World Cup 2026: Turkey star could also have played for Germany

Ex-Bayern talent Yildiz

“The DFB never approached me”

Born in Regensburg, trained at FC Bayern – and yet not a DFB player. Kenan Yildiz is one of the most sought-after offensive players of his generation.

Kenan Yildiz has signed up for the 2021 Turkish national team decided, even though he was born in Germany and received his football training from FC Bayern Munich went through. Since his move in 2022, Yildiz has played for Juventus Turin. There he made it into the professional team and attracted attention in Serie A.

Yildiz was born on May 4, 2005 in Regensburg. He started playing football in Bavaria before joining the FC youth department Bayern Munich was recorded. There he was considered one of the greatest talents of his year early on. He was characterized by his technical strength, creativity and goal threat, as well as his game intelligence and versatility in attack.

Although the FC Bayern Wanting to keep him long-term, Yildiz decided to move to Juventus Turin in 2022. There he quickly worked his way through the youth teams and recommended himself for the professional squad. His dribbling and finishing skills also made him known outside of Italy.

Yildiz’ mother is German, his father is Turkish. Because of his family roots, he was free to choose between the Turkish and the German national team to decide. The DFB According to Yildiz, he never contacted him: “I would have dealt with a request, but there was no call from the DFB,” said Yildiz in an interview with Bild in November 2023.

In the Turkish team he was quickly able to take on an important role in the team. His family environment is also said to have played a significant role in his decision.

This was a significant gain for the Turkish association, but for the DFB it was a loss of a player who many experts believe has a great future.