OMM Redaksiyası
Experienced Galatasaray footballer Ilkay Gundogan has received the 2025 Mevlude Genc Medal.
The award is presented by the government of North Rhine-Westphalia to individuals and communities who serve as role models for young people through their stance against racism, hate and discrimination. The medal was established in memory of activist Mevlude Genc, who lost two daughters, two grandchildren and a niece in a fire set by neo-Nazis in the German city of Solingen in 1993.
The ceremony was held at the German ambassador’s residence in Istanbul’s Tarabya district. North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst, Germany’s ambassador to Türkiye Sibylle Katharina Sorg, Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk, and club players Leroy Sane, Kaan Ayhan, Eyüp Aydın and Can Armando Güner attended the event.
After receiving the award, Ilkay Gundogan said it was a great honor for him. He stressed that, as well as being a footballer, he carries the responsibility of serving as a role model for people through his conduct and views.
Hendrik Wüst recalled that Gundogan had captained the German national team and said he played an important role in the fight against racism and discrimination, as well as in strengthening ties between Germany and Türkiye.
