Kenan Yildiz - biography, statistics, age, weight, height

Biography of Kenan Yildiz

Kenan Yildiz is one of the brightest young footballers of the new generation. He was born on May 4, 2005, in Regensburg, Germany, to a Turkish father and a German mother. From an early age, it was clear he was not just a talented child but a player with rare football intelligence.

Journey Through Bayern Academy

Yildiz began playing football in his hometown of Regensburg, and in 2012 joined the Munich-based Bayern academy at the age of seven. He progressed through all development stages, often wore the captain's armband, and quickly became one of the leaders of his age group. In the 2021/22 season, playing for Bayern U19, Kenan scored 6 goals and provided 8 assists in 20 matches - impressive stats for an attacking midfielder.

His contract with Bayern expired in summer 2022, and both sides could not agree on a renewal. A battle for the talented free agent began, with European giants showing interest. In the end, Yildiz chose Juventus.

Rise in Turin

On July 12, 2022, Juventus officially announced the signing of Yildiz. He initially played for U19, then was called up to Juventus Next Gen - the club's reserve team. On December 16, 2022, Kenan made his professional debut. By September 2023, he scored his first senior goal - a long-range strike against Ancona.

Yildiz made his Serie A debut on August 20, 2023, against Udinese. On December 23 of the same year, he started for the first team and immediately scored the winning goal against Frosinone. This goal made him the youngest foreign scorer for Juventus in Serie A.

In summer 2024, the club extended his contract until 2029 and entrusted him with the legendary number 10 - a symbol of special status in Turin.

In the 2024/25 season, Yildiz established himself in the first team: scored in the Champions League, netted a brace in the derby against Inter, and scored one of the season’s most beautiful goals in the derby against Torino. He finished the season with seven goals and played a key role in Juventus’ campaign at the 2025 Club World Cup.

In 2025/26, Yildiz became a key player. He won the Serie A Player of the Month award in August, became the youngest captain in Juventus history, and extended his contract until 2030 in February 2026.

International Career with Turkey

Although born in Germany, Yildiz chose to represent Turkey. He made his national team debut in October 2023 and scored his first goal in November - against Germany in Berlin. Symbolic, given his birthplace.

In summer 2024, Kenan was included in Turkey's squad for Euro 2024 and established himself as one of the most promising players of his generation.

Yildiz is a modern attacking midfielder: technically gifted, with a powerful long-range shot, capable of playing centrally or on the wing. He is already compared to Mesut Özil, and in Italy, his name is often mentioned alongside Del Piero - not by chance, as Kenan now wears the legendary Italian number 10.

Personal life of Kenan Yildiz

Off the pitch, Kenan Yildiz is far from a glossy celebrity persona. Those who know him personally describe him as calm, disciplined, and family-oriented. No flashy parties, no unnecessary noise.

Family and Roots

Kenan was born in Regensburg into an international family. His father, Engin Yildiz, is Turkish, and his mother, Beate Hackl, is German. This cultural mix shaped his character: German organization on one side, Turkish emotionality and family attachment on the other. Despite moving to Italy at a young age, Yildiz always emphasizes his connection to Turkey and respect for his roots. That is why he chose to represent the Turkish national team.

Reserved Character

Yildiz does not behave like a typical young footballer who just signed a big contract and attracts media attention. He rarely appears in tabloids and gives almost no reasons for discussion outside football. In the team, he is considered balanced, detail-oriented, and respectful to senior teammates. He avoids conflicts and dislikes public statements.

Personal Stance

Kenan consciously avoids demonstrative publicity. He prefers to speak on the pitch, not on social media. For him, development and stability are more important than celebrity status. In an era where young talents quickly become influencers, Yildiz appears differently - a classic old-school footballer, keeping his personal life private.

Interesting facts about Kenan Yildiz

• Born in Germany, chose Turkey: At the national level, he consciously opted for Turkey. In his second match, he scored against Germany in Berlin, his birthplace.
• Received the number 10 at 19: At Juventus, number 10 is not just a number. It is Baggio. It is Del Piero. Yildiz received it before the 2024/25 season, a step taken only when the club has full confidence in the player.
• Youngest captain of Juventus: In September 2025, Yildiz captained the team at the age of 20, a significant sign of trust for a club with such historical weight.
• Goal in Del Piero style: In the Champions League, he scored a trademark goal from the left half-space into the far corner.
• Among the best of his generation: Before breaking into Juventus’ first team, he was listed among the 60 most promising players in the world by The Guardian at age 17.
• Compared to Özil: Often called the "Turkish Özil" for technique and vision; inside Juventus, he is also compared to Del Piero for his off-wing movements and long-range finishes.
• Rise in three seasons: From a contractless free agent to a key player for Juventus and the national team. Not a standard path, but very illustrative. Yildiz is an example of how talent plus character can accelerate a career faster than any PR.

Statistics of Kenan Yildiz

As of January 25, 2026

Scandals with Kenan Yildiz

Although considered one of Europe’s most promising young players, Kenan Yildiz has not been without controversial moments. In April 2025, he was suspended for two Serie A matches and fined €10,000 for a straight red card: the Turkish player elbowed a Monza opponent, drawing criticism from fans and the press for his emotional play and restless temperament on the pitch.

Additionally, in January 2026, he received a yellow card for simulation in a match against Cagliari, for which he was fined €2,000, further drawing attention to his penalty-chasing and intense duel style.

There were also reports of a dispute with a former agent who won a case in sports court over unpaid fees, which could have led to fines or suspension if not resolved amicably.

Overall, these incidents are seen by many as part of a young player’s maturation, learning to control emotions and respond professionally under the high expectations Juventus places on him.