WHY is Özil the most polarizing player in football? | THE REAL MESUT ÖZIL STORY

Mesut Özil is not only the most talented player Germany has ever seen but also the most polarizing - dividing opinion like few others. Mesut Özil is a superstar on the pitch, and also on social media, with millions of fans around the globe. Özil won the World Cup in 2014, but his Germany exit four years later sent shockwaves around the world. Now he has been frozen out at Arsenal and looks to be on his way to Fenerbahce. How did he become the divisive figure he is today? From his humble beginnings in Gelsenkirchen to the infamous photo with Turkey's President Erdogan - we talked to former coaches and teammates to tell you the real story!
Why is Özil so polarizing - on and off the pitch? Was he right to leave the Germany national team? Tell us what you think below...
Report by Pascal Jochem
Editing: Kirsten Jungclaus
Camera: Manuel Vering
#Özil #COYG #Arsenal
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[@thefebo8987]

Werder Bremen is clearly underrepresented here. they formed him to one of the best Bundesliga Players and DFB-Players. similar situation with De Bruyne. It's no coincidence.

[@dwkickoff]

Good point, Febo! Werder definitely had a huge impact - and especially coach Thomas Schaaf...

[@Naeemislam1999]

Big shout The Febo. Don't forget Serge Gnabry lads on Flames 🔥🔥

[@boonlimp2503]

China right cause Allah no has humanity because it is not humankind . What the Allah orders Quran Says 47:3. That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus does Allah set forth their parables for mankind. 47:4. So, when you meet those who disbelieve, smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly. Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity or ransom, until the war lays down its burden. If it had been Allah's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost,

[@dwkickoff]

@ThePark 627 Hating now below every conversation? We're being transparent, mate. Not every video can be perfect. We appreciate our viewers' thoughts and if there are mistakes we're happy to admit them. As we said we focused on his relationship with Mourinho. We know he had a decent time in Madrid, but it was a big step for him - and in the end he moved to Arsenal. That's all we said. It's called journalism, park!

[@Bladingmom]

Despite having no love for Erdogan, Mesut Özil was poorly treated throughout all of this. I can certainly understand why he walked away from German football.

[@shaanali6965]

I swear I’ve never seen such a phenomenal passer like Özil when he played for Schlake and Réal Madrid and for that he is my favourite player ever in the whole of füßball.

[@dwkickoff]

True! Brilliant vision and passing skills...!

[@xFINISHxHIMx]

Kroos has 98% passing rate success so you obviously havent looked into it.

[@dwkickoff]

@@xFINISHxHIMx Good shout, man. Kroos is a great passer, too. But since when does a better passing rate makes you better player? Well, look into it again. It's about how many balls you play into dangerous areas. It's not about passing back to your defender ;)

[@xFINISHxHIMx]

Lol What? Özil didnt even play regulary in the last 2 years while Kroos has never stopped playing. Im not saying Özil is Bad Im just saying Kroos is the best and most accurate pass giver in the last 6 years. Proof me wrong.

[@lennartsoernsen]

@@xFINISHxHIMx they play very differently though. Özil plays much more risky passes than Kroos and plays a lot higher up the pitch. I love both of them and both are great passers. Özil is great at playing the deadly balls through the last line of defence to set up goals, Kroos is great at controlling the game and its speed from further back. Both great in their own ways.

[@idndyzgaming]

He's also supporting Uyghur now. God bless him

[@marcuscarcus159]

He also supports Erdogan.

[@marklapena854]

That's good, but he also supports Erdogan.

[@arsalan2477]

@@marklapena854 and its good!

[@Illusive1313]

@@arsalan2477 lel

[@johnali2937]

@@Illusive1313 you know sevou? The pubg youtuber?

[@ayell91]

Im an arsenal fans, and i felt really sad the way this club and the whole football community treat him for expressing humanity and speak up against violence.

