Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from football. The former Real Madrid star bows out at 34 after a career marked by moments of brilliance and occasional irregularities, leaving behind a legacy that many fans and analysts will debate for years.
The decision to retire comes in the middle of the season, a rare moment for a player who has chosen to extend his commitment with Istanbul Basaksehir after previously making his mark in the Turkish league with Fenerbahce.
Ozil wore the Germany jersey 92 times, logging 254 appearances for Arsenal, and 159 for Real Madrid. His first strides in the top tier of European football began with a Bundesliga debut that soon signaled his potential to captivate audiences worldwide with his vision and technique.
Across his club career, Ozil notched more than 114 goals while accumulating well over 200 assists, a stat line that positions him among the premier playmakers of the last decade and a half. His ability to thread passes and orchestrate attacks set him apart in every league he entered.
The pinnacle of his international career arrived in 2014 when Germany conquered Brazil to lift the World Cup, a triumph that remains a landmark in modern football. Ozil played a key role in the squad that claimed the title, overcoming Argentina in the final to etch his name into football history.
That success was not Ozil’s only taste of the sweet side of victory. Earlier days saw him lift domestic spoils with Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen, cementing a reputation for delivering moments of magic when it mattered most.
His move to Spain brought another chapter of triumphs. With Real Madrid, he claimed the Copa del Rey in 2011, the La Liga title in 2012, and the Spanish Super Cup in the same year. The subsequent transition to Arsenal in August 2013 saw him help the team lift the FA Cup on four occasions and earn the Community Shield on four occasions as well.
In January 2021, Ozil joined Fenerbahce, before moving to Basaksehir, a club he represented until he decided to retire. The decision marks the end of an era in which a single pass could unlock a defense and reshape a game in an instant.
Beyond football
Off the pitch, Ozil has pursued entrepreneurship with fervor, building a diversified portfolio that spans ventures in cryptocurrency and sportswear. This broader engagement has helped him remain a high-profile figure in sports business circles long after his peak on the field.
He has also maintained a long-standing collaboration with the German charity Big Shoe, supporting surgeries for sick and underprivileged children worldwide. That charitable involvement reflects a dimension of Ozil’s life that resonates with fans who followed him beyond the stadium lights.
Farewell remarks
Ozil expressed gratitude for the journey that spanned nearly two decades as a professional footballer and acknowledged the impact of injuries that influenced his decision to step away from the game’s grand stage. The message highlighted appreciation for the clubs he served, the coaches and teammates who became friends, and the unwavering support from family and fans alike. He also shared anticipation for future moments with his wife Amena and his two daughters, Eda and Ela, while promising that supporters would hear from him from time to time on his social channels. The retirement message underscored a career replete with unforgettable moments and lasting bonds that will outlive his playing days.
Source: Goal