From Turkish breakout to Champions League history: the journey of Cengiz Ünder
In short: A rapid rise through the ranks of European football saw Cengiz Ünder become the youngest Turkish player to score in the Champions League. From the Süper Lig to the Premier League and beyond, his career has been defined by high-stakes transfers and significant impact on the pitch.
Born on 14 July 1997, Cengiz Ünder's professional trajectory accelerated during a standout season with the Turkish club Başakşehir. His performances earned him a €13.4 million move to the Italian Serie A side Roma on 16 July 2017. It was during his tenure in Italy that he etched his name into the record books; by scoring against Shakhtar Donetsk in February 2018, he became the youngest Turkish player to ever score in the Champions League.
Ünder's time in Rome was marked by significant European milestones, including helping the club reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 1984. This success followed a quarter-final victory over Barcelona, where he provided an assist to Kostas Manolas. His ability to perform in high-pressure environments led to a series of international moves, including a loan to Leicester City in the English Premier League in September 2020 and a permanent move to Marseille in France in 2022.
His career has also been subject to intense scrutiny outside of football. In February 2018, following the Afrin offensive in Northern Syria, Ünder performed a military salute as a goal celebration, a gesture that later drew social media criticism. His movement through various leagues—including a return to Turkey with Fenerbahçe and a recent move to Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC—highlights the nomadic and high-value nature of modern professional footballing careers.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Cengiz Ünder
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