İlkay Gündoğan (Turkish: [ilˈkaj ˈɟyndoan]; born 24 October 1990) is a German professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for FC Barcelona and captains the Germany national team. Renowned for his intelligence, composure, passing precision, and tactical vision, Gündoğan has enjoyed a career spanning top European clubs and major international tournaments.
From his early days at VfL Bochum and 1. FC Nürnberg to his success at Borussia Dortmund, his golden years at Manchester City, and his leadership at Barcelona, Gündoğan’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and footballing class.
His Salary and Net Worth
As of 2025, İlkay Gündoğan is among the highest-earning players in La Liga. He signed a two-year deal with FC Barcelona in the summer of 2023, which included an option for a third year based on appearances.
Current Weekly Salary (Barcelona, 2025): €300,000 (approx.)
Annual Earnings: Around €15.6 million (including bonuses)
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $55–60 million USD
Endorsement Deals: Nike, Hugo Boss, Red Bull, and Mercedes-Benz
Gündoğan has also invested in philanthropic work and real estate, including charitable initiatives in Germany and Turkey.
Ilkay Gündoğan Age and Height
İlkay Gündoğan was born on 24 October 1990, making him 34 years old in 2025.
Age: 34 years (as of 2025)
Height: 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches)
Weight: Approximately 78 kg (172 lbs)
Nationality: German (of Turkish descent)
His athleticism, combined with excellent technical skills, allows him to control games from deep and dictate tempo.
Ilkay Gundogan’s Wife – Who Is He Married To?
İlkay Gündoğan is married to Sara Arfaoui, an Italian-Tunisian model and television presenter. The couple tied the knot in May 2022 and welcomed their first child, a son named Kais Gündoğan, in early 2023.
Sara, known for her elegance and social media presence, often accompanies İlkay to events and international games. She has become a well-known figure among Barcelona WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) and remains active in fashion and media.
His Latest Career News (2025)
Rebuilding Barcelona’s Midfield
Since joining FC Barcelona in 2023, Gündoğan has become a vital part of the team’s midfield. With Xavi Hernández stepping down in 2024 and Hansi Flick taking over, Gündoğan retained his starting role and was occasionally handed the captain’s armband due to his experience and leadership.
Barcelona is currently in a transitional phase, and Gündoğan’s maturity and calmness have been instrumental in guiding young talents like Pedri, Gavi, and Fermín López.
Contract Renewal Talks in 2025
Gündoğan’s contract is due to expire in June 2025, but reports suggest that Barcelona is interested in extending his stay by an additional year, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.
His Achievements – Club and Country
Club Achievements
Borussia Dortmund (2011–2016)
1× Bundesliga Champion (2011–12)
1× DFB-Pokal Winner (2011–12)
1× UEFA Champions League Runner-up (2012–13)
Manchester City (2016–2023)
5× Premier League Titles
2× FA Cup Winner
4× EFL Cup Winner
1× UEFA Champions League Winner (2022–23)
1× FIFA Club World Cup Winner (2023)
Continental Treble Winner (2022–23)
FC Barcelona (2023–Present)
Supercopa de España Winner (2024)
Consistently playing as a central figure in La Liga title race
🇩🇪 International Career – Germany
Germany National Team Captain (as of Euro 2024)
Featured in:
UEFA Euro 2012, 2020, 2024
FIFA World Cup 2018 & 2022
Over 75 international caps with 18+ goals
İlkay Gündoğan’s Football Career, net worth, age, height, family
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | İlkay Gündoğan |
| Age (as of 2025) | 34 years old |
| Date of Birth | October 24, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Height | 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches) |
| Weight | Approx. 78 kg (172 lbs) |
| Nationality | German |
| Ethnicity | Turkish-German |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nickname | “Illy”, “Midfield Maestro” |
| College | No formal college; trained in youth football academies |
| Youth Clubs | SV Gelsenkirchen-Hessler 06, Schalke 04, VfL Bochum |
| Turned Professional | 2008 (with VfL Bochum II) |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| Current Club (2025) | FC Barcelona |
| Previous Clubs | VfL Bochum, 1. FC Nürnberg, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City |
| National Team | Germany National Team (Captain in UEFA Euro 2024) |
| Jersey Number | #22 (Barcelona), #21 (Germany) |
| Professional Wins | 20+ major titles (Premier League x5, La Liga, UCL, FA Cup x2, Bundesliga, etc.) |
| Highest Ranking | UEFA Midfielder of the Season Finalist, Germany Team Captain |
| International Debut | October 11, 2011, vs Belgium |
| Caps (Germany) | 75+ caps |
| Goals (Germany) | 18+ goals |
| Wife | Sara Arfaoui (Italian-Algerian Model and TV presenter) |
| Children | 1 son – Kais Gündoğan |
| Father’s Name | Irfan Gündoğan |
| Mother’s Name | Ayten Gündoğan |
| Languages Spoken | German, Turkish, English |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $55–60 million USD |
| Weekly Salary (2025) | Approx. €300,000 |
| Endorsements | Nike, Red Bull, Hugo Boss, Mercedes-Benz |
| World Cup Appearances | 2018, 2022 |
| EURO Appearances | 2012, 2020, 2024 |
| Notable Traits | Tactical intelligence, accurate passing, leadership |
| Official Wiki Page | İlkay Gündoğan – Wikipedia |
Don’t miss reading more footballers’ profiles: Kevin De Bruyne
Andreas Skov Footballer’s Career, and more.
FAQs About Ilkay Gundogan
What is İlkay Gündoğan’s current club in 2025?
As of 2025, Gündoğan plays for FC Barcelona in Spain’s La Liga.
How many goals has İlkay Gündoğan scored for Germany?
He has scored 18+ goals for the Germany national team in over 75 appearances.
Is İlkay Gündoğan Turkish or German?
He is German, born in Gelsenkirchen, but of Turkish descent.
How many trophies did he win with Manchester City?
He won 12 major trophies with Manchester City, including a Champions League and five Premier League titles.
Who is İlkay Gündoğan’s wife?
His wife is Sara Arfaoui, a model and television presenter.
Last Word
İlkay Gündoğan’s career exemplifies consistency, professionalism, and leadership. Whether scoring clutch goals in Premier League title races, guiding young midfielders in La Liga, or leading Germany in international tournaments, Gündoğan has always risen to the occasion.
As he continues to make an impact at Barcelona and Germany, his legacy as one of football’s most intelligent and effective midfielders remains firmly intact. The 2025 season could still hold more memorable moments for the German maestro.
