Is Mesut Ozil Dead or Alive? What Happened to Him? Check Here
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Apr 17, 2023
Who is Mesut Ozil?
Mesut Özil, a former German professional footballer, was recognized for his impressive technical skills, creativity, passing abilities, and vision as an attacking midfielder. He started his senior club career with Schalke 04, his hometown club, and then moved to Werder Bremen at the age of 19, winning the DFB-Pokal in his first season. Özil's individual performances led to a transfer to Real Madrid in 2010, where he contributed to winning a La Liga title and topping the league assists chart for three consecutive seasons.
In 2013, he transferred to Arsenal in a deal worth up to £42.5 million, becoming the most expensive German player ever at the time. He played a key role in ending Arsenal's nine-year trophy drought, winning three FA Cups and recording the second-highest number of assists (19) in a Premier League season. Özil joined Fenerbahçe on a free transfer in 2021, and after his contract with the club was terminated in 2022, he signed with İstanbul Başakşehir.
Is Mesut Ozil Dead or Alive?
Mesut Özil's representatives confirmed on Sunday (April 16) that the footballer is alive and well, dispelling any rumors or concerns about his passing. On Wednesday, Mesut Ozil, the former midfielder of Germany's World Cup-winning team in Brazil in 2014, announced his retirement from football at the age of 34. Ozil, who had played for Real Madrid and Arsenal, had been a crucial player in the team's success.
In 2018, Mesut Ozil retired from the German squad amidst political controversy surrounding the migration of people to Germany and criticism of a photo he took with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Ozil, who felt that he had been subjected to discrimination and disrespect due to his Turkish background, decided to step away. He cited injuries and recent events as reasons for his decision to leave the football stage.
What Happened to Ozil?
After a short stint with Istanbul Basaksehir, Ozil has declared an end to his professional football career. Throughout his career, he achieved victories in La Liga and the Copa del Rey with Real Madrid and later joined Arsenal, where he secured four FA Cup titles. During July 2019, Özil and his Arsenal teammate Sead Kolašinac were targeted by two masked men with weapons, who attempted to steal their car. Fortunately, Özil and Kolašinac managed to escape unharmed and went to a nearby restaurant where they were approached by the police. Social media also circulated footage of Kolašinac confronting the attackers.
Following this incident, Arsenal conducted a review of their players' security measures in conjunction with independent experts and the police. As a result, Özil and Kolašinac were excluded from the team's Premier League season opener against Newcastle United on 11 August. Later that same day, two men were arrested and charged with a public order offense after a separate altercation with security personnel outside Özil's residence, which was not related to the attempted carjacking.
Did Ozil Retire?
At the age of 34, Mesut Ozil has declared his retirement from professional football, which is relatively early compared to most footballers. He cited injuries as the reason for his decision to retire, as he had only played a total of 187 minutes for Basaksehir this season, including 45 minutes with the reserves. Ozil's back injury was the primary cause of his absence this season, and it also kept him out of 14 games last season. Throughout his career, Ozil has been plagued by injuries, with his back, knee, and ankle being the most frequently affected areas.
Where is Mesut Ozil Now?
Following a breakdown in his relationship with Arsenal, Ozil joined the Turkish club Fenerbahce in 2021. He had been excluded from the Arsenal squad for several months due to a disagreement with manager Mikel Arteta before his departure. Ozil was born on 15 October 1988 in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, as the son of Turkish immigrants. His grandfather had moved to Germany from Zonguldak, Turkey as a Gastarbeiter. From 1995 to 2000, Ozil played for various clubs in Gelsenkirchen at the youth level, and later spent five years playing for Rot-Weiss Essen.
Mesut Ozil Religion
Özil, a third-generation Turkish-German, has described his playing style as a combination of his Turkish and German heritage, stating that his technique and ball control reflect his Turkish side, while his discipline and work ethic represent his German side. He learned Turkish as his first language and attended a preschool predominantly made up of students from Turkish immigrant families. He later went to Gesamtschule Berger Feld in Gelsenkirchen for his education. While some sources claim his ancestors are Kurdish, Özil identifies them as ethnic Turks from Devrek.
Özil practices Islam and recites from the Quran before matches. He observes fasting during Ramadan but admits that it is difficult to do so while maintaining peak fitness. He performed the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca in 2016. During a match in 2018, he was hit with a piece of bread thrown by an opposing fan, but instead of reacting angrily, he kissed it and brought it to his forehead in a show of gratitude, a gesture that was widely praised. In 2010, Özil was awarded the Bambi for his successful integration into German society.
Is Mesut Ozil Dead Or Alive - FAQs
Mesut Ozil is a retired professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He was born on October 15, 1988, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
Ozil played for several teams during his career, including Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Istanbul Basaksehir.
Ozil won several titles during his career, including La Liga and Copa del Rey with Real Madrid, and the FA Cup four times with Arsenal. He also won the German Footballer of the Year award five times.
Ozil is a third-generation Turkish-German who grew up in Gelsenkirchen. He is a practicing Muslim and speaks Turkish as his first language.
Ozil is known for his excellent technique, creativity, and vision on the field. He is considered to be one of the best playmakers in the world.