[@kcetebe8012]

Was to be expected - he did not shy from explicitly showing love to Palestinians. In the UK that is not allowed

[@mustafa1894]

@@kcetebe8012 who said it is not allowed to show love to innocent humans in the uk

[@kcetebe8012]

@@mustafa1894 Did you see the treatement Jeremy Corbyn endured? What was his crime other than showing love for the Palestinians?

[@ML-vr9vt]

Ardogan is a dictator killing kurds and Arab and turks

[@hegeliandianetik2009]

@@kcetebe8012 Elneny does it all the time and he still plays for Arsenal

[@yusufhakim648]

Why Özil so polarizing? Because he speak and honest about what he felt. While the world naturally respond with love and anger. For me, he is absolutely a role model.

[@miran592]

Ofc u r a roach

[@RagingGoblin]

Well, you have to see everything within its context. I agree that Mesut is a phenomenal player (though the video description seems somewhat assuming and reductionistic), an honest, down-to-earth likeable fellow, and -- best of all -- someone who genuinely wishes to help those less fortunate. Admirable! I think it's also undeniable that some part of the German media (as is the case with the media in any given country, to be fair) comported themselves rather despicably after the 2018WC. I fully understand Mesut's frustration with the media and what might be called (perceived or real) their racist or racist-adjacent campaigns to scapegoat him. I also -- to a lesser degree -- understand his frustration with the German FA for not coming to his help. On the other hand, Mesut should be fully aware that he -- by his own actions -- placed himself clearly and decidedly on the political stage (if he intended to or not) on a very delicate subject -- twofold delicate even; firstly supporting Erdoghan as an openly authoritarian and partially anti-democratic leader. Secondly, he lent his voice to Erdogan's election campaign -- even though there was a huge debate at the time over the fact whether a foreign president should be allowed to advocate his own electoral campaign in a third country (Germany). This was especially unfortunate as -- firstly -- the German government had decided that Erdogan should not be given a public platform for his campaign and -- secondly -- because it played into the entire Turkish-nationalistic issue that both ethnic Germans and Germans with Turkish roots are extremely divided on. While I don't agree with the German FA's decision not to publicly shield their player, I can at least follow their logic that by doing so they themselves would have had to enter the political side of the discussion, something the FA has been firmly against for decades (and for good reason). I don't abide by people who say 'he dug his own grave', but I also can't deny that the media storm was an extremely predictable outcome of this (in actually) extremely minor media stunt with Erdogan. All the worse, of course, because now both the Erdogan critics and political sceptics on the one side will have to consider their outrage justified because Özil deepened his personal involvement with Erdogan AND -- tragically -- the critics of the German FA, the German tabloids (or the media in general), and political Germans with Turkish roots might equally feel justified about their outrage over Özil's treatment and deepen their political entrenchment. Sadly, a loss-loss situation if ever I saw one.

[@moiseshema552]

He is not honest,he talks everything to gain popularity

[@iche9373]

Because Özil hurts his integrity as a German citizen by saying that Erdogan is "his President" even though he already gave up his Turkish citizenship.

[@domoetker3967]

I don't like turks player.

[@MusaOzilOfficial]

Ozil stayed with Arsenal while we ended the lowest in the table for 25 years,came to Arsenal in one of their toughest times while being trophyless for 8 years and stayed and won 3 FA cups and extended his contract to stay. Absolute world class and a classy person.

[@FJ-Channel]

He never get a chance when Emery still in charge not even on the bench. But some moron still blame him for Arsenal defeat LOL

[@toomuchinformation]

Well I'm not cynical but £350,000 a week would buy a lot of loyalty.

[@MusaOzilOfficial]

J.G.P Channel exactly

[@seadkolasinac7220]

He extended the contract so he could put his feet up and get paid more. It wasn’t something good he was doing for the club. His performances completely declined when he signed the new contract

[@seadkolasinac7220]

J.G.P Channel he got all the chances in Emery’s first season, but put in bad lazy performances, so he was dropped.

