Seventeen years of development within the Schalke 04 academy provided the foundation for Kaan Ayhan, a defender born in Gelsenkirchen in 1994. Holding dual citizenship in Germany and Turkey, he transitioned from a long-term prospect at his boyhood club to a professional contributor in the Süper Lig and on the international stage with the Turkish national squad.
Early Development and Schalke 04
Ayhan entered the Schalke 04 youth system at four years old. By January 2012, he secured a professional contract running through June 2015, donning the number 24 shirt. His Bundesliga debut occurred on 5 October 2013 during a 4–1 win against FC Augsburg, where he appeared as a substitute for Ádám Szalai. His inaugural goal in the top division arrived on 3 May 2014 in a 2–0 victory over SC Freiburg. In early 2016, he spent the latter half of the season on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt.
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The defender departed Schalke 04 permanently on 31 August 2016 to join 2. Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf. His tenure there proved successful, highlighted by a goal during a 3–2 victory against 1. FC Nürnberg on 13 May 2017, which helped seal the 2017–18 2. Bundesliga title for the team. On 16 August 2020, he relocated to Italy to join Serie A side Sassuolo.
Success with Galatasaray
In January 2023, Galatasaray initiated negotiations to bring Ayhan back to Turkey. Following an initial loan deal, he helped the club claim the 2022–23 Süper Lig championship, secured by a 4–1 away win against Ankaragücü on 30 May 2023. Galatasaray subsequently triggered a buy option valued at €2.8 million. He has since added further titles, including championships in the 2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26 seasons, along with a 2024–25 Turkish Cup and 2023 Turkish Super Cup.
International Representation
Eligible for both Germany and Turkey, Ayhan represented both nations at the junior level. He made his senior debut for the Turkey national team on 31 August 2016 against Russia under manager Fatih Terim. He was selected for the Turkey squad for UEFA Euro 2024. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he scored the winning goal in a 3–2 victory over the United States, though the team faced elimination following group stage results against Australia and Paraguay.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 November 1994, Gelsenkirchen
- Citizenship: Turkey, Germany
- Professional Debut: 5 October 2013
- Süper Lig Titles: 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25, 2025–26
- 2. Bundesliga Title: 2017–18
- International Debut: 31 August 2016
Questions readers ask
Which major clubs has Kaan Ayhan played for?
He has played for Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Sassuolo, and Galatasaray.
Did Kaan Ayhan play for Germany or Turkey?
He is a dual citizen who played for junior national teams of both countries, but represents the Turkey senior national team.
