Kenan Yıldız stands out as a remarkable talent in football, not just for his technical prowess but for the story that shaped him. This young attacking midfielder, moulded in the image and likeness of Alessandro Del Piero, has roots in a family of polymaths, where knowledge and learning are highly valued. His father, Reşat Engin, didn’t grow up with football skills in his blood. But as a dedicated and resourceful parent, Engin taught himself the game from scratch, fueled by the hope that his son could one day live out the dream of becoming a professional player. For Engin, it wasn’t a straightforward journey, but he found creative ways—like watching YouTube tutorials of Juventus Legend Alessandro Del Piero—to impart his hard-earned football knowledge to young Kenan.
Born into Football from YouTube Lessons: The Unique Story of Kenan Yıldız Humble Beginnings.
Preamble:
In this biography, we trace Kenan Yıldız’s story from his Turkish roots (the village of Kızıllı in Turkey’s Dinar District, Afyonkarahisar Province), then his early days in his hometown of Regensburg, Germany, and his rise in the beautiful game. The truth is, there is more to Kenan than his footwork and game sense. As a player of Turkish descent representing the German national team, he shares a deep connection to a rich heritage that has gifted Germany with celebrated players like İlkay Gündoğan, Mesut Ozil, and Emre Can.
Our goal is to bring you closer to Kenan’s background story beyond the pitch, exploring the impact of his Turkish roots and his family’s support on his path to success. From his spirited boyhood in Regensburg to his rise to fame, Yıldız has truly come a long way, embodying both resilience and talent in every step of his career.
From a young dreamer in Regensburg to a rising star on the football field, we are glad to tell how Kenan Yıldız turned his childhood dreams into reality.
Kenan Yıldız Childhood Story:
To kick off his biography, Kenan Yıldız is often referred to by his nickname, “Starboy.” He was born on May 4, 2005, to a Turkish father, Reşat Engin Yıldız, and a German mother, Beate Hackl-Yıldız. When you look at Kenan, you can see his mother’s facial features shining through, while his sporting spirit and talent clearly reflect the hardworking nature of his father. Together, Reşat and Beate shaped him into the promising athlete he is today.
Meet Kenan Yıldız’s proud parents, Reşat Engin Yıldız and Beate Hackl-Yıldız, who have supported his journey every step of the way.
Growing Up Years:
As a child, Kenan Yıldız quickly developed an impressive knowledge of football and its players. When asked about his role model, he chose Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero—a surprising choice for someone born in 2005, years after Del Piero’s prime. How did Kenan come to admire a player he never saw live on the pitch? The answer lies in his father, who shared countless YouTube videos of Del Piero with him, fueling Kenan’s admiration for the Italian legend from a young age. His father’s influence helped shape Kenan’s playing style and instilled in him the vision to model himself after his hero, Del Piero.
At this point, Kenan Yıldız has been dubbed “Project Alessandro Del Piero,” as his father Reşat envisions him being shaped in the image of the iconic Italian footballer and Juventus legend.
Early Years (Football):
From a young age, Kenan Yıldız’s admiration for Alessandro Del Piero has been evident in every corner of his room, where posters of the Juventus legend adorn the walls. This love affair with football’s iconic number 10 began in his childhood, sparked by countless hours spent watching Del Piero’s mesmerizing plays on YouTube, curated by his father. Each poster, as shown below, serves as a daily reminder of the player Kenan aspired to emulate, fueling his passion and ambition to one day wear the same famous jersey. Del Piero’s influence has shaped Kenan not just as a player but as a fan who dreams of following in the footsteps of his hero.
Yıldız beams with joy in his room, surrounded by posters of his idol, Alessandro Del Piero. This starry-eyed dreamer, inspired by the legendary Juventus number 10, is more than ready to chase his own footballing destiny!
Destiny Fulfilled:
Now, picture a three-year-old boy who, instead of tuning in to Die Sendung mit der Maus, a beloved animated series for German children, is being shown YouTube videos of Alessandro Del Piero by his dad. From a young age, Engin Yıldız crafted a career roadmap for his son, combining physical training with countless videos of their family’s football hero, the Italian legend Del Piero. So, it’s no surprise that Kenan ended up donning the iconic number 10 shirt worn by Del Piero. This was a destiny carefully shaped by Reşat, the head of the Yıldız family.
