İlkay Gündoğan (born 24 October 1990) is a German professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for La Liga club Barcelona and the Germany national team. His journey from the youth ranks in Germany to the pinnacle of European football is a testament to his skill, dedication, and tactical intelligence on the pitch.
Here you can follow Ilkay Gundogan’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
About Ilkay Gundogan
Born on October 24, 1990, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Ilkay Gundogan’s passion for football was evident from a young age. He honed his skills at various youth clubs, including a stint at FC Schalke 04, before making his professional debut.
Club Career
Gundogan began his professional career at 1. FC Nürnberg in January 2009. His performances there caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund, and he transferred to the club in the summer of 2011.
At Dortmund, under the management of Jürgen Klopp, Gundogan’s career flourished. He played a key role in the team that won the Bundesliga in the 2011/2012 season and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2013, although Dortmund did not win the trophy.
In 2016, Gundogan made a significant move to Manchester City, where he played under Pep Guardiola. During his seven years at the club, he established an impressive collection of medals, winning the Premier League five times and contributing to the team’s first Champions League victory.
In July 2023, Gundogan joined FC Barcelona after his contract with Manchester City ended. He signed for two seasons, with the option to extend for a third year, and his buyout clause was set at 400 million euros.
International Career
Ilkay Gundogan made his debut for the German national team on September 4, 2009. Since then, he has earned 73 caps for his country, scoring 18 goals in the process.
One of the pivotal moments in Gundogan’s international career came during the World Cup tournaments. He was part of Germany’s squad for the World Cup 2022, where he played all three group games.
Ilkay Gundogan’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Ilkay Gundogan’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million. His earnings come from his salary as a professional footballer, endorsements, and other sources.
Contract and Salary
Gundogan’s contract with FC Barcelona is set to expire in June 2025, with an option for both parties to extend for an additional year.
At Barcelona, Gundogan’s salary is a testament to his value and experience as a top midfielder. For the 2023-2024 season, he earns a weekly wage of £307,841, which translates to an annual salary of £16 million.
Career Earnings
| Season | Club | Annual Salary (GBP) |
| 2024 | Barcelona | £7,800,000 |
| 2023 | Manchester City | £8,580,000 |
| 2022 | Manchester City | £8,580,000 |
| 2021 | Manchester City | £7,800,000 |
| 2020 | Manchester City | £7,800,000 |
| 2019 | Manchester City | £7,280,000 |
| 2018 | Manchester City | £7,280,000 |
| 2017 | Manchester City | £7,280,000 |
Boot
Gundogan is outfitted by Adidas, wearing their latest football boots during matches.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | İlkay Gündoğan |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Birth Date | October 24, 1990 |
| Height | 1.80 m |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Birthplace | Gelsenkirchen, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Current Net Worth | $40 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Sara Arfaoui |
| Instagram Profile | @ilkayguendogan |
Wife
Ilkay Gundogan is married to Sara Arfaoui, a French-born model and television presenter.
The couple married in a registry office in Denmark and later celebrated with a lavish wedding at Lake Como in Italy in May 2022.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | League | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2023/2024 | Barcelona | La Liga & Champions League | 34 | 5 | 9 |
| 2022/2023 | Manchester City | Premier League & Others | 37 | 13 | 2 |
| 2021/2022 | Manchester City | Premier League & Others | – | – | – |
| 2020/2021 | Manchester City | Premier League & Others | 37 | 20 | 1 |
| 2019/2020 | Manchester City | Premier League & Others | 37 | 5 | 2 |
| 2018/2019 | Manchester City | Premier League & Others | 43 | 9 | 1 |
| 2017/2018 | Manchester City | Premier League & Others | 36 | 4 | 1 |
| 2016/2017 | Manchester City | Premier League & Others | 16 | 5 | 0 |
FAQs
Who is Ilkay Gündogan?
Ilkay Gündogan is a German professional footballer who plays primarily as a central midfielder for Manchester City in the Premier League and the German national team.
What teams has Ilkay Gündogan played for?
Ilkay Gündogan began his professional career at VfL Bochum in Germany. He later played for Borussia Dortmund before joining Manchester City in 2016.
When and where was Ilkay Gündogan born?
Ilkay Gündogan was born on October 24, 1990, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
What is Ilkay Gündogan’s playing style?
Ilkay Gündogan is known for his passing accuracy, vision, composure on the ball, and ability to control the game’s tempo from midfield. He can also make late runs into the box and score goals.
Has Ilkay Gündogan represented his national team?
Yes, Ilkay Gündogan has been a key player for the German national team, representing them in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro.
What are some of Ilkay Gündogan’s career achievements?
Ilkay Gündogan has won multiple domestic league titles, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City.
He has also been recognized for his performances with awards and nominations.
What are Ilkay Gündogan’s notable strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: Passing range, vision, tactical intelligence, versatility, and ability to score goals from midfield.
Weaknesses: Occasionally, he may face challenges in maintaining peak fitness due to injuries.
Is Ilkay Gündogan known for any iconic moments in his career?
Ilkay Gündogan has scored important goals and provided crucial assists for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City in key matches, including domestic and European competitions.
What are Ilkay Gündogan’s career statistics?
Specific statistics such as goals assists, and appearances can vary each season.
However, Ilkay Gündogan continues to be a pivotal player for Manchester City and the German national team.
What are Ilkay Gündogan’s future plans in football?
Ilkay Gündogan aims to continue his successful career at Manchester City, contributing to their pursuit of domestic and European titles.
He also hopes to play a significant role in Germany’s international campaigns.
