Football Match Halts as Player Rescues Injured Seagull

A football match in Istanbul took an unexpected turn on February 24, 2026, when players paused the game to save a seagull struck by the ball. The incident occurred during the Istanbul 1st Amateur League Play-Off Final, which featured teams Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar and Istanbul Yurdum Spor competing for promotion.

In the 22nd minute of the match, goalkeeper Muhammet Uyanik kicked the ball away from his penalty area. Mid-flight, the ball collided with a seagull flying overhead, causing the bird to plummet to the ground. Team captain Gani Catan was quick to respond, rushing over to assess the situation.

Upon reaching the injured bird, Catan discovered that it appeared unresponsive and was struggling to breathe. Without hesitation, he decided to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Catan administered chest compressions for approximately two minutes, during which he observed the bird beginning to show signs of life. Movement returned to the seagull’s legs and eyes, indicating a revival.

Medical staff present at the match were alerted, and water was provided for the bird. After recovering, the seagull was gently carried to the sidelines where it was handed over to the medical team for further assistance. Remarkably, Catan shared that he had no formal health or first-aid training, describing his actions as an instinctive response to save a life.

The dramatic rescue unfolded during a live broadcast, capturing the attention of viewers and highlighting an extraordinary moment in sports. Despite the emotional victory of saving the seagull, the match ended in defeat for Istanbul Yurdum Spor, denying them the championship title. Nevertheless, Catan reflected on the experience, stating, “We missed out on the championship, but helping save a life is a good thing. This was more important than the championship.”

The incident not only showcased the compassion of the players but also reminded spectators of the unexpected moments that can arise in sports. As the game resumed, the focus shifted back to the field, but the impact of Catan’s actions lingered long after the final whistle.