Scout who discovered Yildiz reveals he did not want to be a footballer | OneFootball

Kenan Yildiz is widely regarded as one of the finest young players in football today, but his journey into the sport was far from conventional. Despite now representing Turkiye at the international level and earning recognition for his talent, his early life pointed towards a very different sporting path.

Born in Germany, Yildiz was an athletic child from an early age, showing clear physical ability and natural coordination. A future in sport seemed inevitable, yet football was not his initial passion. While many young players grow up dreaming of a life on the pitch, Yildiz appeared destined for success in another discipline.

From Kickboxing to Football

In his early years, the attacker was more inclined towards kickboxing, a sport in which he had already begun training. His interest in football was minimal, and the idea of pursuing it professionally seemed unlikely at the time. However, that changed when he was approached by Detlef Staude, who is credited with first encouraging Yildiz to give football a try.

Speaking to Il Bianconero, Staude recounted the initial encounter and how Yildiz eventually changed course:

“I asked him if he wanted to train with us. He replied that he was already signed up for kickboxing and no, he didn’t want to play soccer. I saw him again in the same place a few weeks later and tried to convince him again. In the end, however, he was the one who came to me and said he’d changed his mind and would like to try soccer.”

(Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

A Career That Almost Never Happened

Yildiz’s decision to pursue football instead of kickboxing proved to be pivotal. What followed was a rapid rise through the youth ranks and eventual recognition as a top talent on the European stage. With his athletic background, he adapted quickly and brought a level of physicality and technical ability that set him apart from his peers.

Football may have lost a generational talent had Yildiz not reconsidered his path. His story serves as a reminder that the journey into professional sport is not always linear, and that one decision can alter the course of a career entirely.