Former professional footballer Mesut Ozil has made headlines once again, but this time for trading the pitch for the political arena. The celebrated player, known for his magic on the field with clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal, has officially entered Turkish politics by joining the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
At the AKP congress held recently in Ankara, Ozil was elected to the party's Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK), which is pivotal for strategic decision-making within the party. The congress also saw Erdogan secure his ninth term as the party’s leader. According to reports, Ozil was appointed alongside 39 other new members, marking his formal entry with high anticipation from his supporters and critics alike.
Ozil's political aspirations come after he stepped away from football, officially retiring after his season with Istanbul Basaksehir. Since then, he has been vocal about his fitness goals, showing off his physique through social media posts, but it appears he’s now more focused on shaping his new political career. The 36-year-old, who made headlines during his playing days as part of Germany's World Cup-winning squad, has now shifted his center of gravity to politics.
His long-standing support for Erdogan is not surprising—for years, Ozil has made his admiration clear. Notably, the football star chose Erdogan to be his best man at his wedding to Amine Gülse, who is known for being former Miss Turkey. This personal connection has led to him being viewed as not just another politician but also as someone whose allegiance ties him closely to the AKP’s vision.
Ozil's association with Erdogan has not been without controversy. A 2018 photograph of him alongside fellow German footballer Ilkay Guendogan at the Turkish president's gala set off significant backlash back home. Critics charged Erdogan with authoritarianism, and as Ozil faced scrutiny, he felt the pressure as accusations arose concerning his allegiance to the German national team. He later expressed his sentiments about identity, stating, "I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose." His words encapsulated the struggles he faced within the complex dynamics of multicultural Germany.
While serving as both a star player and part of the German team, his peak performance was marred by accusations of racism following Germany's disappointing World Cup exit, leading him to step away from international football altogether. The political scenery became murkier for him as he withdrew his support from the German Football Association, citing discrimination—a decision rooted deeply within the political confusion swirling around national identity.
With Ozil’s new role within Erdogan’s party, many are pondering the impact he may have on Turkish politics. The AKP, which has maintained power since 2002, has transformed the country's political system following constitutional changes instituted by Erdogan. Many believe Ozil, with his substantial global fame and appeal, could bridge connections between sports and politics, particularly among the youth demographic.
During the congress attended by reasons from various political parties and international representatives, Ozil’s appointment was perhaps one of the most significant developments. It signifies not just Ozil’s ambition but also Erdogan's strategy to include figures with cross-cultural appeal and extensive public recognition. It can serve to invigorate the party's image, especially among demographics who admire Ozil’s past achievements on the football pitch.
Ozil's entry is significant as the AKP seeks to reaffirm its stance and popularity amid various growing domestic and international challenges. With Erdogan positioned firmly as the leader directing the party's future, Ozil will likely need to find his footing quickly, balancing his role as both a former athlete and now, potentially, as a political figure navigated through public scrutiny.
Looking forward, the question remains: How will Mesut Ozil’s political career evolve? Will he maintain the same level of celebrity appeal he enjoyed as one of football’s great playmakers? Or will the shadows of past controversies continue to loom large over his new political endeavors?