provides consistent passing stats. The choice depends on your formation and budget. Gundogan remains a solid pick for possession-heavy teams.
