Ilkay Gündoğan Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 26, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody the quiet brilliance, resilience, and leadership of Ilkay Gündoğan.
Once overlooked and underestimated, the German midfielder has risen from a promising talent in the Ruhr Valley to a Premier League legend, UEFA Champions League winner, and captain of Manchester City during one of the most dominant eras in club football history.
At 34 years old, Gündoğan has defied age, injury, and expectations to become not just a key player, but a symbol of intelligence, composure, and clutch performance.
Then: The Quiet Prodigy from Bochum (1990–2016)
1. Humble Beginnings in Germany
Born on October 24, 1990, in Bochum, Germany, to Turkish parents, Ilkay Gündoğan grew up in a multicultural household where discipline, education, and sport were highly valued. A naturally gifted athlete, he joined VfL Bochum’s youth academy at age eight, where his vision, passing range, and calm demeanor set him apart.
By 2009, he made his senior debut for Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga, quickly earning a reputation as a modern central midfielder—intelligent, technically gifted, and tactically aware.
2. Breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund (2011–2016)
In 2011, Gündoğan moved to Borussia Dortmund for €6 million—a modest fee that would become one of the club’s smartest signings. Under Jürgen Klopp, he played a vital role in Dortmund’s back-to-back Bundesliga titles (2011, 2012) and their run to the 2013 UEFA Champions League final.
Despite his success, Gündoğan was often underappreciated in the shadow of stars like Mario Götze and Robert Lewandowski. Yet, coaches and insiders recognized his value: a glue player who controlled tempo, linked defense and attack, and never shied from big moments.
3. Injury Challenges and International Recognition
Gündoğan faced major setbacks with chronic back injuries, including a herniated disc that sidelined him for nearly a year (2012–2013). Many doubted he could return to top form. But he fought back—stronger and smarter.
He became a key figure for the German national team, earning 70+ caps and playing in:
- UEFA Euro 2012, 2016
- FIFA World Cup 2014 (champions)
- UEFA Euro 2020
Despite missing the 2014 World Cup final due to injury, he remained a trusted figure in Germany’s midfield.
Related: Paulo Dybala Then and Now
The Rise: Reinvention at Manchester City (2016–2022)
1. A Low-Key Move with High Impact
In 2016, Gündoğan joined Manchester City on a free transfer after his Dortmund contract expired. The move was seen as a low-risk, high-reward signing—a reliable midfielder to support David Silva and Fernandinho.
Under Pep Guardiola, Gündoğan evolved into a versatile, box-to-box midfielder with a surprising goal threat. His ability to arrive late in the box, combined with his elite passing and positional intelligence, made him indispensable.
2. Key Role in City’s Golden Era
From 2018 onward, Gündoğan became a central figure in City’s historic success:
- 5 Premier League titles (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- 6 EFL Cups (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023)
- FA Cup winner (2019, 2023)
- UEFA Champions League winner (2023)
He played a pivotal role in the 2022–23 treble campaign, scoring crucial goals in the title race and providing assists in the Champions League knockout stages.
3. The Ultimate Clutch Performer
By 2023, Gündoğan had earned a reputation as “Mr. Finals”:
- Scored in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan
- Delivered in decisive Premier League matches
- Became one of the most consistent performers in high-pressure games
His calmness under pressure and ability to elevate his game when it mattered most made him a fan favorite at the Etihad.
Related: Sandro Tonali Then and Now
Now: Captain, Legend, and Mentor (2023–2025)
1. Captaincy and Leadership
In 2023, following the departure of Fernandinho and the injury of Kevin De Bruyne, Gündoğan was named club captain by Pep Guardiola. Though never the loudest voice, his leadership by example, professionalism, and maturity made him the natural choice.
In 2024, he led City to a record sixth consecutive Premier League title—a historic achievement—and guided a young squad through transitions and challenges.
2. Historic Final Season and Emotional Farewell (2024–2025)
At the start of the 2024–25 season, Gündoğan announced that it would be his final year at Manchester City. The football world braced for an emotional farewell tour.
What followed was nothing short of legendary:
- Scored 12 goals and 8 assists in all competitions
- Captained City to the 2025 EFL Cup
- Played a mentorship role for young stars like Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Nico González
- Delivered a final masterclass at Old Trafford, scoring in a 3–1 win over Manchester United
On May 18, 2025, in his final appearance at the Etihad Stadium, Gündoğan was substituted in the 77th minute—his jersey number—to a standing ovation lasting over 10 minutes. Guardiola embraced him in tears, calling him “the perfect professional, the perfect captain.”
3. Retirement and Transition
In June 2025, Gündoğan officially retired from professional football at age 34. Unlike many legends who fade, he left at the top—on his own terms.
He announced plans to:
- Pursue a coaching career, beginning with UEFA Pro License courses
- Join Manchester City’s academy as a mentor and technical advisor
- Launch a football development foundation in Germany and Turkey
Related: Nicolò Barella Then and Now
International Career: A Proud End to a Stellar Run
Gündoğan retired from international football after UEFA Euro 2024, where Germany reached the semifinals. His final appearance—a 2–1 win over Spain—was a fitting end to a 114-cap career.
Though he never lifted a major trophy with Germany after 2014, he remained a symbol of consistency and intelligence in midfield. His ability to control games and mentor younger players like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz earned deep respect.
Personal Life and Legacy
Known for his quiet dignity, humility, and intellect, Gündoğan holds a degree in Business Administration—a rarity among elite footballers. He is married to Sara Weber, a German journalist, and they have two children.
He is admired for:
- His clean lifestyle and professionalism
- His bilingual fluency (German, Turkish, English)
- His advocacy for integration and multiculturalism
In 2024, he was awarded the FIFA Fair Play Award for his career-long conduct and leadership.
Related: Joško Gvardiol Then and Now
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Ilkay Gündoğan’s story is one of underdog triumph:
- Never the flashiest
- Never the fastest
- But always the smartest
He redefined what it means to be a modern midfielder—not through brute force, but through vision, timing, and emotional intelligence.
He is a role model for:
- Players from immigrant backgrounds
- Late bloomers
- Those who value consistency over spectacle
His legacy at Manchester City is etched in history:
- Over 350 appearances
- More trophies than any player in club history
- Captain during the treble and sixth Premier League title
Conclusion: Ilkay Gündoğan – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A quiet, injury-prone midfielder from Bochum, doubted by pundits, overlooked by big clubs.
- Now: A club legend, captain, and champion—retiring in 2025 as one of the most respected figures in football history.
Ilkay Gündoğan didn’t seek the spotlight.
But when the world needed calm, control, and courage—
he stepped into it, again and again.
His story is proof that greatness isn’t always loud.
Sometimes, it’s a perfectly weighted pass.
A late run into the box.
A quiet word in the locker room.
A career defined not by ego, but by excellence.
🏆 “I didn’t play for fame. I played for the team. And that was always enough.” – Ilkay Gündoğan, 2025
Related: Matheus Nunes Then and Now