It was supposed to be a routine clearance in an amateur play-off final in Istanbul. Instead, it became a moment that defined both the compassion of Gani Catan and the heartbreak of Yurdum Spor on one unforgettable afternoon.

The incident happened in the 22nd minute of the Istanbul First Amateur League playoff final between Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar and Istanbul Yurdum Spor in Zeytinburnu, Footballrover reports.

Gani Catan Revives Seagull in Dramatic Istanbul Playoff Final

A clearance from the penalty area struck a low-flying seagull in mid-air. The bird spiralled down onto the pitch after being hit by a ball from goalkeeper Muhammet Uyanik.

As players froze in shock, Gani Catan ran.

The seagull was not breathing.

Without formal medical training, the 32-year-old accountant dropped to his knees and began chest compressions, performing CPR in front of stunned teammates and spectators.

For nearly two minutes, the mini-pitch fell silent. Then came the first sign of hope.

Its legs twitched.

Its eyes opened.

Catan gave the bird water before carefully carrying it off the pitch to medical staff.

“Our captain, Gani Catan, revived the seagull on the pitch through CPR,” Yurdum Spor wrote on Instagram.

The video, captured by sports reporter Onur Ozsoy, quickly spread online. It showed Catan performing CPR on the bird, surrounded by teammates, before cradling it safely toward the sideline.

Yurdum Spor Loses Final, but Gani Catan’s Gesture Goes Viral

Despite the emotional moment, Yurdumspor went on to lose the championship.

Yet the club found perspective beyond the result. Even though the team didn’t win, they said they were glad that “a life was saved”.

For Catan, the result mattered less than the act itself.

“Helping save a life is more important than any championship,” he said.

The defender later shared what was going through his mind at the time.

“I felt terrible when I saw the seagull on the ground; I immediately wanted to run and help it. That’s why I performed CPR”, Catan added.

What followed surprised him even more.

“I wasn’t expecting to receive messages from anybody. I’m getting congratulatory messages from all over the world right now,” Catan concluded.

The viral moment has turned the Yurdumspor captain into an unlikely global figure, with fans praising his quick thinking and compassion during the Istanbul playoff final.

Catan also revealed a personal side to his love for animals.

“I’m always on the side of animals; I have two cats, and I love spending time with them.”

As for the bird’s condition, he admitted:

“I don’t know what happened to the seagull; I hope it’s okay.”

Reports from Türkiye Today later stated that “the bird had wing damage from the impact and could not fly for the time being”, but “it was taken under treatment.”

There is even discussion within the club about adding a seagull to their logo in tribute to the unforgettable moment.

In the end, Yurdumspor lost the title. But in a stadium in Istanbul, Catan proved that sometimes the biggest victory is not written on the scoreboard.

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Last Updated on March 3, 2026 10:04 am by footballrover