Mertcan Ayhan

Mertcan Ayhan (born 8 September 2006) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for 2. Bundesliga club Schalke 04.^[1] Born in Germany, he represents Turkey at international youth level.

Mertcan Ayhan

Personal information
Date of birth	(2006-09-08) 8 September 2006 (age 19)
Place of birth	Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Height	1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position	Centre-back
Team information
Current team	Schalke 04
Number	43
Youth career
2010–2014	TuS Rotthausen
2014–2025	Schalke 04
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2025–	Schalke 04	4	(0)
2025–	Schalke 04 II	1	(0)
International career‡
2022–2023	Turkey U17	18	(3)
2023	Turkey U18	3	(0)
2024–	Turkey U19	5	(1)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 7 October 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals as of 20 August 2025

Club career

Ayhan signed a professional contract with Schalke 04 on 21 July 2025, lasting until June 2028.^[2][3] He made his first team debut for the club in the 2. Bundesliga in a 2–1 home win against Hertha BSC on 1 August 2025.^[4]

International career

Ayhan has represented Turkey at under-17, under-18 and under-19 level.^[5]

Personal life

Ayhan is the younger brother of Turkish international player Kaan Ayhan, who also started his professional football career at Schalke 04.^[3]

Career statistics

As of match played 5 October 2025^[1]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			Cup		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Schalke 04	2025–26	2. Bundesliga	4	0	1	0	5	0
Schalke 04 II	2025–26	Regionalliga West	1	0	—		1	0
Career total			5	0	1	0	6	0