[@tommystpatrickghost4264]

Much respect for this guy after watching this. He stood up for what HE felt was right. There are very few players like him. Most players want to be politically correct just to collect a cheque.

[@lexkanyima2195]

It's not about the

[@thevoid2406]

One of the most elegant players I've ever seen, that's all that matters

[@belna4926]

👋👋👋❤

[@lennykump8396]

You switched up "useless" with "elegant".

[@thevoid2406]

@@lennykump8396 Let me guess, are you a gunner ? you're talking rubbish.

[@miket5591]

Elegance is not what matters. Ozil doesn't work hard enough @ 5:13 that was so true. He is lazy, temperamental with inferiority complex, sensitive and quick to cry foul at racism, yet insensitive to Germany for his off field antics. In other words, he is self entitled. Ozil has no elegance. Zidane is pure elegance.

[@belna4926]

@@miket5591 Excuse me, do you have kontact with drugs ?

[@trickshotmonkey]

When he shines, he shines the brightest. Ozil still king 👑

[@AR-cx5yf]

absolutely you r right

[@normanfernee3500]

Not in big moments

[@angadgrewal7386]

Norman Fernèe especially in big moments

[@netweed09]

So, FA Cups with us , Arsenal then? I see Kevin de Bruyne lifting Premier League titles

[@mogamatismail5961]

Arsenal have never appreciated his talents....... Ozil is one of the best ever football players......In his personal life, he is a true humanitarian.....He speaks up against the brutal treatment of Muslims in China, while most Muslim countries are silent about it.... He remains a hero.........

[@cussigreen]

He shuold just shutt upp and play fotball if he want to speak about politic han can do it when he retired, showing non respect to his club, be talking shit about thing he dont know

[@suleshbusy8134]

No it's ok for him to talk and honestly he was right....it's called freedom of speech....alot of sports guys speak about politics and religious but nothing happened....ozil is just overrated...not fair

[@gaminghunt5837]

@@cussigreen are you crazy?even you are using speech.and french attack doesn't make chinese muslim attack right.they aren't terrorist. Ko

[@singaporeanking2594]

@@cussigreen do you have a clue on what happened on muslims in China? If you have no clue, then how do you think that ozil has no idea on what he said?

[@cussigreen]

@@singaporeanking2594 Yeah he dont know a shit! if he wont to be good rolemodel than he shuold start tallking about his home country how they treat the kurd first! they are even muslim, but now he want to talk about terrorist people in other country about how hard the goverment give treatmen to terrorist there

[@ItzGettinDark]

This man is the reason why many haters say Ronaldo only scores tap-ins. Ozil always made it look easy. He also kept Kaka out of the starting 11. Was sorely missed when he left Madrid

[@EMP698]

5 Champions League after he left and replaced by Modric. Not so missed really

[@odumarvaldelamar2548]

Mainly injuries kept Kaka out of the field...

[@Repstar00]

@@EMP698 Wrong

[@streamclips1945]

@@EMP698 very wrong his playmaking was unique modric did not reach Ozil's level of playmaking until the later years and after all this is Madrid even after Ronaldo left we re still the champions.

[@EMP698]

@@streamclips1945 no Champions with Ozil. 5 with Modric. I loved to watch Ozil play, in fact followed him in Arsenal for a year until he started to bore me as he was not consistent enough. He left as his father asked a salary that was not according to his status and performancr at Madrid. He was not missed.

[@jennshorts3067]

From a small region in India with a population of just 2millions we the NAGA people had always loved Ozil and valued him as the best playmaker and assists king.

[@chimebath85]

I don't give a flying flamingo what they say about this guy, he's still one of the best in my opinion.

[@millymahinra3900]

As his performances indicate,he really is!