Yıldız proudly signs with Juventus, accepting the legendary number 10 jersey that was once worn by his idol, Alessandro Del Piero. A dream fulfilled and a legacy embraced!
Truth be told… Father Engin Yıldız is someone who loves football very much. One of his biggest regrets in life is not having to play football as an amateur or professional player. This was largely caused by the environment he lived in back then in Turkey. Engin Yıldız lived in a village in Afyonkarahisar, western Turkey, a place where he was limited from playing football and could do more of providing for his family, which was his biggest priority. For a man who loved the game so much and yet could not live his dream, it was very painful sight to behold. Engin Yıldız vowed to seek solace from his troubled sporting reality through his son Kenan.
Kenan Yıldız Family Background:
Years ago, Reşat Yıldız, Kenan’s father, called the village of Kızıllı in Turkey’s Dinar district his home. Nestled in Afyonkarahisar, in the western Aegean region of Turkey, Kızıllı was where his family roots ran deep, and where he spent his early life. Reşat dreamed of a football career, but when those hopes didn’t come to fruition in Turkey, he made a bold decision to start fresh in Germany. He settled in Regensburg, a charming city close to the Czech border, where he found steady work and began building a stable life.
Once settled, Reşat turned his focus toward family and finding a partner to share his new life. He met Beate Hackl, a German woman who would become the love of his life. Their connection was immediate, and together, they embraced their dreams of family and a bright future. In 2005, they welcomed their only child, Kenan Yıldız, born on May 4. Research has it that Yıldız has no brother or sister. With his father’s resilience and his mother’s warmth, Kenan grew up surrounded by both Turkish and German cultures, laying the foundation for his journey into football. The son of a man who had once dreamed of making it in sports, Kenan’s early life was already touched by his father’s ambitions and sacrifices.
Kenan Yıldız and his friend, someone he considers family, shared a playful moment, sticking out their tongues and radiating pure joy during their childhood adventures!
Family Origin:
Kenan Yıldız’s roots trace back to the village of Kızıllı in Turkey’s Dinar District, Afyonkarahisar Province, where his father’s family comes from. This area of Turkey, also home to Emirdağ—Orkun Kökçü’s hometown—lies nestled between the cities of Afyon and Eskişehir. Here is a map gallery showing Yıldız’s roots (Kızıllı), a village in the Dinar District, Afyonkarahisar Province, Turkey.
Tracing his roots: Kenan Yıldız’s family (from his father’s side) hails from the village of Kızıllı in Turkey’s Dinar District, Afyonkarahisar Province.
On his mother’s side, Kenan has deep German heritage, as she hails from the city of Regensburg. So, when we talk about Kenan Yıldız’s background, it’s clear he carries a unique blend of Turkish and German culture, reflecting the diverse heritage of his Turkish-German family.
Ethnicity:
Kenan Yıldız is of Turkish-German ethnicity. His mixed Turkish-German heritage places him within a notable group of footballers who share similar backgrounds, such as İlkay Gündoğan, Mesut Özil, and Emre Can, all of whom have successfully blended their Turkish roots with their German upbringing. This dual heritage has influenced Kenan’s identity as a player, allowing him to draw inspiration from both cultures as he carves out his own path in the world of football.
Kenan Yıldız’s Biography: Football Story:
It took four years for Reşat Engin Yıldız to prepare his son for what lies ahead of him in the future. The good thing was that the drills to lay a solid foundation in his career started when little Kenan was aged 3. Four years down the line, when he got to age 7, he was considered ripe to join a football team, and there was no better choice than the academy of Jahn Regensburg, the soccer team of their German hometown. Project Alessandro Del Piero 2.0 appeared to have had a great start as the lead actor, Kenan, made a name for himself at his first-ever club.
If you ask him about his best memory of SSV Jahn Regensburg, he would likely tell you it was that moment he played against his friend, Arijon Ibrahimović. Despite sharing the same surname, Arijon is of no relation to the Legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović. Pictured below, both kids Kenan and Arijon were quite good, as they, formed a healthy competition of pushing each other as two little 7 year old boys. A difference of 7 months and 1 week (or exactly 7 months and 7 days) separated the boys, with Arijon being the younger. Did you know?… both boys reaped the reward for their hard work as they both earned calls to play for Bayern Munich.
