Mesut Özil is a renowned German former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Born on 15 October 1988, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Özil's career spanned over a decade, featuring stints at Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Turkish clubs Fenerbahçe and İstanbul Başakşehir. He is celebrated for his exceptional technical skills, creativity, and vision on the field, earning him numerous accolades and a place among the greatest midfielders of his generation.
Main Milestones
Birth
15 October 1988
Mesut Özil was born in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, to Turkish immigrant parents.
Early Football Career
1995-2000
Özil began his football journey at the age of seven, playing for Westfalia 04 in Gelsenkirchen. He later played for other youth teams in Germany before joining Schalke 04.
Schalke 04
2006-2008
Özil made his senior debut with Schalke 04, making 30 appearances before moving to Werder Bremen.
Werder Bremen
2008-2010
Özil played 71 times for Werder Bremen, scoring 13 goals and helping the team win the 2009 German Cup.
Real Madrid
2010-2013
Özil joined Real Madrid for €15 million, playing over 100 games and scoring 19 goals. He was instrumental in the team's 32nd league title and created the most goals in the Spanish league in both 2011-12 and 2012-13.
Arsenal
2013-2021
Özil signed for Arsenal in a transfer worth up to £42.5 million, becoming the most expensive German player ever at the time. He won four FA Cups and recorded the second most assists ever in a Premier League season.
2014 FIFA World Cup
2014
Özil played a crucial role in Germany's World Cup victory, starting all seven games and scoring the decisive goal in the round of 16 victory over Algeria.
Fenerbahçe
2021-2022
Özil joined Fenerbahçe on a free transfer, playing in the Süper Lig and scoring his first goal for the club in a 1–0 away victory against Adana Demirspor.
İstanbul Başakşehir
2022-2023
Özil signed with İstanbul Başakşehir after his contract with Fenerbahçe was terminated, playing for the club before retiring in 2023.
Retirement
2023
Mesut Özil retired from professional football, concluding a distinguished career that spanned over a decade.
