ANKARA: Former Germany, Real Madrid, and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, who retired in 2023, has been elected to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The 2014 World Cup winner, born in Germany, was appointed to the AKP’s central council during a party congress in Ankara, where Erdogan was re-elected as party leader for the ninth time. The AKP has governed Turkey since 2002.
Longtime Erdogan Supporter
Ozil, who ended his club career in Istanbul, has been a longtime supporter of Erdogan. In 2019, he made the Turkish president his best man at his wedding to former Miss Turkey, Amine Gulse.
A past photo of Ozil and Erdogan, alongside former Germany teammate Ilkay Gundogan, stirred controversy in Germany. Berlin accused Erdogan of authoritarian tendencies, while Ozil faced backlash from the German far right.
Falling Out with Germany
Once celebrated as a symbol of multicultural Germany, Ozil had a bitter split with the German national team. He accused the German Football Association (DFB) of racism, ultimately turning his back on international football.