Future stars in the making: Young Kenan battles for the ball against his close friend and rival, Arijon, capturing the fierce yet playful spirit of their early days on the pitch.
Why Bayern Came Calling:
When you visit SSV Jahn Regensburg and ask for their most talented kids ever, you are likely to hear about Beate Hackl-Yıldız’s son. Within his two years of playing for the local club in his hometown, Kenan sharply grew into one of the brightest kids in the club. At that time, he developed a style of having trademark long hair and a blue headband, something that distinguishes him physically from the rest of his teammates. The first milestone of project Del Piero came when its subject, the person of Kenan, won his first trophy with SSV Jahn Regensburg. Following this feat, the greatest club in Germany, Bayern Munich, came knocking at his doors. It was such a beautiful feeling for Kenan Yildiz’s parents to see their son being accepted by one of Europe’s giants.
This was the moment that marked the beginning of his promising journey to the top.
Bayern Munich Journey:
Kenan faced his first big challenge when he joined Bayern Munich’s youth academy in 2012 at just seven years old. Driven and resilient, he quickly adapted to the high-pressure, competitive environment, impressing everyone and eventually earning the role of team captain across multiple youth levels. His father, Reşat Engin Yıldız, had instilled in him not only discipline but also a strong sense of leadership. Kenan rose to every challenge, leading Bayern’s youth teams to multiple trophy wins and consistently exceeding expectations on and off the field.
Young leader on the rise: He proudly carried the captain’s flag and showcased yet another trophy, embodying the spirit and discipline that drove him to lead Bayern’s youth team.
Those who knew Kenan Yildiz from his early days at his hometown club, SSV Jahn Regensburg, and later watched him flourish in a Bayern Munich jersey, always felt he was set for big things. While Bayern is known for investing in star talent to maintain its reputation, many at the club saw Kenan as a true homegrown prodigy, someone who could one day fill the shoes of a legend like Thomas Müller. During his youth career at Bayern, Kenan’s talent and drive were unstoppable, leading his teams to win trophies and earn honours along the way.
The homegrown talent proudly holds trophies that mark his unstoppable rise in youth football.
Journey to Senior Football:
Kenan grew up in the Bayern Munich youth team for many years, and he rose to become a talented kid who would bag in lots of assists and goals in the Bundesliga regional under-17 and under-19 levels.
Leaving Bayern:
When Kenan Yıldız’s contract expired, Bayern Munich surprised many by not making a strong effort to keep him, despite seeing the potential in other young talents like Jamal Musiala from Chelsea. This left Kenan in a unique position: Barcelona and Juventus, the club he had admired since childhood, quickly recognized the chance to bring him on board. Both clubs moved fast to secure his signature, but in the end, Kenan followed his heart and joined Juventus—his childhood favourite—on a free transfer.
Early Times at Juventus:
When Kenan made the move from Germany to Italy, joining Juventus. He started with Juventus’ Serie C team, where he quickly stood out. “The scouting team was really impressed the first time they saw him,” said Massimo Brambilla, coach of Juventus’ youth squad. “We could tell he was a level above his peers.”
Kenan’s impressive performances in Serie C, along with glowing feedback from his coaches, caught the attention of then-Juventus Technical Director Massimiliano Allegri, who invited Kenan to join the preseason tour in the U.S. last summer. During a match against Milan, Kenan entered as a second-half substitute for Federico Chiesa, an Italian forward. When the team returned to Turin, Allegri made the same switch in a friendly against Atalanta. From that point on, Chiesa began to feel his game time might be in jeopardy with Kenan’s rapid rise. This led Chiesa to make the move abroad to Liverpool, opening the door for the Turkish-German talent to shine even brighter.
Juventus Rise:
Coach Massimo Allegri decided to bring Kenan Yıldız on Juventus’ preseason tour, knowing each season brought a fresh crop of promising young talent. Then, the moment Kenan had been waiting for finally arrived: his Serie A debut. Kenan described it as “crazy” because he hadn’t even known the day before that he’d be playing. As he warmed up, nerves kicked in—he was already shaking with excitement. Then, when Allegri called his name to step onto the pitch, it hit him: “Wow.”
