Ex-German Football Star Mesut Özil Joins Turkish Politics with Erdogan's Ruling Party

 Ex-German Football Star Mesut Özil Joins Turkish Politics with Erdogan's Ruling Party

Mesut Özil, the former Germany, Real Madrid, and Arsenal football star who retired in 2023, has entered Turkish politics by joining the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This announcement was made on Sunday after Özil was elected to the AKP's central council during a party congress in Ankara, where Erdoğan was re-elected for the ninth time as the head of the conservative party that has governed Turkey since 2002.

Özil, born in Germany to Turkish parents, has long been a supporter of Erdoğan. The former footballer had previously chosen Erdoğan as his best man at his 2019 wedding to Amine Gülşe, a former Miss Turkey. Özil's political move comes after years of support for the Turkish president, despite causing controversy with his relationships with both German and Turkish political landscapes.

Özil’s connection with Erdoğan sparked significant debate in Germany when a photo of Özil and Erdoğan, taken during the 2018 elections, caused a storm. Alongside former Germany teammate İlkay Gündoğan, Özil met with Erdoğan in London, which led to accusations of political favoritism and the controversial question of Özil’s loyalty. The German Football Association (DFB) faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with some claiming that Özil had been unfairly treated because of his Turkish heritage.

Following the uproar over the photo, Özil, once seen as a symbol of multiculturalism in Germany, decided to leave the national team. He accused the DFB of racism, particularly targeting the DFB president, Reinhard Grindel. In a passionate four-page statement, Özil criticized Grindel and others within the football community, claiming that he was treated as "German when we win, but an immigrant when we lose."

Özil’s move into Turkish politics is seen as a continuation of his longstanding support for Erdoğan and his alignment with the political climate in Turkey. His decision to join the AKP is likely to further fuel the political tensions surrounding his public image and will undoubtedly make waves in both Turkish and international politics.