German · Gelsenkirchen, Germany · Born 15 October 1988German footballer and attacking midfielder renowned for his exceptional vision, creativity and passing ability, winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany
Mesut Özil was born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany in 1988, the son of Turkish immigrants. Werder Bremen developed him before Real Madrid paid £14.4 million and Arsenal paid £42.5 million for him in 2013. His first Arsenal season produced the most assists in the Premier League. He won the 2014 World Cup with Germany. His vision — the ability to thread passes through spaces that appeared geometrically impossible — was described as the finest individual playmaking ability in world football during his peak. He provided an FA Cup winner for Arsenal in 2014, ending the club's nine-year trophy drought. His Arsenal career — seven years, 254 appearances — became increasingly controversial as his effort levels and defensive contribution generated criticism from pundits and eventually cost him his place in the squad during the COVID-19 period when Arsenal removed him from his squad list. His retirement from German international football in 2018 — citing racist abuse and differential treatment by the German FA after a photo with Turkish president Erdoğan — opened a significant public debate about identity and belonging in German football.
Most assists in a single Premier League season (19 in 2015-16)
How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional vision, passing ability and technical skill
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest playmakers of his generation with exceptional creative ability
Career Honours
- World Cup (2014)
- Premier League (2004)
- La Liga 2x
- Copa del Rey 2x
- DFB-Pokal 2x
- World Cup 2014
- FA Cup 2014
- FA Cup 2015
- FA Cup 2017
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schalke | 2006–2008 | — | 30 | 15 | #10 |
| Werder Bremen | 2008–2010 | — | 71 | 13 | — |
| Real Madrid | 2010–2013 | — | 159 | 27 | — |
| Arsenal | 2013–2021 | £42.5m | 254 | 44 | — |
| Fenerbahce | 2021–2023 | Free | 37 | 9 | — |
 Germany | — | — | 92 | 23 | — |
German Athletes