267. Ilkay Gündogan

Ilkay Gündogan - 285.89 Performance Pts

Born: 24/10/1990    Gelsenkirchen, Germany                       

Position: Midfielder     Height: 1.80m    Weight: 70kg

It’s hard to work out what was most surprising – Gundogan being allowed to leave Manchester City in 2023, having captained the side to an historic Treble, or the news of him returning to the Etihad in 2024 following a season at Barcelona. Before coming to the Premier League, Gundogan made his name with Borussia Dortmund in his native Germany, being part of the side that were crowned Bundesliga champions in 2012 and Champions League finalists in 2013. His first spell in Manchester yielded 5 Premier League titles, with Gundogan often playing a key role. In 2022, his two goals against Aston Villa sealed a 3-2 comeback win, ensuring that their closest challengers Liverpool were pipped to the league title. He scored 8 league goals in their successful title defence the following season, and, memorably, both goals (including the opener after 12 seconds) in the 2-1 FA Cup Final victory over their great rivals, Manchester United. Lifting the trophy a few days later in Istanbul, after City’s 1-0 Champions League final victory over Inter, was a high watermark in his career as the Treble was completed. Gundogan announced his international retirement in 2024, having accumulated 82 caps; however, injury blighted his international career somewhat. He missed both the 2014 World Cup (where Germany became champions) and Euro 2016 through injury.



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Players 260-251

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