By Victor Kanayo
Former football star Mesut Özil has officially ventured into politics, securing a seat on the central committee of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
His election took place during a party congress in Ankara over the weekend, solidifying his close ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, France 24 reports.
Özil, 36, has long been associated with Erdoğan, who even served as best man at his 2019 wedding to former Miss Turkey, Amine Gülşe. Given this relationship, his entry into politics comes as little surprise.
The ex-midfielder had an illustrious football career, playing 92 times for Germany and winning the 2014 World Cup.
He was also named Germany’s Player of the Year a record five times.
However, his time with the national team ended in controversy after the 2018 World Cup.
Özil accused the German media and the German Football Association (DFB) of racial discrimination after he was heavily criticised for posing in a photo with Erdoğan alongside fellow German international İlkay Gündoğan, who also has Turkish roots.
At the time, DFB president Reinhard Grindel accused the players of being “exploited” for political purposes.
Özil, however, defended himself, stating, “The picture we took had no political intentions; it was about me respecting the highest office of my family’s country.”
His political involvement extends beyond Turkish politics. Over the years, Özil has been vocal on global issues, including human rights and international conflicts.
He drew criticism when he condemned China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims, prompting his then-club Arsenal to distance itself from his remarks.
The former football star has also spoken on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and, more recently, has expressed strong support for Palestinian rights while condemning Israeli actions.
