
Bodybuilding, Erdogan and divisive politics: What Mesut Ozil did next
In many ways, the news that Mesut Özil has decided to enter politics will come as a significant shock to those who knew him at Arsenal. Özil was never much of a public speaker during his eight years in north London. Nor was he the most likely member of the Arsenal squad to win a popularity contest.
In other ways, though, it is a step that feels entirely predictable for a man who always knew the power of words and actions, especially his own. Özil wielded great influence in the final years of his playing career, and he evidently intends to further enhance his political and social standing in this second chapter of his professional life.
It would not have been unreasonable for Özil, who generated considerable personal wealth as a footballer, to quietly enjoy his retirement away from the spotlight. Instead, he has taken the opposite approach: last month, he was named on the central decision and executive committee of Turkey's ruling AK Party, led by president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
How deep into the jungle of politics does Özil intend to go? What sort of political force does he want to be? What, and who, will he stand for? For now, there are many more questions than answers.
Even before this formal entry into Erdogan's political sphere, the post-football Özil had already generated plenty of headlines around the world. He has remained a source of widespread fascination following his retirement in March 2023, in large part because he has undergone an extraordinary body transformation.
In his playing days, Özil was famously slight and floaty. Not anymore. Since retirement, he has packed on muscle and developed a bodybuilder's physique. If Özil the footballer was all willowy limbs and narrow shoulders, then Özil the ex-footballer is all rippling muscles and washboard abs, with huge veins popping on his biceps.
He has proudly demonstrated his new shape on social media, where his personal trainer has posted numerous videos of the former midfielder pushing, curling and pressing enormous weights.
Among those online posts was an image that could prove relevant to Özil's new political career. Pulling up his shirt to reveal his torso in a picture published by his personal trainer in 2023, Özil displayed a tattoo on his chest. The tattoo is of a wolf, howling towards the sky, underneath a flag that appears to feature three crescents.
The wolf bears a strong resemblance to the logo of the Grey Wolves organisation, a controversial far-right political movement in Turkey. The Grey Wolves are the youth wing of the Nationalist Movement Party, which has a logo featuring three crescents not dissimilar to those depicted on Özil's chest.
The Counter Extremism Project, a non-profit international policy organisation, describes the Grey Wolves as an 'extremist', 'fascist' and 'violent' group. They were banned in France in 2020, while Austria banned the use of its 'wolf' salute in 2019. When Turkey defender Merih Demiral performed the salute at Euro 2024, he was given a two-match suspension by Uefa.
Asked by Telegraph Sport whether the tattoo is indeed a reference to the Grey Wolves organisation, representatives for Özil did not respond.
Although the meaning of his tattoo has therefore not been publicly clarified, there can be no doubting the strength of the connection that Özil obviously feels to Turkey. He was raised in Germany, played 92 games for the German national side and was a crucial member of the team who won the 2014 World Cup, but he has long since turned his back on the country of his birth.
When he quit international football in 2018, following heavy criticism for posing for a photograph with Erdogan, Özil cited the 'racism and disrespect' he had faced in Germany because of his Turkish heritage. 'I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose,' he said.
From that moment on, it seems, Özil has fully embraced his inner sense of Turkishness. When he married former Miss Turkey Amine Gulse in 2019, he did so on the banks of the Bosphorus, with Erdogan as his best man.
And when he finally left Arsenal in January 2021, after months of exile from Mikel Arteta's first team, there was no surprise at his next destination: Istanbul. Özil signed for Fenerbahce and took the No 67 shirt, in reference to the postcode of the Turkish city of Zonguldak, his family's hometown.
It was a move, though, that failed to reinvigorate him as a player. 'When Özil transferred to Fenerbahce, the belief in Turkey was that he was going to be another Gheorghe Hagi, who is a legend in Turkey,' says Ziya Adnan, a journalist at the BirGun newspaper.
