Mesut Özil’s fans remember his pinpoint passes and unteachable vision on the field. He was a World Cup winner with Germany and a creative force at Real Madrid before a $66 million move to Arsenal in 2013.
Now, he has taken a step few saw coming: He joined Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party, known as the AKP, and sits on its central decision-making and executive committee. Some see this as a bold move. Supporters insist it’s a natural turn for someone who has always taken pride in his Turkish roots.
He was born in Germany to Turkish parents, and that dual identity followed him throughout his career. After facing backlash in 2018, he once said, “I am German when we win, an immigrant when we lose. ”
Many recall the uproar that erupted when Özil posed for a photograph with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan right before Turkey’s elections. The German Football Association questioned his loyalty, and far-right voices labeled him an outsider. Özil walked away from international football soon after, saying he felt singled out by the federation’s leadership.
Ozil’s shift in public image
Away from the spotlight of top-tier football, Özil turned his attention to philanthropic work and occasional public advocacy. He spoke out about global issues, such as the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China, and voiced support for Palestinians.
These stances won him applause in some circles but stirred criticism in others. Even so, his ties to Erdogan grew stronger. Erdogan served as the best man at Özil’s wedding to former Miss Turkey Amine Gulse in 2019, underscoring the closeness of their relationship.
In 2023, Özil retired from the pitch, having spent his final seasons in Istanbul. He had periods of frustration at Fenerbahce and Basaksehir, but his fan base in Turkey remained loyal. Soon after, talk began circulating about his potential pivot into politics. Then came confirmation that he’d joined the AKP’s leadership body.
When pressed about his early political controversy, he maintained, “The picture we took had no political intentions and was about me respecting the highest office of my family’s country.” Only time will tell how effectively he channels his on-field instincts into navigating the intricate world of government and public service.