Despite Kenan Yıldız’s impressive performance in his Serie A debut, Coach Massimo Allegri noticed something he wasn’t thrilled about. Right after the match, Allegri called Kenan aside and told him he needed to cut his hair. Kenan’s father shared that Allegri had a particular observation and gentle critique for Kenan, which he conveyed directly in their post-game conversation.
“Kenan needs to get his hair cut tomorrow. Because I wasn’t happy as he touched his hair 100 times during the match. That’s why he needs to get it cut tomorrow.”
Respectfully Cutting his Hair:
Although it could have been a difficult thing to do if it was Marc Cucurella, obeying the coach and cutting his hair was a necessary thing to do for the German Turk. Kenan immediately had his hair cut after these words. Allegri praised the young football player for being humble and respectful by saying the following words,
“I am glad. Cutting his hair shows that he is a smart kid who listens to his coach.”
Next that came for the youngster was his impactful first goal in a Juventus shirt. Kenan Yıldız found himself in the first 11 for the first time in Serie A in the away match against Frosinone on December 23, 2023. He put Juventus ahead 1-0 in the 12th minute and scored his first goal in Serie A. Something he had been waiting for since childhood was his goal celebrity to honour his idol. After scoring that goal, Kenan began celebrating by sticking his tongue out like his Idol Del Piero did back then during his active years. By scoring that goal, he became the youngest foreign goal scorer for Juventus in Serie A at the age of 18 years and 233 days.
Rising in Market Value:
Kenan scored his first goal in the 3-2 win over Germany, the hosts of Euro 2024. He celebrated by sticking his tongue out after the goal hit the crossbar and the goalpost and found the net in the 90th minute. Just like Del Piero, the all-time top scorer at Juventus. After scoring that wonderful goal against the German National Team, who were completely uninterested in him, he increased his market value from 750 thousand Euros to 30 million Euros.
Following his goal against Germany, questions were being asked about why he did not play for Germany. The attacking midfielder prepared for and gave an interview to the German press and explained his reason for choosing his father’s country of origin – the Turkish National Team – instead of Germany. In his words,
“I chose the Turkish National Team because Germany was not interested. My mother is German, my father is Turkish. I have been playing for Turkey since the U17 Team and I am proud of it. Germany has never been interested in me, they have not contacted me. That is why such an option has not arisen. I am very happy to play for Turkey.”
Personality:
Who is Kenan Yıldız outside football?
Kenan Yıldız is the kind of player who lives simply, staying grounded and focused on the game rather than on luxury. Off the pitch, he’s easygoing and friendly—a true “gentle giant”—while on the field, he’s fiercely competitive. Growing up, Kenan kept a tight circle, especially with his best friend, Can Uzun. Reflecting on those days, he shares, “Can and I grew up together; we’d often play basketball whenever we had the chance, sometimes with our relatives joining in. But with football taking up so much of our time, we couldn’t always fit in other activities.”
Recently, Kenan’s interest in music has blossomed. “I didn’t pay much attention before,” he admits, “but I started listening more over the last year.” Though he has a mixed cultural background—his mother is German—Kenan developed a love for Turkish cuisine thanks to Can and his family. “I can’t pick just one Turkish dish, but Can made sure I grew up with Turkish food, which I missed at home.” The two even share a love for gaming, though he laughs, “Can’s pretty skilled; I play too, but he beats me most of the time.”
Kenan Yıldız Family Life:
Signing with pride: In 2022, at just 17, Kenan Yıldız inked a contract with Juventus until 2025—a milestone moment filled with pride for his supportive parents.
About Kenan Yildiz Mother:
Upon seeing his son making a transfer that would make him leave the family home and travel abroad to start a new chapter, Beate Hackl-Yıldız became worried. At first, Kenan’s mum expressed fears as to whether her son would find life and career easy in a different country. Beate Hackl, being a devoted mother made it a point of duty to follow her son to Italy and be there for him. She supported him in a motherly way, making his favourite dishes, ensuring he had that feeling of living in Germany despite being in Italy, etc. More importantly, Beate Hackl-Yıldız was glad to see her son getting used to his new surroundings and improving his focus on his football.
