Turkish Soccer Player Plays Hero – Stops Game & Gives Seagull CPR During Shocking Scene On The Field

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 12:45 PM ET

The soccer world has lived through controversial moments in recent times. From Vinicius Jr. again being subject to racism, to Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-girlfriend revealing she was offered money to talk badly about the Portuguese superstar.

The game people grew up loving doesn’t seem to be there anymore, especially with the differences money makes and how certain clubs are treated when they break the rules. However, a light at the end of the tunnel showed up in Turkey (where 149 game officials and 1,000 players were involved in a betting scandal).

During a seventh-tier game over the weekend, a goalkeeper kicked the ball up high. The player didn’t notice a seagull had entered the field. The ball hit it straight and took it to the ground.

Turkish Player Gives Seagull CPR After Big Hit

When many thought the seagull would lose its life, another player showed up and tried to do something about the situation. Gani Catan, captain of Istanbul Yurdum Spor, reacted quickly and rushed to help the bird. He started performing CPR on the animal while players from both teams surrounded him.

“It was a reflex reaction,” he told Turkish media, via The Guardian.

The Turkish player’s reaction turned out to be crucial for the animal. The bird is reportedly alive, but unable to fly. Its wings were damaged during the impact. The moment went viral, drawing 2.6 million views on social media.

Catan’s team lost to Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar. They lost the league title during that match, but the midfielder showed his excitement for having helped save a life.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: