Former Arsenal and Real Madrid footballer Mesut Özil has made a surprising transition from the football pitch to the political arena, joining Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party (AKP). The 36-year-old retired German midfielder was appointed to the AKP’s Central Decision and Management Board during a party congress on Sunday, marking a significant step into politics for the footballer.
Özil, who is of Turkish descent, has long been a controversial figure due to his public support for Erdogan, a relationship that has drawn criticism and sparked debates about his political leanings and loyalty. His association with the Turkish president first came under scrutiny in 2018, when a photo of Özil meeting Erdogan in London caused a political storm in Germany. At the time, Reinhard Grindel, then head of the German Football Association (DFB), accused Özil and fellow German-Turkish player Ilkay Gündogan of allowing themselves to be “exploited” by Erdogan for political purposes.
The fallout from the photo led to intense criticism from German politicians and media, with some questioning Özil’s loyalty to Germany and even calling for his removal from the national squad ahead of the 2018 World Cup. Özil, who had been a key player in Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team, retired from international football shortly after the tournament, citing racism and a lack of respect from the DFB. In a statement, he insisted that the photo with Erdogan had “no political intentions” and was merely a gesture of respect for the “highest office of my family’s country.”
However, Özil’s ties to Erdogan have only deepened since then. In 2019, he married former Miss Turkey Amine Gülşe in Istanbul, with Erdogan serving as a witness at the wedding. This further cemented Özil’s connection to the Turkish president, who has been a dominant figure in Turkish politics for over two decades. Erdogan served as prime minister from 2003 to 2014 before becoming president, a role in which he has consolidated significant power. Critics argue that Erdogan has eroded democratic institutions and turned Turkey into an autocracy, particularly after a 2018 constitutional reform that abolished the role of prime minister and concentrated authority in the presidency.
Özil’s decision to join the AKP has reignited debates about his political stance. While some see his move as a natural alignment with his Turkish heritage and a reflection of his personal beliefs, others view it as an endorsement of Erdogan’s controversial policies. Özil has not publicly commented on Erdogan’s governance or the criticisms of his regime, but his involvement with the AKP suggests a clear political alignment.
Özil’s High Wages and Disappointing Arsenal Career
Özil’s time at Arsenal, where he was once the club’s highest-paid player, adds another layer to the complexity of his public image. Signed from Real Madrid in 2013 for a then-club-record fee of £42.5 million, Özil was hailed as a marquee signing and initially lived up to expectations, becoming a key creative force in the team. However, his later years at the club were marked by inconsistency and a perceived lack of effort, which frustrated fans and pundits alike.
In 2018, Özil signed a new contract worth a reported £350,000 per week, making him one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League. This deal, however, coincided with a decline in his performances, and he increasingly found himself sidelined under managers Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta. By the time he left Arsenal in 2021 for Fenerbahce, many fans felt his high wages had become a burden on the club, with his contributions on the pitch failing to justify his salary.
How Arsenal and German Fans Might Perceive His Support for Erdogan
Özil’s support for Erdogan is likely to further polarise opinions among Arsenal and German fans. For many Arsenal supporters, Özil’s legacy is already mixed, while he was a gifted playmaker who delivered moments of brilliance, his later years were seen as underwhelming. His political alignment with Erdogan, a leader widely criticised for his authoritarian tendencies, may alienate some fans who view his actions as contradictory to the values of democracy and inclusivity.
In Germany, where Özil’s relationship with Erdogan sparked a national debate about identity and loyalty, his decision to join the AKP could reinforce negative perceptions. Many Germans already viewed his 2018 photo with Erdogan as a betrayal of the country that gave him the opportunity to succeed on the world stage. His move into Turkish politics, particularly with a party accused of undermining democratic principles, may deepen the sense of disillusionment among German, Arsenal and Real Madrid fans who once celebrated his contributions to their accomplishments, including World Cup glory.
A Controversial Legacy
As Özil embarks on this new chapter, his political choices will likely continue to spark debate, both in Turkey and abroad. While his supporters may see his involvement with the AKP as a natural extension of his Turkish heritage and personal beliefs, critics will view it as an endorsement of Erdogan’s authoritarian regime. For Arsenal and German fans, Özil’s legacy remains a complex one; a player capable of extraordinary talent on the pitch, but whose off-field decisions have often overshadowed his achievements.
Whether Özil can navigate the complexities of politics as skillfully as he once did on the football pitch remains to be seen. However, his choice to veer to the far right of European politics is a sad ending to an illustrious sporting career.