[@Sirlankeylot]

He’s not consistent though the best players are

[@Iam1nsane]

Lol. Really? The best? Find me one club in Europe dumb enough to pay him 350k/week and I will personally drive him from London to that stupid club. Why no big club wants him? They all know he is not good enough.

[@nabilhacene5826]

delusion

[@davidrowan3853]

He’s pish, bang average! Having ability is just the beginning, you need show it every game, or work hard when you can’t, and he does neither on a regular basis! Garbage!

[@Edgar021910]

I think Ozil does more for humanity than 99% of rich footballers who could. So he’s an amazing kind hearted person no matter what the media says about him. He was also the best player in Madrid in his time there. Ronaldo did everything he could to convince florentino ozil should stay. Ozil super under-appreciated :/

[@mrfreeman2911]

just a shame he is friends with a man who is known for horrific human rights abuses.

[@spizeg]

because he is Turkish and Muslim

[@user-rr7ov9dz1i]

Hebun Özkılavuz you’re a racist disgrace of a human

[@southside-hornbaby5325]

Mr Freeman funny that the leaders of “the free world “ and their allies commit the most of human rights violations by killing and invading. Not to mention the overthrowing of democratic elected governments.

[@barefootnomad5540]

@@mrfreeman2911 keep preaching as if the west are holy and clean

[@user-hs5vb6kc9o]

When I was younger, during the 2010 World Cup, I was crazy about Ozil. He was my favorite player in that group/generation, topping even others like Lahm, Muller, and Schweinsteiger who actually played in the club I follow, Bayern. It felt so great to have him every year as one of the top assisters in Europe, with his effortless speed and elegance on the pitch and his awesome passes. Such a shame he became basically a random player overnight. It breaks my heart because he isn't even that old, other players his age are still superstars, and he because of "circumstances" is out of the top of European football.

[@vialsvials7246]

He's not a traitor

[@mkodyChallengesYOurexistence]

I agree He is not ...He is real Has values and morales

[@ibrahimturkey73]

Vials Vials what do you mean by traitor

[@uweSMG]

he is not a traitor....but he is a goofy frogman who cant deliver in important games.....weak character

[@mert3976]

@@ibrahimturkey73 mesut is originaly turkish and he plays on german national team i think you understand what is going on

[@moeezawan2329]

@@uweSMG He was best midfielder in FIFA WC 2014 ....so don't bitch he can't perform in big games

[@smothdude]

Özil is an inspiration for so many around the world. If you just go and see the depth in which he cares about others, his charity work is incredibly humbling. Not everyone who makes as much money as he does, especially from a background that is not so successful wants to give so much money back to others, and his playing career is one to envy for sure. Legend.

[@millymahinra3900]

If only he could do such amazing things on the pitch.........we wouldn't be toying with relegation!

[@dwkickoff]

@@millymahinra3900 No worries, COYG!

[@dwkickoff]

Fair shout!

[@Nikhil20m]

Whatever they say, still my best player.

[@uweSMG]

then u dont nothing about football...he was a shame for germany....always hated him

[@peterhammer6915]

@@uweSMG is that why he was voted 5 times best National Team player for Germany? LMFAO!!!

[@Jozamendo]

Is the media trying make news, weather they destroy or not the livelihood of people, They only care about their ratings,...

[@koushikdas1992]

He is islamists! How can people love religious fanatic?

[@user-ji8me4un8y]

Consent

[@riderprovider6213]

Ozil is a legend. German football should atleast respect him now by accepting the fact that they did little to protect him from racism.

[@teekay2014]

The man even invented his own skill, the ozil chop shot. ❤

[@jm-je4tl]

The irony is that he was Germany's best player at that disastrous world cup. He laid chances on a plate which the likes of Mueller and Werner missed.

[@dwkickoff]

Good observation, jm 91! Especially against South Korea... :(

[@hisexcellencypresidentofre4118]

It's sad, really. Lesson: always stick to your roots.

