Early Years and Family History: Mesut Özil was born on October 15, 1988, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to Turkish immigrant parents, Mustafa and Gulizar Özil. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, Özil’s early years were marked by a passion for football, which he displayed from a very young age. His family supported his interest, recognizing his potential in the sport. Özil started playing for various youth clubs in Gelsenkirchen, honing his skills and developing his unique playing style.
Career Beginnings: Özil’s professional career began at Schalke 04, where he joined the youth academy before making his Bundesliga debut in 2006. His performances caught the eye of Werder Bremen, and in January 2008, he transferred to the club. It was at Werder Bremen where Özil began to make a significant impact, helping the team win the DFB-Pokal in 2009 and reaching the UEFA Cup final in the same year.
Rise to Stardom: Following the World Cup, Özil signed with Real Madrid in August 2010. At Real Madrid, he established himself as one of the best playmakers in the world, contributing to the team’s success in winning La Liga in the 2011-2012 season, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Challenges and Successes: In 2013, Özil made a high-profile move to Arsenal in the English Premier League for a then-club record fee. His arrival was met with excitement, and he quickly became a fan favorite. Özil helped Arsenal end their nine-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup in 2014, followed by additional FA Cup victories in 2015 and 2017. He was also named Arsenal’s Player of the Season in 2015-2016.
However, his time at Arsenal was not without challenges. Criticism over his work rate and consistency, combined with injuries and fluctuating team performances, sometimes overshadowed his contributions. Despite this, Özil remained a crucial creative force for the team, setting records for assists and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
Personal Life and Legacy: Mesut Özil married former Miss Turkey, Amine Gülşe, in June 2019, and the couple has a daughter. Özil is known for his philanthropic efforts, including significant donations to charity and support for various social causes.
Real Name: Mesut Özil
Date of Birth: October 15, 1988
Birth Place: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Residence: Istanbul, Turkey (as of recent updates)
Profession: Professional Football Player (Retired)
Nationality: German
Religion: Islam
Partner: Amine Gülşe (m. 2019)
Father: Mustafa Özil
Mother: Gulizar Özil
Horoscope: Libra
Age: 35 (as of 2024)
Weight: 76 kg (167.5 lbs)
Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black