Mesut Özil transitions from football to Turkish politics

Former professional footballer Mesut Özil, celebrated for his contributions to Germany's World Cup victory, has taken a significant step into Turkish politics by joining the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

At a congress held in Ankara, Özil was appointed to the AKP’s central decision and executive committee on Sunday, coinciding with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s re-election as the party leader for the ninth consecutive time.

Özil, who has maintained a close bond with Erdogan for several years, had the president as his best man at his wedding to former Miss Turkey, Amine Gulse, in 2019.

The German-Turkish athlete has enjoyed a distinguished football career, having played for notable clubs such as Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Fenerbahce. His accolades include winning the Spanish La Liga title and four English FA Cup trophies, along with 92 appearances for the German national team, culminating in the World Cup triumph in 2014. Özil also holds the record for being named German national team player of the year five times.

However, Özil's relationship with the German national team deteriorated after the 2018 World Cup. He announced his retirement from international football, citing racial discrimination from the German media and the German Football Association (DFB).

"I am German when we win, an immigrant when we lose," he remarked, expressing his feelings of alienation.

The fallout began when Özil and Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan, both of Turkish descent, faced criticism in Germany for meeting with Erdogan.

Özil clarified, "My job is a football player and not a politician, and our meeting was not an endorsement of any policies." He also stated, "The treatment I have received from the DFB and many others makes me no longer want to wear the German national team shirt. I feel unwanted and think what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten."

Since stepping away from the national team, Özil has been vocal on various political and human rights issues. In December 2019, he publicly condemned China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims, which drew ire from Chinese authorities, prompting his then-club, Arsenal, to distance itself from his statements.

Additionally, he commented on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, asserting that the territory is "legally and internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, yet it is currently occupied illegally." Özil has also been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights and has criticized the Israeli Occupation's actions.

Özil joins a small group of athletes engaging in Turkish politics; former Aston Villa defender Alpay Ozalan has been a member of Turkey's parliament since 2018.