Overview

• North Rhine-Westphalia’s State Chancellery confirmed on May 26 that the former national captain will be recognised for his efforts against racism and for social cohesion.
• Established in 2018, the Mevlüde-Genç Medal commemorates the 1993 arson attack in Solingen and celebrates individuals who advance reconciliation and tolerance.
• Minister-President Hendrik Wüst praised Gündogan as “more than a football star” whose stance against exclusion sends a powerful signal to German society.
• Gündogan, who has faced xenophobic abuse himself, leverages his platform at Manchester City to speak out against hate.
• Last year’s medallist was Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer and this year’s ceremony is scheduled for late summer 2025.