'With Hagi, Galatasaray won the Uefa Cup. An incredible player, a strong leader on and off the pitch. Fenerbahce were hoping they would get the same sort of character in Özil. It never worked out.
'The expectation soon became frustration, and they realised that his character was not suitable to playing football anymore. You could see, on the pitch, he had the talent, but not the hunger. His contract was mutually terminated at Fenerbahce and he transferred to Basaksehir, which had huge support by Erdogan's party and has a lot of political links. He could not even last there a full season.'
Within hours of his retirement in March 2023, there were suggestions in Turkey that Özil was preparing for a move into politics. It was reported that he had already made efforts to secure support in Zonguldak.
Master of political games
Özil had demonstrated at Arsenal that he had interests and passions which went far beyond football. In December 2019, for example, he spoke out strongly against the treatment of Uighur Muslims in China.
For all the criticism he received in north London, and for all the difficulties he caused his colleagues at the club, he was also always socially conscious. Özil did not make many friends among the staff at Arsenal, but even those who found him frustrating will acknowledge the authenticity of his charity work.
Özil also demonstrated in his final years at Arsenal that he knew how to play a political game. In 2020, during his exile from the Arsenal squad and after he had refused to take a pay cut during the coronavirus pandemic, he publicly offered to pay the full salary of Jerry Quy, the Arsenal employee who doubled up as club mascot Gunnersaurus, after learning that he had been made redundant. In those days, Özil also regularly used his social media accounts to make digs at the club.
As for Turkish politics? Özil's support for Erdogan was reiterated following his retirement, ahead of the Turkish presidential elections in 2023. 'We are always with you, Mr President,' he said, alongside a picture of the two men shaking hands.
One might assume that Özil is a beloved figure in Turkey, given his obvious passion for his ancestral home. But, as ever with Özil, it is not so straightforward. Many in Turkey remain upset that he chose to represent Germany on the international stage – a decision which prompted accusations, at the time, that he had betrayed his Turkish heritage. Now, his consistent support for Erdogan does not help his standing in a highly polarised nation.
'The problem with Özil started before the election in Turkey, when he was photographed with Erdogan,' says Adnan. 'This created a huge uproar. Özil received huge criticism by large sections of the country. There is a lot of criticism of Erdogan and his party regarding democracy in Turkey and freedom of speech.'
Rightly or wrongly, Özil's divisiveness is one of the defining themes of his professional life. As a player, he was forever at the centre of fierce debates. There were those who adored his creative style, and then those who hated his lack of defensive intensity. Off the pitch, too, he was a man upon whom the wider issues of integration, multiculturalism and immigration were foisted.
As a young player, Özil did not ask for those burdens. He did not request a life as a lightning rod for such issues. But over time he evidently learnt to embrace his strange standing in the world, to understand his own value and the weight of his own words. Before, Özil was a divisive figure largely through no fault of his own. Now, by entering politics, he gives the impression that he actively wants to keep it that way.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Guardian
5 days ago
- The Guardian
Cristiano Ronaldo is still very much here
