Former Germany, Real Madrid, and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has officially entered Turkish politics, joining President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Now, with his political career taking shape, Ozil was elected on Sunday as a member of the party’s central council at a congress in Ankara, where Erdogan secured his ninth re-election as AKP leader.
The former Germany star, who ended his club career in Istanbul, has been a longtime supporter of Erdogan. In 2019, the former midfielder chose the Turkish president as the best man at his wedding to Amine Gülse, a former Miss Turkey.
His association with Erdogan has previously sparked controversy.
A 2018 photo of Ozil and fellow German footballer Ilkay Guendogan alongside Erdogan triggered a political backlash in Germany.
Critics accused Erdogan of authoritarianism, while far-right voices in Germany attacked Ozil’s loyalty to the national team.
Özil, once a symbol of multicultural Germany, later cut ties with the German national team, accusing the German Football Association of racism following their early exit from the 2018 World Cup.
Now, with his political career taking shape, Mesut Ozil is set to play a new role within Turkish politics under Erdogan’s leadership.
