A flying seagull was revived by a player after being struck by a soccer ball during an amateur league playoff match in Turkey this past Sunday.
It happened in the 22nd minute of the Play-Off Final in the 1st Amateur League between Istanbul Yurdum Spor and Mevlanakapı Güzelhisar. Yurdum Spor goalkeeper Muhammed Uyanık's clearance attempt hit the seagull as it was flying no more than 15-20 feet above the pitch, stunning it as it fell to the ground.
Captain Gani Çatan immediately ran over to the incapacitated seagull and began performing CPR. Çatan was able to revive the seagull after 2 minutes, after which he carried it off the field and handed it over to medical staff for further treatment.
A seagull was hit by a football in Turkey, before being apparently revived by a player 🤯
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) February 23, 2026
Thanks to the quick actions of Istanbul Yurdum Spor's captain, there was a happier ending than after the Randy Johnson incident 🚑pic.twitter.com/PsHO6zgPTa
We have seen animals interrupt soccer matches before, but have never seen one injured while doing so. Fortuantely in this case, the seagull will likely survive this incident, although the club has reported that it has a damaged wing.
Yurdum Spor lost the match 1-0, but Çatan proved that he has his priorities in order. Sometimes there are more important things than sports.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
