Ilkay Gundogan will already go down as one of the greatest players in Manchester City history but he has now got the chance to add to his legend.
Manchester City have brought Ilkay Gundogan back to the Etihad Stadium just a year after waving goodbye.
With injuries and departures in the transfer window leaving City light in central areas, the Blues have recruited some back up and brought Gundogan back to the club.
The Treble-winning captain was crucial to City’s trophy triumphs, one of Pep Guardiola’s most reliable players and was missed last season.
A Gundogan return had everyone exstatic and here is everything you need to know about the legendary midfielder.
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How old is Ilkay Gundogan?
Ilkay Gundogan was born on October 24, 1990, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to Turkish parents. As of February 2024, he is 34 years old.
Ilkay Gundogan height and weight
Gundogan is 5’9″ (180cm) and weighs in at 79kg, according to TNT Sports. He uses his slight and agile frame to glide across the pitch and ghost past challenges.
Twitter/X and Instagram accounts
Gundogan has a huge following on Instagram with over 9.2m supporters checking out his collection of action shots and personal family photos. You can find him @ilkayguendogan.
He also has an official X, formerly Twitter, account with 2m followers @IlkayGuendogan.
Who is Ilkay Gundogan’s wife?
Gundogan married his partner Sara Arfaoui, a TV presenter and model, in 2022. They had their first child a year later in 2023.
Gundogan returns to Man City
Gundogan’s return to City on a free transfer from Barcelona was confirmed on August 23, 2024.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” he said.
“I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life.
“To have the opportunity to return here means so much.
“Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player. You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.
“And what can I say about my teammates here at City…they are world class footballers. I am genuinely delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them.
“Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”
Pep Guardiola praise for Gundogan
Gundogan was always one of Guardiola’s most trusted midfield generals, the player who was always selected for the biggest games as his quality and composure on the ball ensured City dominated opponents.
The manager was desperate to keep him when he left a year ago so it’s no surprise he wants him back, especially given the injury to another midfield option in Oscar Bobb.
Speaking in April 2023, Guardiola said of Gundogan: “I love him. I adore him. I’m married, but I adore him!
“Ilkay is such an important player. Humanity, leading with silence – and yet when he talks everybody listens. He is a football player defined perfectly.
“An attacking midfielder with a sense of goal and assists. He is so intelligent in the moment and always in the right position. He can also play as a holding midfielder. Ilkay is an exceptional player in all senses.
“You can’t win anything – you can’t even dream it – unless you want to do it. You talk about Ilkay’s experience. That doesn’t mean what happened in the past will happen in the future but being there many times helps.”
Ilkay Gundogan stats
Man City stats
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 2016/17 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017/18 | 48 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| 2018/19 | 50 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | 50 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 0 |
| 2020/21 | 46 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | 43 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | 51 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | 38 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 342 | 62 | 40 | 30 | 0 |
Pre-Man City and Barcelona stats
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| Nuremberg | 53 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Borussia Dortmund | 157 | 15 | 20 | 12 | 0 |
| Barcelona | 51 | 5 | 14 | 6 | 0 |
International stats for Germany
Gundogan announced his retirement from international football on August 19.
| Caps | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 82 | 19 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
Trophies and honours
Man City trophies
- 1x Champions League – 2022/23
- 5x Premier League – 2017/18, 2018/19, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23
- 2x FA Cup – 2019, 2023
- 4x League Cup – 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
- 2x Community Shield – 2018/19, 2019/20
Borussia Dortmund trophies
- x1 Bundesliga – 2011/12
- x1 German Cup – 2011/12
- German Super Cup – 2013/14, 2014/15
Individual honours
- PFA Premier League Team of the Year – 2020/21
- Premier League Game Changer of the Season – 2021/22
- Premier League Player of the Month – January 2021, February 2021
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season – 2020/21
- Manchester City Goal of the Season – 2022/23
- Footballer of the Year in Germany – 2023
- La Liga Team of the Season – 2023/24
