Ilkay Gündoğan, born and bred in Germany, holds a unique connection to Turkey. This 33-year-old DFB captain typically visits Turkey's vibrant Istanbul annually, cherishing its culture and cuisine. His family roots run deep in Izmir, Turkey, where his grandparents, parents, and relatives still proudly reside.
The approaching match against Turkey in the sold-out Berlin Olympic Stadium holds special significance for Gündoğan, as he gears up for his 72nd appearance with the German national soccer team. Having served as the team's temporary captain in March 2019, Gündoğan has weathered the storm following a controversial photograph with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and teammate Mesut Özil. He handled the situation openly, provided clarification, and continued to make an impact as a valuable team member.
Gündoğan, enamored with Turkish culture, follows the Turkish team's matches on television, eagerly sharing delight when Turkey qualified for the European Championship. He admits, "I was very happy when Turkey qualified for the European Championship and I'm also convinced that they're good for a surprise."
This football talent, deeply connected to his cultural roots and adopted country, embodies the complexity and multifaceted identity of many Turkish-Germans. As a highly respected figure in both cultures, Gündoğan's presence in the German national soccer team showcases the journey of integration and unity brought forth by sports.
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Ilkay Gündoğan, a talented German professional footballer, was born on October 29, 1990, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. His parents embedded him in the richness of Turkish culture, as they belonged to the Turkish guest worker program that brought many Turkish immigrants to Germany during the post-war industrial boom.
Gündoğan's complex relationship with Turkey, his heritage, is a testament to the ongoing journey of finding identity as both a Turkish-German and a German national team member. This divided loyalty was evident in the 2018 controversy surrounding racial discrimination and xenophobic remarks, which affected many Turkish-German athletes like Mesut Özil.
However, Gündoğan remains committed to his German roots, as showcased by his vocal support of local charity projects in "difficult moments," including the devastating forest fires of 2021 and the subsequent earthquake. His love for Turkish food and cities, such as Istanbul and Izmir, further solidifies his connection to his ancestral homeland, emphasizing the intricate nature of his identity.
