Mesut Özil retires from professional football at 34
Mesut Özil has stepped away from the world of professional football at the age of 34, closing a career that blended dazzling peaks with a few rough patches. The mid-season retirement pause surprised many, especially after the midfielder recently extended his stint with Istanbul Basaksehir following spells in Europe’s top leagues, including a standout period in Turkey with Fenerbahçe.
Across club and country, Özil built a storied résumé. He earned 92 caps for Germany, featured 254 times for Arsenal, and made 159 appearances for Real Madrid. His rise began in the Bundesliga, where his playmaking genius first turned heads on a global stage. With assists surpassing 200, he earned a reputation as one of the era’s most creative passers, consistently shaping games with vision and precision.
The apex of his career arrived with the German national team’s 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil, a highlight that reverberated through every club he represented in Europe. The title came after a dramatic final victory over Argentina, a moment that defined Özil as a key figure in a generation’s football story. His journey began at Schalke 04, where domestic trophies such as the German Cup and the German Super Cup greeted him before moving to Werder Bremen and, soon after, catching the eye of Real Madrid.
In Spain, Özil’s time with Real Madrid yielded trophies that underscored a trophy-laden spell: the Copa del Rey, the La Liga title, and the Spanish Super Cup, all achieved within a single year. After leaving Madrid, he joined Arsenal in August 2013 and quickly became a central figure for several seasons. With the Gunners, Özil helped secure four FA Cups and an equal number of Community Shields, contributing to the club’s success during that era. In January 2021, he moved to Fenerbahçe, a chapter that preceded his final move to Basaksehir, where he ultimately decided to hang up his boots.
Beyond football, Özil has pursued entrepreneurship, building a diversified portfolio that spans digital currencies and sportswear ventures. He has also maintained a long-standing collaboration with a major German charity initiative dedicated to funding surgeries for children in need worldwide, a testament to his commitment to social impact beyond the pitch.
Özil’s farewell reflected a nearly 17-year professional journey marked by gratitude, resilience, and a readiness to transition away from top-level competition. He acknowledged injuries that influenced the timing of his retirement and offered heartfelt thanks to the clubs, coaches, teammates, and supporters who stood beside him. He spoke fondly of his family, noting the encouragement of his wife and two daughters as a source of strength through both triumphs and challenges. While he hinted at ongoing engagement via social media, the message conveyed a sense of closure while leaving doors open for future appearances or roles should opportunities arise.
In hindsight, Özil leaves a legacy shaped by extraordinary vision and playmaking ability, his contributions to a World Cup-winning side, and a journey that traversed several of Europe’s premier leagues. He is remembered as a passer who could unlock defenses with a single touch, a talent that left an enduring imprint on every club he served and on fans watching from stadium seats and living rooms around the world.
Life away from football
Off the field, Özil has cultivated a reputation as an active entrepreneur with interests spanning digital assets and sportswear investments. His charitable efforts include long-standing involvement with a German initiative supporting surgeries for underprivileged children worldwide, highlighting a commitment to social impact beyond the sport.
Retirement notes and future outlook
As Özil steps away from professional play, observers anticipate continued influence through mentoring roles, media appearances, or future business ventures. His career stands as an example of how talent, paired with perseverance and smart choices, can leave a lasting mark on national and international football culture.