When Portugal went out of Euro 2024 on penalties last summer, everyone presumed that would be the last we'd see of Cristiano Ronaldo in green and red. Aged 39, he'd scored 130 goals for a Portugal side he'd served with distinction at five previous major tournaments but last year's jamboree in Germany seemd a step too far. A starter in each of his nation's five matches, he finished all but one of them, took 29 shots on goal without scoring and despite being a preening, narcissistic passenger was kept on the pitch for the entirety of Portugal's quarter-final stalemate against France. Meanwhile on the subs' bench, the likes of Diogo Jota, Gonçalo Ramos and Pedro Neto looked on wistfully, powerless to have any impact due to manager Roberto Martínez's refusal to withdraw his talisman from the field of play. In the various postmortems that followed Portugal's exit, it was widely accepted that the time had come for the Martínez to sling his hook and for Ronaldo to retire, so a new generation of Portuguese talent could go about their business unencumbered by the shadow cast by his almost supernaturally monstrous ego. That being the case, it seems quite a few people in high places didn't get the memo. On Wednesday night a Portugal team selected by Martínez and featuring Ronaldo beat Germany in the semi-final of the Nations League. What's more, it was his lordship who stroked home the winning goal from a Nuno Mendes cross as his side came from behind to earn their place in Sunday's final against France or Spain. 'Onwards, Portugal!' parped Ronaldo after the victory, prompting his many fanboys to cite his tap-in as vindication for his inclusion in a squad that anyone with functioning eyes can see he should not be in. We'll get to his short-term future presently, but the long-term plans of this self-absorbed diva seem abundantly clear; Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play in the World Cup as a 41-year-old and, with Martínez in charge, is almost certain to be indulged again despite the damage his presence will almost certainly cause the Portugal team. For now, however, Ronaldo's immediate future remains up in the air, but with Gianni Infantino having created a transfer window with what seems like the specific intention of engineering his presence at the Club World Cup despite his club Al-Nassr's failure to qualify, it would be foolish of the player not to avail of it. Last week, Ronaldo posted a come-and-get-me plea on social media disgraces that could scarcely have been more clear, despite being widely reported as a 'cryptic message' by outlets who remain in awe of his every utterance, however banal. 'This chapter is over,' he chirped, following the latest in an ongoing list of failures to win anything with the Saudi club. 'The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.' One suspects he and Infantino would be particularly grateful to any participating club prepared to crowbar him into their lineup before an ill-advised vanity project that's struggling to shift tickets. But for now, the man who fired so many blanks at Euro 2024 remains a gun for hire. Join Rob Smyth from 8pm BST for hot Nations League semi-final updates from Spain 2-1 France. 'People are probably quite confused and think I have disappeared. Everyone forgets about you' – Joe Morrell gets his chat on with Ben Fisher, with the Wales midfielder now ready for a return to action after 16 long months stuck on the sidelines. As a long-time Tolkien fan, I was very pleased to see the 'You shall not pass' subhead at the top of yesterday's Football Daily. My pleasure turned to dismay when I saw all the references after it were from Return of the King, which that line isn't in. People. Come on. 'The way is shut' was right there!' – John Kozempel. May I be the first of probably no others to point out that in Tolkien's book, unlike Peter Jackson's film, the return of the hobbits to the Shire is a moment of utmost importance. Gandalf himself describes it as what all their 'training' (essentially, saving the rest of the world) has been truly for. He goes on to encourage the hobbits to make up their own tactics for the challenge ahead – a degree of liberty that Thomas Tuchel seems unlikely to grant, even against Andorra' – Luke Davydaitis. Re: yesterday's Football Daily letters. David Lambley was quite right about forgetting 3UP, but aimed a notch too high with 8UP. Surely, the marketing bigwigs of the National League should be campaigning for 7UP. Not only would it avoid the gnashing of teeth over how many points the second-placed team finishes ahead of the seventh-placed team, but more importantly, there would be a ready-made soft drinks sponsor to pump money into the league. But I guess this is just pure Fanta-sy' – Phil Hearn. I see Rio Ferdinand believes he is a laughing stock as a pundit because