Kenan Yıldız is a Turkish association football player who competes as an attacking midfielder or winger for Juventus. Born in Regensburg, Germany, he became the youngest goalscorer for his club in the Champions League in 2024. His professional development earned him the Serie A Rising Star of the Season award for the 2025-26 campaign.
Kenan Yıldız secured his place in Juventus history on 17 September 2024, when he struck the opening goal against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League. This effort established him as the youngest goalscorer for the club in the competition's history, highlighting the rapid ascent of the attacking midfielder from youth development to senior squad prominence.
Development and Early Career
Born on 4 May 2005 in Regensburg, Germany, Yıldız began his formative years with local clubs Sallern Regensburg and Jahn Regensburg. He joined the Bayern Munich youth academy in 2012, progressing through the ranks to eventually captain the U19 side. During the 2021–22 season, he recorded six goals and eight assists in 20 matches. Following the expiration of his contract in July 2022, he moved to Italy to join Juventus.
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Yıldız made his professional debut for Juventus Next Gen on 17 December 2022 against Virtus Verona. By August 2023, he transitioned to the first team, making his Serie A debut against Udinese. His first senior goal arrived in December 2023 against Frosinone, making him the youngest foreign goalscorer for the club in the league. His subsequent development included becoming a key tactical asset, often deployed as an attacking midfielder or winger, and acquiring the iconic number 10 shirt in August 2024.
Technical Proficiency and Recognition
Known for his dribbling and long-range shooting, Yıldız demonstrated his impact in high-pressure matches, including a two-goal performance against Inter Milan in the 2024 Derby d'Italia. His goal against Torino in January 2025 was recognized as the Serie A Goal of the Season. By the 2025–26 campaign, he was awarded the Serie A Rising Star of the Season, finishing the league year with ten goals and six assists in 33 appearances.
International Participation
Eligible for both Germany and Turkey, Yıldız represented the latter at youth levels. He made his senior international debut on 12 October 2023 against Croatia. His first international goal occurred in November 2023 during a match against Germany in Berlin. He was subsequently included in the squad for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 May 2005, Regensburg
- Professional Debut: 17 December 2022
- Juventus First Team Debut: 20 August 2023
- Primary Positions: Attacking midfielder, winger
- Key Honours: Coppa Italia 2023–24
- Languages Spoken: German, Turkish, Italian, English
Questions readers ask
What is Kenan Yıldız's official role on the pitch?
He functions primarily as an attacking midfielder or winger, though he has occasionally played in a mezzala role.
How many goals did he contribute during his award-winning 2025–26 season?
He scored ten goals and provided six assists across 33 league appearances.
