
The former national player is honored for his commitment to social cohesion.
AI-generated summary
The Mevlüde Genç Medal commemorates the arson attack in Solingen in 1993 and is awarded for commitment to understanding and tolerance.
Footballer İlkay Gündoğan, 35, has received many medals in his life. He was, among other things, Champions League winner, German champion and English Supercup winner. The Gelsenkirchen native was the first footballer with a migrant background to become captain of the German national team in 2023 and of course he was also a SPIEGEL columnist.
The former national player also repeatedly used his footballing success to advocate for respectful cooperation. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia decided to honor him with the Mevlüde Genç Medal in 2025. “For his special services to social cohesion,” the state government announced at the time.
As a prize winner, Gündoğan joins Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer, who received the medal in 2024. But the commitment prize was never awarded. In order to add a Turkish championship title to the long list of his prizes, Gündoğan moved to Turkey.
At the ceremony in the summer residence of the German ambassador to Turkey, Wüst said: "You defended yourself against hostility and discrimination, and you protected others from it. We pay you great respect for that." Gündoğan used his popularity "to take a stand against exclusion, hatred and racism."
Remembrance of the arson attack in Solingen
The Mevlüde Genç Medal commemorates the night of the arson attack on May 29, 1993 in Solingen. Four teenagers threw incendiary devices into the Genç family's house. Mevlüde and Durmuş Genç lost two daughters, two grandchildren and a niece, and 17 family members were injured, some of them very seriously. Since 2018, the award has been given to people who promote understanding and tolerance.
Football stadiums are experiencing a conflict between commercial vloggers and traditional fans. While influencers cater to young target groups, fans and clubs criticize the marketing of fan culture.
In an extensive interview, Spain's national coach Luis de la Fuente talks about his contract extension until 2032, the secret of Spanish football's success, youngster Lamine Yamal and the German coaching legend Jupp Heynckes.
After the guilty verdict against Manchester City for financial violations, former club boss David Bernstein is calling for the club to be forced to relegate. Former Man United captain Roy Keane and Sports Minister Lisa Nandy also expressed sharp criticism.

After England's 2-0 win against the Czech Republic, coach Thomas Tuchel praised Anthony Gordon's goal and Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross. After the game, Gordon emphasized the importance of his teammate and commented on his time with the England national team.
Following the Premier League's guilty verdict against Manchester City for financial breaches between 2009/10 and 2017/18, former club boss David Bernstein is calling for the club to be forced into relegation. Man City are said to have used sham contracts to hide over £830m. The club has until Friday to file an appeal.

The Federal Youth Games have been taking place in Germany for 75 years. Stefanie Kaul, sports teacher and school sports officer in the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Education, emphasized in an interview that the format must adapt to society and that the focus should not only be on the honorary certificate.