Mesut Özil

Özil was elected to the MKYK, the AKP's central leadership body, formalising his move from symbolic closeness to Erdoğan to a formal party role. The development renewed debate in Germany and Turkey about his earlier political positions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Images drew attention to an Özil tattoo featuring symbols associated with the 'Grey Wolves', a Turkish ultranationalist movement. In 2024, he also shared an image of the wolf salute made by Merih Demiral during the European Championship. This prompted renewed criticism in Germany.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Özil shared political images concerning Gaza on Instagram, including a map in which the name Israel was crossed out or replaced with 'Palestine'. Organisations and media outlets accused the message of symbolically denying Israel's existence.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Political responsibility

Arsenal left Özil out of its Premier League and Europa League squads despite his status as the club's highest-paid player. Özil said that his loyalty had not been reciprocated, and the situation dominated several months of sporting debate before his departure.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During the pandemic, Özil refused the voluntary 12,5 % pay cut accepted by most Arsenal players, prompting strong controversy over his remuneration and financial solidarity within the club.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was a witness at Özil's wedding in Turkey, a year after the 2018 photograph controversy. The choice revived criticism in Germany of the player's closeness to the Turkish president.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Özil published a statement condemning China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims and what he viewed as silence from the Muslim world. The Chinese football federation condemned his remarks, and CCTV removed an Arsenal match from its schedule.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Political responsibility

Özil's photograph with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before the 2018 World Cup provoked a political and sporting crisis in Germany. Following the national team's elimination and months of criticism, Özil retired from international football, saying he faced racism and disrespect when treated as German in victory but an immigrant in defeat.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

At Schalke, talks to extend Özil's contract failed, and the club announced that he would leave, with manager Andreas Müller stating that trust had been undermined by the player's lack of commitment. Özil subsequently joined Werder Bremen.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated