Kaan Ayhan Profile, Stats and Career
Turkey's most capped active defender, three-time Süper Lig winner with Galatasaray, and Schalke-raised centre-back at the 2026 World Cup.
By
Abdul Ahad
Published May 2026Kaan Ayhan is a 31-year-old Turkish-German centre-back who plays for Galatasaray in the Süper Lig. The number 23 has 73 international caps for Turkey and is one of the most experienced defenders in Vincenzo Montella's World Cup squad. This profile covers his age, current club, career story, international record, and his 450+ career appearances.
Born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Ayhan spent 14 years at Schalke 04 (youth and senior) before spells at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Sassuolo in Serie A. Galatasaray signed him permanently in July 2023 after a successful loan, and he has won three consecutive Süper Lig titles with the club. His contract runs through June 2028.
Quick Answer
Kaan Ayhan is a Turkish professional footballer born on 10 November 1994 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. He plays as a centre-back for Galatasaray in the Süper Lig and has 73 caps for Turkey. Ayhan has won three Süper Lig titles with Galatasaray and is part of Turkey's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Early Life and Background
Ayhan joined Schalke 04's youth academy at the age of four, growing up entirely within the German football system. He was eligible for both Germany and Turkey and represented Germany at youth level before committing to Turkey's senior national team in 2016. His professional debut came at Schalke 04 in October 2013 in a 4–1 win against Augsburg, where he came on as a substitute for Ádám Szalai.
After loan spells at Eintracht Frankfurt (2016), he joined Fortuna Düsseldorf where he spent four productive seasons (2016–2020), making over 120 appearances. Sassuolo signed him in 2020, giving him three seasons of Serie A experience before Galatasaray came calling.
Kaan Ayhan Personal Info and Profile
| Full name | Kaan Ayhan |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 10 November 1994 |
| Age | 31 |
| Place of birth | Gelsenkirchen, Germany |
| Nationality | Turkey (German-born) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in / 1.85 m |
| Position | Centre-Back / Right Centre-Back |
| Current club | Galatasaray |
| Jersey number | 23 |
Transfer News and Market Value
Galatasaray first took Ayhan on loan from Sassuolo in January 2023 and signed him permanently in July 2023 for a reported €2.8 million. He signed a contract extension running through June 2028, reflecting the club's confidence in his continued contribution. His current transfer market value is estimated at approximately €3.4 million.
Kaan Ayhan Club Career
Ayhan's 276 club appearances (excluding international and cup) across Schalke, Eintracht Frankfurt (loan), Fortuna Düsseldorf, Sassuolo, and Galatasaray cover four countries and the Bundesliga, Bundesliga 2, Serie A, and Süper Lig. His 35 Süper Lig appearances in 2023–24 showed he could sustain top-level output over a full season at 29. In 2024–25, he made 30 league appearances and added 1 goal and 3 assists, while 2025–26 has been disrupted by injury (groin, leg).
Club Career Stats
| Period | Club | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2016 | Schalke 04 | 40 | 1 |
| 2016 | Eintracht Frankfurt (loan) | ~15 | 1 |
| 2016–2020 | Fortuna Düsseldorf | 123 | 7 |
| 2020–2023 | Sassuolo (Serie A) | ~57 | 1 |
| 2023–present | Galatasaray | 84+ | 3 |
International Career
Ayhan chose Turkey over Germany at senior level and made his debut in 2016. He has earned 73 caps, scoring 5 goals, making him one of Turkey's most capped active defenders. He has appeared at UEFA Euro 2020, UEFA Euro 2024, and is now part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
| National team | Caps | Goals | Tournament involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 73 | 5 | UEFA Euro 2020; UEFA Euro 2024; 2026 FIFA World Cup squad |
Honours and Trophies
| Trophy | Times Won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Süper Lig | 3 | 2023, 2024, 2025 (+ 2026 title) |
| Turkish Cup | 1 | 2025 |
| Turkish Super Cup | 1 | 2023 |
| 2. Bundesliga | 1 | 2018–19 (Düsseldorf promotion) |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Ayhan is a physically strong and aerial-dominant centre-back who WhoScored rates as very strong in aerial duels and long shots. He also shows strength in key passes and passing range, making him an effective ball-distributor from deep. His 453+ career appearances across four major leagues show his durability and adaptability across different defensive systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Kaan Ayhan's 73 international caps and 450+ club appearances make him one of the most experienced players in Turkey's 2026 World Cup squad. His Bundesliga, Serie A, and Süper Lig career has produced three Galatasaray league titles and a consistent record at the highest level. Montella's side will rely on his leadership and aerial quality as one of the senior defensive pillars at the tournament.
