Kaan Ayhan is a defender who plays for Galatasaray in Turkey’s Süper Lig. He was born in Germany but represents the Turkey national team. He joined Schalke 04’s youth academy when he was four years old. He signed his first professional contract with Schalke in January 2012. He made his first-team debut on October 5, 2013, coming off the bench in a 4-1 win over FC Augsburg. He scored his first Bundesliga goal on May 3, 2014, in a 2-0 win over SC Freiburg.
In January 2016, he went on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt for the rest of the season. Frankfurt had an option to sign him permanently, but the transfer fee was reportedly too high.
On August 31, 2016, Kaan Ayhan left Schalke after 17 years at the club and joined Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2. Bundesliga. On May 13, 2017, he scored the third goal in a 3-2 win over 1. FC Nürnberg, helping Düsseldorf win the league title and promotion. On August 16, 2020, he moved to Italian club Sassuolo in Serie A.
On January 28, 2023, Galatasaray announced they were in talks to sign Kaan Ayhan on loan with an obligation to buy. The deal was confirmed two days later. He helped Galatasaray win the Süper Lig title in the 2022-23 season, securing the championship with two weeks to spare after a 4-1 away win over Ankaragücü on May 30, 2023. After the season, Galatasaray triggered the buy option for €2.8 million.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Kaan Ayhan
He Whistles to Call His Wife, and She Hates It
Kaan Ayhan has a very unique and quirky habit: he uses whistling to get his wife Aylin’s attention in public. She once “complained” about it on a talk show, saying he calls her like she’s a dog. Now, whenever she hears a whistle, she instinctively turns around to check if it’s him. A habit she can’t escape.
He Was a ‘Living Fossil’ at Schalke’s Academy
Ayhan came through the youth ranks at Schalke 04. In a 2014 interview, at just 19 years old, he was already the longest-serving player in the entire Schalke academy system at that time. He has since admitted that he grew up as a genuine Schalke fan. A true product of the club.
Learned His Free-Kick Technique from Captain Tsubasa
As a defender, Ayhan possesses surprisingly deadly free-kick accuracy. When asked about the secret behind his technique, he revealed that he probably learned it from watching the iconic Japanese anime Captain Tsubasa as a kid. An anime-inspired footballer with a deadly set-piece weapon.
His Football Idol Is His Own Uncle
While most players idolise global superstars, Ayhan’s biggest inspiration growing up was his uncle, Saffet Kaya, who was also a professional footballer. Beyond his uncle, he has also expressed deep admiration for Turkish-German star İlkay Gündoğan. A family connection shaped his footballing dreams.
Chose Turkey After Being Disappointed by Germany
Born and raised in Germany with dual citizenship, Ayhan ultimately chose Turkey. One of the main reasons? He was disappointed with the German FA after waiting a long time for an opportunity that never came. When Turkey came calling, he didn’t hesitate. A decision made from the heart.
FAQs
Q. Which club does Kaan Ayhan play for?
A. Ayhan plays for Galatasaray.
Q. Which national team does Kaan Ayhan represent?
A. Ayhan represents Turkey.
Q. Where was Kaan Ayhan born?
A. Ayhan was born in Germany.
Q. Which club did Ayhan spend with before leaving in 2016?
A. Ayhan spent 17 years with Schalke 04.
Q. What did Ayhan win with Galatasaray in 2022-23?
A. Ayhan won the Süper Lig title in 2022-23.
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