In a remarkable display of compassion during a competitive soccer match, an amateur player in Turkiye performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a seagull that had been accidentally struck by a ball. The incident occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026, during a playoff game between seventh-tier teams Istanbul Yurdum Spor and Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar in Istanbul.
Viral Moment Captures Unusual On-Field Rescue
The unusual event was captured on video by a spectator and quickly spread across social media platforms, where it garnered significant attention and praise. The footage shows Istanbul goalkeeper Muhammet Uyanik kicking the ball into the air during the 22nd minute of play, unintentionally hitting a low-flying seagull. The impact caused the bird to crash onto the pitch, prompting an immediate halt to the game.
Quick Thinking Saves Avian Life
Team captain Gani Catan rushed to the injured bird's side and began performing chest compressions in an attempt to revive it. "Something was falling and I realized it was a seagull," Catan explained to state news agency Anadolu. "The first thing that came to my mind was heart massage, because it couldn't breathe, so I tried my luck."
Catan continued the CPR for several minutes until he observed movement in the seagull's legs and eyes. He then carefully carried the bird to the sidelines where medical staff could provide further assistance. "I acted on instinct, or maybe I once saw someone do this on a dog or a cat," he later told AFP. "When I started the chest compressions, it began moving its legs. The more it moved, the more I kept going."
Medical Attention and Tragic Outcome
Onsite medics provided water to the seagull and discovered that the bird had sustained a wing injury, leaving it unable to fly but capable of walking. Despite these efforts, a commentator who witnessed the incident reported that the seagull ultimately died from its injuries.
Recognition for Compassionate Action
Despite the unfortunate outcome for the bird, Catan's quick response earned him recognition from animal rights organization PETA, which awarded him their Hero to Animals award. This acknowledgment highlights the significance of his compassionate intervention during a high-stakes sporting event.
Broader Context of the Match
The game concluded with Istanbul Yurdum Spor suffering a defeat that cost them the championship title. However, Catan expressed that his actions held greater meaning than the match result. "We missed out on the championship, but helping save a life is a good thing," he stated. "This was more important than the championship."
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected moments that can occur during sporting events and the capacity for human compassion to transcend competitive boundaries. The viral nature of the video has sparked conversations about animal welfare and the importance of quick thinking in emergency situations, regardless of the species involved.
