‘A Huge Shock’: Bundesliga’s Eren Dinkçi Calls for Life-Saving Stem Cell Donor for Partner

In the high-stakes environment of the Bundesliga, the pressure usually centers on goal tallies, tactical shifts, and league standings. But for 24-year-old forward Eren Dinkçi, the most critical battle is currently happening far away from the pitch. The professional footballer has opened up about a devastating family crisis: his girlfriend, Cinja, has been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.

The diagnosis, which came at the end of January, has transformed Dinkçi’s world overnight. In a series of emotional reflections, the player described the moment he learned of the illness as a “huge shock,” recalling the disorientation and fear that followed the initial phone call. For a young athlete accustomed to the controlled environment of professional sports, the suddenness of the medical crisis was overwhelming.

“It was a huge shock. I was the first to know,” Dinkçi shared, noting that he initially struggled with how to deliver the news to his partner. The emotional weight of the situation became evident when he contacted his coach in tears, requesting a few days of leave to be by Cinja’s side during the immediate aftermath of the diagnosis.

Die Freundin von Eren Dinkçi muss eine schwere Diagnose verkraften. Der Fußballprofi erzählt emotional, wie er davon erfuhr und wie sie damit umgeht. Er hofft nun auf einen Stammzellenspender.

The Search for a ‘Life-Saver’

Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, often requires a stem cell transplant as a primary path toward survival. For Cinja, the search for a compatible donor began within her own family, but unfortunately, no match was found. This has left her dependent on the generosity of a stranger—a “life-saver” from the general population.

To help uncover a compatible match, two Bundesliga clubs have set aside their competitive rivalry to launch a joint humanitarian effort. SC Freiburg and 1. FC Heidenheim—the two clubs central to Dinkçi’s career—are collaborating with the DKMS (Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei), the German bone marrow donor center, to organize registration drives.

Dinkçi is currently on loan from SC Freiburg to 1. FC Heidenheim, a club where he also featured during the 2023/24 season. The partnership between the “Breisgauer” (Freiburg) and the “Ostwürttemberger” (Heidenheim) underscores a mission that, as the clubs stated, “goes far beyond the football pitch.”

Turning Personal Pain into Public Action

The effort is not just about one individual, though the stakes for Cinja are absolute. Dinkçi has emphasized that this experience has opened his eyes to the thousands of other patients waiting for a compatible donor. He has urged people of all blood types to inform themselves and register, noting that the difference between hope and uncertainty often comes down to a single registration.

“I wouldn’t force anyone,” Dinkçi said. “But when it happens in your own environment, everyone would do everything to help. It’s not just about my partner, but about so many people who are waiting.”

For those unfamiliar with the process, stem cell registration is a relatively simple, painless, and cost-free procedure that takes only a few minutes. Though, the impact of that registration can be permanent. For patients like Cinja, whose family could not provide a match, the global registry is the only viable option for a cure.

Strength Amidst the Struggle

Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, Dinkçi speaks with admiration for his partner’s resilience. He describes her as being “relatively fit” and maintaining a positive outlook that provides energy to those around her. Whereas the couple acknowledges that they are walking a path they never could have imagined, Cinja’s strength has become a cornerstone of their coping mechanism.

The couple shared that their interactions with other patients in the clinic reinforced the urgency of their campaign. Seeing the struggle of others firsthand made them realize how “valuable every single registration is.”

How to Help: Registration Events

The call for donors is being integrated into the Bundesliga schedule to maximize visibility and accessibility. Fans and the general public can register via DKMS at the following checkpoints:

• Sunday Match: Registration will be available before the Bundesliga clash between SC Freiburg and 1. FC Heidenheim in Freiburg (match kickoff at 15:30 local time).
• April 25 Match: The action will be repeated before 1. FC Heidenheim’s home game against FC St. Pauli.

These events aim to create immediate awareness and provide a convenient way for supporters to potentially save a life. By leveraging the reach of the Bundesliga, the clubs hope to find the specific genetic match required for Cinja’s treatment.

The football community often prides itself on solidarity, and in this instance, the cooperation between SC Freiburg and Heidenheim serves as a powerful reminder of the sport’s ability to mobilize for a greater cause. As the search continues, the focus remains on finding a donor who can provide Cinja with a second chance at life.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the registration drive is the home match for 1. FC Heidenheim on April 25. Supporters are encouraged to visit the stadium early to register with the DKMS.