About Kenan Yildiz Father:
When Allegri called on his son to enter the pitch for his first Serie A match, Engin Yıldız immediately got goosebumps. He was rightfully proud of their son’s first Serie A match. In his words,
“My wife and I watched the match at home. I didn’t watch it with him. Towards the end I saw Kenan come on and my wife and I went crazy. I had goosebumps when my son entered the game. I was so emotional, I can’t tell you how much i felt happy”
During that moment of euphoria, Engin Yıldız could not believe that his son, who was only 18 years old, would be playing in a Serie A match. What was even more special was seeing his son in his first attempt of the ball took it like an experienced pro and controlled it wonderfully. Engin Yıldız has always taught his son, since childhood, the importance of ball control, and he believes that having good control is a must in football. And he was proud his son did it very well that day.
Untold Facts:
In the final section of Kenan Yildiz’s Biography, we’ll unveil more truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Kenan Yıldız Salary:
Juventus recently announced that young talent Kenan Yıldız has officially signed with the club, securing a weekly salary of €56,923, amounting to €2,960,000 annually. Despite his rising star status, Kenan is among the lower earners on the Juventus squad. According to Capology, a trusted database for football player salaries, the club’s top earners include Dusan Vlahovic (€427,308 per week), Bremer (€178,007), and Douglas Luiz (€160,192).
Juventus Salary Breakdown: Rising star Yıldız joins the ranks with a weekly €56,923
Kenan Yıldız FIFA Stats:
At just 19, Kenan Yıldız already shows remarkable skill and potential, standing out for his speed, agility, ball control, and dribbling abilities. While he’s still developing in areas like aggression and interception, his versatility as both a midfielder and an attacker is impressive, reminding fans of talents like Cole Palmer and Julio Enciso. Despite his current overall rating of 71, which doesn’t fully capture his on-pitch presence, it’s clear that Kenan is underrated and has room to grow into an even more dynamic player.
In EA, Yıldız already displays the skill and flair of a seasoned player, dazzling with his speed, agility, and ball control.
Kenan Yıldız Religion:
As a Muslim, Kenan always performs an act that reflects a deep-rooted practice of seeking blessings and guidance from Allah before embarking on a significant endeavour. This ritual can symbolize a moment of gratitude for their talents and an invocation for strength and success on the field. Embracing his faith, Kenan honours the teachings of Islam, which encourage believers to seek help from Allah in all aspects of life, including their professional pursuits.
Kenan’s gesture is not just a personal ritual but also a reminder of his cultural identity and Islamic values.
End Note:
Kenan Yıldız’s journey from a young talent to Juventus’ rising star is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and family support. Born on May 4, 2005, in Regensburg, Germany, to a Turkish father and a German mother, Kenan grew up under the guidance of his father, Engin Yıldız, who dreamed of a football career for his son. Kenan’s father, originally from the village of Kızıllı in Turkey’s Afyonkarahisar province, moved to Germany to seek better opportunities for his family, instilling in Kenan a love for football and a commitment to hard work.
Yıldız began playing football at just three years old, later joining Bayern Munich’s youth academy. Known for his skill, acceleration, and versatility, he quickly progressed, becoming captain in his youth teams and excelling in his position. When Bayern Munich and Kenan couldn’t reach a new contract agreement, Juventus recognized his potential and welcomed him to the club. Taking on the number 10 jersey, famously worn by his idol Alessandro Del Piero, Kenan embraced his new role with pride and ambition.
His debut for Juventus’ first team was a memorable moment, and his family’s emotions ran high as they watched his lifelong dream come true. While his father celebrated passionately, Kenan’s calm, humble approach continues to guide him both on and off the pitch. In Juventus, Kenan Yıldız is more than a promising player; he represents the values of resilience, cultural pride, and the spirit of hard work embedded by his family.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read Kenan Yıldız’s story. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you stories about attacking midfielders as we have done for notable names like Malick Tilman and Oihan Sancet. Kindly reach out to us if you find something that doesn’t look right in this memoir about the Regensburg native.