of the risible performance of one of his former teams (yesterday's News, Bits and Bobs, full email edition). I'm not quite sure how yelling 'Ballon d'Or' repeatedly or calling sportswashing a 'victory for football' can be laid at the door of Old Trafford, especially at the time when other Manchester United alumni are respected. However, as someone who is taking an enormous amount of pleasure from watching Big Sir Jim's Carry on up the Creek Without a Paddle, watching Rio stick the boot in can only enhance my enjoyment. Carry on that man' – Colin Reed. If you do have any, please send letters to Today's winner of our prizeless letter o' the day is … Phil Hearn. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, can be viewed here. Back once again, it's the Football Weekly Extra podcast. Stina Ruuskanen wasn't expecting a call-up for Finland's recent Women's Nations League game against Serbia – after all, she's 51 years old and last played for her national team in 1996. But the long-retired midfielder was mistakenly selected in the squad by manager Outi Saarinen, who had meant to include Djurgården defender Nanne Ruuskanen instead. 'I'm definitely ready if the call comes! Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match … so my game feels good,' the elder Saarinen joked to Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat. Stina didn't actually show up for the 1-1 draw in Helsinki, but the admin error meant her 23-year-old namesake missed out. 'Naane was, of course, disappointed but took the news very well considering the circumstances,' Saarinen said in an (under)statement from the Finnish FA. 'I'm very sorry for the mistake.'The campaign to give Stina five minutes off the bench in Finland's next friendly starts here. The England squad for Euro 2025 is in, with Lauren James and Michelle Agyemang making Sarina Wiegman's final 23. Trade unions from 36 countries have filed a complaint with the International Labour Organisation over the treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. USA USA USA chief suit Donald Trump's newly-signed travel ban contains an exemption that could apply to players, staff or associated families with clubs participating in the Club World Cup, World Cup or 2028 Olympics. Australia are almost there, a dramatic 1-0 win over Japan putting them on the brink of flamin' qualification. Russell Martin might have only spent six months on loan at Ibrox as a player in 2018, but that hasn't stopped the 39-year-old leaning hard on his time there upon being named Rangers' new manager. 'I had a taste of how special this club is,' he roared. 'Now, as I return, I'm determined to bring success back.' Dave Brailsford will leave Manchester United and will take up his old role as Ineos sporting director, it says here. Eberechi Eze has lifted the lid on England's new training methods, which include taking a tablet and cycling for 45 minutes inside a tent that has been heated to a minimum of 35C. 'It was quite difficult to do,' puffed the Palace playmaker. USA USA USA here we come! Liverpool have told Barcelona where to go when it comes to their interest in Luis Díaz. And Ipswich Town's Liam Delap is now Chelsea's Liam Delap after they paid the striker's £30m release clause. 'I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies,' parped Delap, making all the right noises. Go go power rankings 🎵🎵🎵🎵 … go go power rankings 🎵🎵🎵🎵 … go go power rankings 🎵🎵🎵🎵 … you Euro '25 power rankings! Alexsandro sold litter to provide for his family. Now he's in the Brazil team. Josué Seixas and Tom Sanderson caught up him. The year of Napoli and, more crucially, Scott McTominay. Nicky Bandini takes stock of the Serie A season. Gianni Infantino's Club World Cup Panini sticker prompts yet another question for the lofty Fifa overlord, writes Max Rushden. Are England doing enough to support their stars? Tom Garry asks the question after Millie Bright skipped the Euros to manage her mental health. And here is the Lionessses squad in pictorial form. Bryan Robson gets drenched by Kevin Campbell, the Hawthorns jubilant, the Great Escape complete in May 2005. West Brom began the final day of the season at the bottom of the Premiership, but victory over Portsmouth ensured their survival. Alas, they finished 19th the next season.

