Right now, the spotlight at Manchester City naturally falls on stars like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. But BD Cricket Match believes there’s another player who consistently shines in pivotal moments—Ilkay Gündoğan. Whenever the pressure peaks, Gündoğan rises to the occasion. Back in the 2020–2021 season, when City’s attacking lineup was plagued by injuries, it was Gündoğan who took charge, carrying the offensive load and guiding the team on a stunning winning streak that secured the Premier League title in dominant fashion.
Fast forward to the final round of last season, when City trailed Aston Villa and the title was slipping away—once again, Gündoğan stepped up. He scored two crucial second-half goals that sparked a dramatic comeback, sealing another league trophy for the blue side of Manchester. And in this season’s FA Cup final against Manchester United, Gündoğan was once more the heartbeat of the team. Sometimes, in life and in sport, it’s about living well and meeting the moment head-on.
Just 15 seconds into the final, Ortega Moreno launched the ball forward, De Bruyne challenged for the header, and Gündoğan struck a stunning volley straight into the top corner. Although United equalized through a penalty, Gündoğan wasn’t finished. Early in the second half, he again found space near the box. This time, he met a De Bruyne free-kick with his left foot, bouncing the ball twice before it slipped past a diving David de Gea. The match belonged to him—United had no answers.
Gündoğan was rightfully named Man of the Match, and even one of Manchester United’s own midfielders admitted afterward that Gündoğan is one of the Premier League’s very best. Despite this, contract renewal talks between him and City remain at a standstill. Some media reports suggest the German midfielder may be looking to move on after a long and decorated spell with the club.
Will Manchester City make a last-ditch effort to keep a player who delivers time and time again when it matters most? BD Cricket Match reports that Gündoğan has yet to make a final decision about his future. As he put it after the match, he longs for freedom and the open sea—a poetic hint that his next chapter may lie elsewhere. All eyes now turn to the Champions League final, where the answer to his future may finally be revealed.