Mesut Özil: The Journey of a German Star

Mesut Özil, the player who managed to carve a special place in the history of world football, was not just an ordinary footballer. He became a symbol of skill and football artistry. Born on October 15, 1988, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to Turkish parents, Özil became one of the standout footballers of his generation, leaving an indelible mark in the German Bundesliga, La Liga, and the German national team. In this article, we will explore Özil’s journey from his humble beginnings at small clubs to his rise at the biggest European clubs and his major achievements with the German national team.

The Start of Mesut Özil’s Career

His Early Career in Germany :

Mesut Özil began his sporting career at Rot-Weiß Erfurt, a small club in the suburbs of Gelsenkirchen. He quickly caught the eye with his exceptional skills in midfield, which led to his move to Schalke 04 in 2005. At Schalke, Mesut Özil played in the reserve team and was a substitute for the Brazilian player Lincoln. Despite his considerable abilities, Özil faced issues with the club’s management regarding his contract extension, leading him to leave Schalke in 2007 after playing 39 matches and scoring only one goal.

Move to Werder Bremen :

In the winter of 2008, Özil signed a contract with Werder Bremen. There, he showcased his true potential, becoming one of the team’s best players. Mesut Özil played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the final of the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) against Shakhtar Donetsk, where they narrowly lost. Despite the disappointment in the final, Özil’s stellar performances in the Bundesliga drew attention from top European clubs.

The Move to Real Madrid: Özil’s Star Shines in Spain

Joining Real Madrid :

In August 2010, Real Madrid announced the signing of Mesut Özil for €15 million. This move marked a turning point in Özil’s career as he became a key player in the team’s midfield. In his first official match for Real Madrid against Osasuna, Özil displayed his exceptional passing and playmaking abilities, earning the admiration of the club’s fans.

Flourishing at Real Madrid :

During his time at Real Madrid, Özil proved to be one of the best playmakers in the world. His precise and creative passes, along with his ability to distribute the ball at the right moments, were key to the team’s success. One of the standout moments for the Real Madrid fans was Özil’s assist for Gonzalo Higuaín in a UEFA Champions League match against Ajax Amsterdam, showcasing his technical brilliance. In his first season with Real Madrid, Mesut Özil helped the team achieve several victories, contributing significantly to their Copa del Rey win against their archrivals, Barcelona.

Move to Arsenal: A New Challenge in the Premier League

Joining the Premier League :

In the summer of 2013, Özil took on a new challenge by moving to Arsenal in the final day of the transfer window for a fee of €42.5 million. At Arsenal, Özil quickly became a core player for the team. In his first season, Özil helped Arsenal win the FA Cup, a trophy they had not won in many years.

Özil’s Seasons at Arsenal :

Özil continued to shine at Arsenal, delivering numerous assists and contributing significantly to the team’s performance in various competitions. In the 2014-2015 season, Özil won another FA Cup with the team, securing back-to-back victories. Alongside teammates like Alexis Sánchez and Olivier Giroud, Özil became one of the players upon whom manager Arsène Wenger relied for every match.

Mesut Özil with the German National Team

2010 World Cup: The Beginning of International Success :

Özil began his international career with Germany at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He impressed with his performances, playing a crucial role in Germany’s run to the semifinals. Özil scored several goals and provided assists, including key passes to Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski. Despite Germany’s loss to Spain in the semifinals, Özil was one of the standout players of the tournament.

2014 World Cup: Winning the Global Title :

In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Özil once again proved himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. With the German national team, he helped lead his country to victory in the tournament, scoring a crucial goal in the Round of 16 against Algeria. In the final against Argentina, Özil put in an excellent performance throughout the match, contributing to Germany’s fourth World Cup win in history with a 1-0 victory.

2018 World Cup: The End of His International Career :

The 2018 World Cup in Russia marked Özil’s final appearance with the German national team. During the tournament, Özil wasn’t at his best, and Germany faced significant challenges in qualifying from the group stage. In a surprising turn of events, Germany was eliminated from the group stage after a 2-0 loss to South Korea, signaling the end of Özil’s era with the national team.

Skills and Traits That Made Özil a Global Star

Mesut Özil possesses extraordinary technical skills that made him one of the best midfielders in the world. His key traits include:

• Accurate and Creative Passing: Özil has an uncanny ability to provide game-changing passes to attackers, whether short or long-range.
• Exceptional Vision: Özil possesses a unique ability to read the game and make quick decisions, making him one of the best playmakers.
• Impressive Individual Skills: In addition to his passing, Özil excels in dribbling and retaining possession under pressure.
• Calmness and Confidence Under Pressure: Despite the high stakes of major matches, Özil always maintained his composure and focus in critical moments.

Conclusion

Mesut Özil is a living example of success achieved through hard work and natural talent. From his humble beginnings at small clubs to his dazzling performances at top European clubs, Özil has shown the world the importance of skill in football. With his achievements at both the club and national team levels, there is no doubt that Özil will remain in the hearts of football fans for many years to come.

Özil has gifted his teams and their supporters countless unforgettable moments, establishing himself as one of the best players of his generation and one of the most influential figures in football history.