Mesut Özil has made a lasting impact on the football world, being known as one of the most talented midfielders of his time. From his beginnings in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to his current status as a worldwide celebrity, Özil's professional journey is marked by remarkable successes and public disputes. His ability to see the game, distribute the ball, and stay calm under pressure attracted millions of fans, and his way of life has only increased his popularity as a sports figure.
In this detailed blog post, we explore Mesut
Özil's career trajectory, his accomplishments, his extravagant way of living,
and his current status in the industry.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Özil
was born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on October 15, 1988, to Turkish immigrant
parents and was raised in a blue-collar community. Since he was young, he
showed a remarkable grasp of the game, and his skill immediately drew the
attention of scouts and coaches. He started his early career at a nearby team,
Schalke 04, perfecting his abilities as a playmaker.
Özil made a major career move in 2008 when he
joined Werder Bremen. With Bremen, he solidified his reputation as one of
Germany's most talented players, displaying his exceptional vision, creativity,
and skill in controlling the game. His performance in Bremen resulted in his
inclusion in the German national team, where he debuted in 2009.
Career at Real Madrid (2010–2013)
Mesut
Özil's impressive displays at the 2010 FIFA World Cup caught the attention of
the world, leading to his €15 million move to Real Madrid. Özil was given the
number 10 jersey by legendary coach José Mourinho, to represent his position as
the main creative force in the team.
Özil showcased his playmaking abilities at Real
Madrid. He created chances unbelievably fast, connecting with top players such
as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. His ability to see the game, make quick
decisions, and deliver accurate passes resulted in him being recognized as one
of Europe's premier assist providers. While in Spain, Özil achieved victory in
multiple important competitions.
Özil had his most successful season at Real
Madrid during the 2011-2012 La Liga campaign, contributing with 4 goals and 17
assists to help the team achieve a historic 100-point total.
Copa del Rey (2010–2011): Özil played a key role
in winning this title, signaling the start of Real Madrid’s comeback in Spanish
soccer.
In the 2012 Supercopa de España, Özil played a
key part in Madrid's win over Barcelona.
Throughout his time at Madrid, Özil managed to
score 27 goals and provide an impressive 80 assists, being recognized as one of
the top attacking midfielders globally.
Arsenal (2013–2021): A New Chapter
in England
In
2013, Özil transferred to Arsenal for £42.5 million, setting a record as the
priciest German footballer at that moment. Arsenal viewed his arrival as a
strong intention to climb back to the top of English football. Özil's debut
season delighted fans as his technical skills and vision enhanced Arsenal's
offensive play.
Özil's impact on Arsenal was
immediate:
2013-14
FA Cup: Özil played a crucial part in Arsenal's FA Cup triumph, ending a
nine-year period without a trophy.
In 2015-2016, Özil made history in the Premier
League with a record-breaking 19 assists, only one less than Thierry Henry's
record.
The Arsenal Player of the Season (2015-2016) was
awarded based on his impressive statistics, with 8 goals and 19 assists
contributing to his win.
Despite achieving success, Özil faced criticism
due to Arsenal's poor performance in both the league and European competitions.
In 2018, Özil and manager Unai Emery had a falling out, resulting in Özil
having less playing time. The topic of his high salary caused tension,
particularly as Arsenal's finances were being closely examined. His exclusion
from the team during the 2020-2021 season marked the conclusion of his time at
Arsenal.
Fenerbahçe and Istanbul Başakşehir:
The Turkish Return
In
January 2021, Özil realized a childhood dream by signing with Turkish team
Fenerbahçe, a club he had supported since he was young. While Özil was warmly
welcomed upon his arrival, his performance at Fenerbahçe fell short of
expectations and he was plagued by injuries during his time there. Following
his departure from the club in 2022, Özil signed with Istanbul Başakşehir,
where he revealed his retirement in March 2023.
Records and Achievements
During
his professional journey, Ozil received multiple awards and established
milestones that highlight his impact.
Germany's record holder for most assists: Özil
created 40 goals in 92 games for his national team, establishing himself as one
of the top playmakers in Germany.
Özil became the quickest player to reach 50
assists in Premier League history, doing so in only 141 games, surpassing
iconic figures such as Eric Cantona and Dennis Bergkamp.
Real Madrid's top assists in the 2011-2012 La
Liga season came from a player who had the highest number of assists in the
league, providing 17 assists and helping Madrid achieve a record-breaking
100-point season.
Luxury Lifestyle: A Peek into Özil’s
World
Mesut
Özil is well-known for his love of luxury items. From his luxurious properties
worth millions to his stunning assortment of cars, Özil appreciates the
high-quality aspects of life. The way he lives, frequently shown on social
platforms, consists of:
Real Estate
Özil
has put a lot of money into real estate, possessing properties in London,
Istanbul, and Germany. The London mansion he bought while playing for Arsenal
has a number of bedrooms, a top-notch gym, and lavish decor. His collection of
properties showcases his love for luxury, and he frequently provides fans with
peeks into his homes.
Car Collection
Özil
owns a remarkable collection of vehicles, which includes:
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: An expensive supercar
costing approximately $200,000.
Ferrari 458 Italia: A top choice, recognized for
its stylish appearance and impressive speed.
Porsche Panamera: A car that is both practical
and luxurious.
Adding variety to his collection, he has both
high-performance SUV Audi RS5 and luxury SUV Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Özil's passion for cars is widely known, as he
is frequently spotted driving these high-end vehicles, with each car
symbolizing a unique facet of his character.
Philanthropy and Social
Responsibility
Özil is
recognized for his charitable activities, frequently utilizing his riches to
back causes that are important to him. He is well known for covering the
medical expenses of 23 Brazilian kids post the 2014 World Cup and consistently
backs food distribution initiatives throughout Ramadan. Özil has also been
involved in multiple charitable projects in Germany, Turkey, and Africa.
Life after Football: What’s Next for
Mesut Özil?
After
retiring, Özil has stayed visible, dedicating his time to his business projects
and philanthropic activities. He is a part-owner of M10 Esports and
participates in multiple fashion ventures. Özil is also actively involved in
humanitarian work, promoting education and healthcare programs on a global
scale.
Özil's connection to the sport is still strong.
He has shown interest in possibly coming back as a coach or manager, especially
in the German or Turkish football leagues. His reputation in football, both on
and off the field, has elevated him to one of the most admired figures in the
sport, motivating young talents globally with his ongoing journey.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Mesut
Özil
The
journey of Mesut Özil's career is a tale of talent, achievements, obstacles,
and transformation. Özil's exceptional talent as a midfielder left a lasting
mark from his rapid success in Germany to his memorable times at Real Madrid
and Arsenal. Despite facing controversies and setbacks, no one can deny his
significant contributions to the game.
Currently, Özil is relishing his retirement,
engaging in charitable activities and indulging in a luxurious lifestyle. His
lasting impact is characterized by talent, imagination, and a continual love for
the sport. For supporters worldwide, Özil will forever be known as a skilled
expert in his field, an innovative player on the field, and an icon of soccer's
worldwide popularity.