[@lennartsoernsen]

Yeah. He created more chances than any other player at that world cup group stage but no one saw it, he got loads of criticism especially after the Korea game, it made no sense. I can understand his anger when he quit the national team, even if he should have had a bit more self critizism, because the Erdoganpicture was a mistake, and even more that he didnt say anything about it like Gundogan.

[@ned1593]

Stop the revisionism. He underperformed like everyone else. The WC showed that Germany needs to integrate younger players to replace the old generation. Özil was the best player in Germany between 2010 and 2012 and contributed an important part to the 2014 triumph, but at this point everyone could see he was past his best. Still, he was unfairly treated and looking at his great achievements, he deserved a better farewell. If it was not for Grindel and his supporters in the German public, he could have left as a legend.

[@misslanfeartelamon]

@@lennartsoernsen why Erdogan picture a mistake? He has Turkish roots. And Erdogan is president of Turkey. it is no ones business if he likes to keep his ties with his culture.

[@eren9001]

In Germany they always misinterpreted ozils statement on purpose. He wasn't compmaing that the dfb was racist but he was complaining that they didn't defend him from the racist fans and media

[@dwkickoff]

Good shout, Eren! That's literally what happend. Many simply misunderstood his statement on Twitter. The whole Germany FA and even the players felt attacked...

[@Brandon-cv9uh]

I think a lot of people don't realise that Germans hold a lot of hatred toward Turks. Don't ask me why

[@janbonn1198]

@@Brandon-cv9uh Alot of turkish fans in germany wished death on him back when he decided to play for germany. Thats how much these people hate germany, and despite having a german passport and profiting from german state, hate germany. There is a strong nationalist movement in german-turkish communities, you could call it racist. Now the same nationalist people who called Ozil a son of a b*tch, traitor and whatnot, love him because he called germany racist. There is germans hating turks for no reason, no question. But realize theres the same amount of turks hating germany, which gave them a new home.

[@Brandon-cv9uh]

@@janbonn1198 I've never been to Turkey, but I've been to Germany. Racism and nationalism are both pointless and both sides are wrong

[@Fakeslimshady]

but the mainstream media and FIFA will deliberately misintepret Ozil's statements and accuse dfb of racism, and that's exactly what they did. Ozil did not defend dfb from those accusations of racism, so dfb had to defend themselves.

[@richarddizon7895]

I always see Ozil's assists in Ronaldo highlights so I really think he's a good player. From the start, he said he wants to play for Germany now and for Turkey later. And he seems so happy to get back to his roots so don't mind other people man goodluck in your career. 👌

[@marcosmorales4168]

He is so talent, his control with the ball is insane!!!

[@Sensey1234]

Masut sacrificed millions of dollars to tell the truth about rohingya , china is like Golden egg for old & retired pro players yet he preferred his humanity over money , full respect Brother.

[@logx1003]

@geranienbaum like you are his acountant, i dont think you know whats happening.

[@JackoBanon1]

What does he say about denying what happened to the Armenians or the Turkish military operations against the Kurds?

[@JackoBanon1]

@Abdishakur Adan The Ottoman empire was led by the Turks and they ruled arrogantly and selfishly which created all the hate against them in the regions they once ruled that is still present until this very day. Yet the Turks still deny any bad stuff they did or blame it on the victims.

[@usamahussain4461]

@@JackoBanon1 you are speaking in a manner that the British guys were the most merciful and always treated everyone fairly and equally and never committed any oppression! What do you say about America's atomic explosions that manifest the effects to this day? Don't tell me now that Napolean was all merciful and the Prussians and other Europeans were very generous, polite and loving in those middle ages and even post Renaissance!

[@JackoBanon1]

@@usamahussain4461 The point is that people don't learn from the crimses of their ancestors but actively deny them and even wish the 'glorious' time of their old empires back. And that's why history and all of its crimes against humanity repeat again and again.