Leader Live
6 days ago
- Leader Live
Ivan Toney says he never feared Saudi Arabia move would end his England career
The 29-year-old has been recalled for the first time since making a money-spinning switch from Brentford to Al-Ahli, shortly after helping Gareth Southgate's side reach the Euro 2024 final. Toney was overlooked by interim boss Lee Carsley in the autumn and left out of Thomas Tuchel's first selection in charge but the England boss stressed in March that it was nothing to do with him playing in the Saudi Pro League. The striker appreciated the German coach calling him with that explanation and is even more grateful after recalling him for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the home friendly against Senegal next week. 😃 @ivantoney24 — England (@England) June 2, 2025 'It's always tough missing out on a squad, but I think that's part of the game,' Toney said. 'You have to be strong, you have to stick at it and keep doing what you do best and I managed to do that and I managed to get the recall, which was a nice feeling.' Asked if he thought moving to the Saudi Pro League may affect his England chances, he said at their training camp in Girona: 'No. 'You see with me I think if you're just doing the right thing, playing football, playing well and scoring goals – a striker's job, that's what you're in a team to do – it doesn't matter where you play in the world, I feel like you should still get the chance. 'I think it's been proven me being me being back here and being back amongst the boys. 'It feels good to see the faces again and it feels good to get stuck in.' Toney admitted the first month following August's switch was 'tough' but credits the string of loans during the early part of his career for aiding his adaptation to new surroundings in the Middle East. The striker went onto score 23 goals in 30 Saudi Pro League appearances for Al-Ahli, helping the side to win the AFC Champions League Elite competition. 💚💚💚💚💚 — Ivan Toney (@ivantoney24) May 4, 2025 'I feel like I'm in good form,' Toney said. 'As you see, I'm here, I'm still scoring goals. 'I have a lot to give. All the time I want to improve, become a better player and try and help others around me. 'So, hopefully I can keep doing that and be in the mix for the World Cup.' Toney is bidding to be among a number of Saudi-based players starring at next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. There is a push for more stars to head there – with Al-Hilal falling short in their bid to coax Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes – and the striker believes the competition is far better than some suggest. 'Everyone always has their opinion,' Toney said. 'They're going to have their opinion on everything. 'You have to witness it and be there to realise what it's like. You can't have an opinion on something you've never seen. 'People always just assume certain things about things without seeing it, so I suggest people have a look before they start making judgements. 'It's tough, it's not easy. There's some good footballers and it's going in the right direction and I'm sure it will continue to do that over the years.'

Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Ivan Toney says he never feared Saudi Arabia move would end his England career
The 29-year-old has been recalled for the first time since making a money-spinning switch from Brentford to Al-Ahli, shortly after helping Gareth Southgate's side reach the Euro 2024 final. Toney was overlooked by interim boss Lee Carsley in the autumn and left out of Thomas Tuchel's first selection in charge but the England boss stressed in March that it was nothing to do with him playing in the Saudi Pro League. The striker appreciated the German coach calling him with that explanation and is even more grateful after recalling him for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the home friendly against Senegal next week. 😃 @ivantoney24 — England (@England) June 2, 2025 'It's always tough missing out on a squad, but I think that's part of the game,' Toney said. 'You have to be strong, you have to stick at it and keep doing what you do best and I managed to do that and I managed to get the recall, which was a nice feeling.' Asked if he thought moving to the Saudi Pro League may affect his England chances, he said at their training camp in Girona: 'No. 'You see with me I think if you're just doing the right thing, playing football, playing well and scoring goals – a striker's job, that's what you're in a team to do – it doesn't matter where you play in the world, I feel like you should still get the chance. 'I think it's been proven me being me being back here and being back amongst the boys. 'It feels good to see the faces again and it feels good to get stuck in.' Toney admitted the first month following August's switch was 'tough' but credits the string of loans during the early part of his career for aiding his adaptation to new surroundings in the Middle East. The striker went onto score 23 goals in 30 Saudi Pro League appearances for Al-Ahli, helping the side to win the AFC Champions League Elite competition. 💚💚💚💚💚 — Ivan Toney (@ivantoney24) May 4, 2025 'I feel like I'm in good form,' Toney said. 'As you see, I'm here, I'm still scoring goals. 'I have a lot to give. All the time I want to improve, become a better player and try and help others around me. 'So, hopefully I can keep doing that and be in the mix for the World Cup.' Toney is bidding to be among a number of Saudi-based players starring at next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. There is a push for more stars to head there – with Al-Hilal falling short in their bid to coax Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes – and the striker believes the competition is far better than some suggest. 'Everyone always has their opinion,' Toney said. 'They're going to have their opinion on everything. 'You have to witness it and be there to realise what it's like. You can't have an opinion on something you've never seen. 'People always just assume certain things about things without seeing it, so I suggest people have a look before they start making judgements. 'It's tough, it's not easy. There's some good footballers and it's going in the right direction and I'm sure it will continue to do that over the years.'