Mesut Özil transitions from football to politics, joining Turkey’s ruling AKP party and marking a new chapter after his controversial departure from the German national team.

Mesut Özil, the former Arsenal and Real Madrid star, has made a shocking career change following his retirement from football in 2023.

After achieving significant success as one of the best playmakers of his generation, Özil is now turning his attention to politics in Turkey.

The 36-year-old has been elected to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, marking a dramatic shift from the football field to the political arena.

Özil’s decision to join the AKP is not entirely surprising, given his long-standing support for President Erdoğan.

The German-born player, who is of Turkish descent, has often been seen publicly supporting Erdoğan, even having chosen him as his best man during his 2019 wedding to former Miss Turkey, Amine Gülşe.

Despite his success in football and his status as a symbol of multiculturalism in Germany, Özil’s political ties have not been without controversy.

In 2018, Özil faced significant backlash in Germany when a photo emerged of him with Erdoğan and fellow footballer İlkay Gündoğan.

The image sparked outrage, with the German Football Association accusing Özil of being too close to a leader many saw as increasingly authoritarian.

The incident led Özil to announce his departure from the German national team, claiming that the German media and football officials had treated him unfairly, especially in the aftermath of his support for Erdoğan.

In his statement, Özil famously declared, “I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose,” expressing his frustration with the criticism he faced despite his contributions to the national team.

Now, Özil is embracing a new chapter in his life, leaving behind his football career and stepping into the political spotlight in Turkey.

His appointment to the AKP’s Central Decision and Executive Board, known as MYKY, was announced during a congress in Ankara, where President Erdoğan was re-elected as the head of the party for a ninth consecutive term.

Özil’s role in the AKP marks a significant political move, as the party has been in power in Turkey since 2002.

The AKP is known for its conservative policies and its emphasis on Turkish nationalism and Islam, which aligns with many of Özil’s personal beliefs.

In his new role, Özil will be part of the decision-making body responsible for shaping the direction of the AKP.

His appointment was welcomed by the president’s supporters, with thousands attending the congress to congratulate Erdoğan on securing another term as the party’s leader.

The political landscape in Turkey is set for changes, and Özil’s influence could play a key role in the country’s future direction.

Özil’s move into politics comes after his football career ended in Istanbul, where he played for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig.

His time in Turkey saw him achieve domestic success, but it was his controversial departure from the German national team that drew the most attention.

Many saw Özil as a victim of racism, a sentiment he echoed in his statements following his decision to quit the team. However, his transition into Turkish politics suggests that Özil is now focusing on his heritage and identity as a Turkish-German man.

As one of the most well-known footballers of his generation, Özil’s move into politics is likely to have a significant impact both in Turkey and abroad.

He has already shown a willingness to speak out on issues that matter to him, whether in football or in politics, and his involvement with the AKP signals a new chapter in his life.

Whether his political views will be met with the same enthusiasm as his football career remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Özil’s new path in politics will keep him in the public eye for the foreseeable future.

In addition to his political career, Özil has also been focusing on his personal life and family. His marriage to Amine Gülşe has been a subject of media attention, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2024.

Özil’s dedication to his family is evident, and his shift to politics also reflects his desire to make a difference in his home country, where he has strong roots.

As Özil steps into the political arena, his football legacy will undoubtedly continue to follow him. Fans of the sport remember him for his technical brilliance on the pitch, his vision, and his ability to orchestrate play for both club and country.

Now, as he embraces a new chapter, Özil’s influence will likely extend beyond the sports world, leaving a lasting impact on Turkish politics and the global stage.

In conclusion, Mesut Özil’s career shift from football to politics is a significant development in both his life and the political landscape of Turkey. His strong ties to President Erdoğan and his personal connection to Turkish identity have played a crucial role in this decision.

As Özil embarks on his political journey, the world will be watching closely to see how he navigates this new chapter, just as he did in his iconic football career.

Whether this new path will resonate with his supporters or lead to further controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Özil is ready to make his mark off the football field.