Former football star Mesut Ozil has entered the political arena by joining the ruling party of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The announcement came during a party congress on Sunday, where Ozil was appointed to the Central Decision and Management Board of the Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Ozil, who is 36 years old and of Turkish descent, has had a controversial relationship with Erdogan in the past. He faced backlash during his playing career, particularly after a photo of him with Erdogan sparked outrage. This led to accusations from some German officials that he was being used for political purposes. Ozil retired from the German national team in 2018, citing racism and disrespect as reasons for his departure.
In his statement about leaving international football, Ozil expressed that his critics were motivated by racism. He defended the photo with Erdogan, saying it was meant to show respect for Turkey’s highest office, not to make a political statement. His marriage to Amine Gulse in Istanbul in 2019, which included Erdogan as a guest, further fueled public scrutiny.
Ozil’s move into politics is part of a broader trend where athletes transition to political roles. He joins other former sports figures like George Weah, who became the president of Liberia, and Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, in seeking political influence after their athletic careers.
Erdogan has been in power for over two decades, first as prime minister and then as president since 2014. His leadership has faced criticism for authoritarian practices and a decline in democratic freedoms. Ozil’s involvement with the AKP could signal a new chapter in his life, as he seeks to influence politics in Turkey.
After leaving Arsenal in 2021, Ozil played for Fenerbahce and then Istanbul Basaksehir, where he retired in 2023. His new role in politics marks a significant shift from his days as a celebrated footballer, where he was known for his skills on the field and his contributions to Germany’s World Cup victory in 2014.