[@timileyinoshiyokun8253]

china removed him from fifa and pes because he was expressing his displeasure how they were torturing muslims

[@joshuasimons7883]

China wouldn't own that ofc. Exactly like turkey who wouldn't own the genocide of the Armenian minority. I'm asking myself what Özil would say about that.

[@Stichting_NoFap]

Notice how your comment + the comment of 'Free Uyghur' don't get a heart unlike other top comments. DW Kick off! = sucker of erdogay.

[@uncledaddy9207]

@asdf ofc they did

[@Ashad636]

@@Stichting_NoFap no one gives a crap dickhead

[@007supertime]

It is UAE thing, this country declared themselves as an enemy of Turkey

[@Megaoneservices]

A hidden story of a great man.

[@aaronbrown8158]

Will forever love and respect this man... ozil is one of the greatest pure footballers in the world, is such a shame my two favourite clubs arsenal and Madrid didn't appreciate him as much

[@dwkickoff]

Why do you think he's not appreciated at Arsenal anymore, Aaron? He seemed to get along well with Arteta in the beginning and they're both playmakers, Arteta is an ex player right?

[@aaronbrown8158]

@@dwkickoff i don't think it has anything to do with arteta... more off the field issues, which is a shame,he seems to be a player that always stands up for what he believes in,amd instead of that being used as credit to him,it is used as a means to degrade him

[@ZeeshanAli-IND]

Ozil is also the player to get credit for Ronald's legacy. Both makes one of the greatest Duo of the game together in Real Madrid.

[@dwkickoff]

Truth! Does he get enough credit for that though?

[@abdikeniz8612]

Mesut Özil is gifted player with and without the ball. His vission, passing, dribbling is amzing. If he played for England instead of germany They made for him A Statue. But i like germany football and i am happy watching him 2010, 2014 and 2018 world cups.

[@dwkickoff]

In 2010 he was brilliant, wasn't he? His breakthrough tournament...

[@abdikeniz8612]

@@dwkickoff ofcourse yes, i'll never forget Germany vs algeria for me that game was the best of all 2010 world cup matches. Because both were my favourites. Since I'm african but Özil's wining goal is amazing.

[@ahmedabughalia4957]

​@@abdikeniz8612it was in 2014

[@brighteststar77]

He gives it his best, and when he sees that he’s not appreciated he respectfully walks away. He’s a role model

[@mertkockan634]

He is an honest, humble, humanistic, thoughtful person and a talented, hardworking player. I’m super proud of him as a Turkish born global citizen and a Fenerbahçe fan. I can’t wait to watch him on the stadium at Istanbul!

[@umarbabajidda9664]

I have always been an Ozil person. Love him all the more now!!

[@saifmahmood1944]

Same here. I like him even more

[@Seeker_01]

Once he retires,will the heaters realize what he brought to Football,elegance,quality,composure and bravery for speaking out the truth which will inspire millions of young,aspiring footballers across the continent,brilliant mini-doc DW!

[@dwkickoff]

Thank you! Glad you like it. Spread the word...

[@mikexstad1121]

Speaking out the truth? Ironic since his best man imprisons opposition journalists

[@Seeker_01]

@@mikexstad1121 Fair enough mate I totally agree with what you're saying,I meant speaking out against the double standards and hypocrisy the German media has shown towards him after the WC In Russia,especially when most of his team-makes barely endured the same treatment he got after the woeful performances they delivered.

[@mikexstad1121]

Yeah they had a bad world cup, all players were to blame. But I think Özil was clever to turn a personal PR disaster and make it about race. He's hated and will be in DE because he took the easy route by not owning up to his relationship with Erdogan. He pointed at the German people and said "you're racist!" When really everyone was criticizing him for being used by a dictator

[@dwkickoff]

Fair enough, Mike! You could argue it was indeed the easy way out for him. That's what it felt like for many people as you said. And the reason that he kept quiet and didn't show any sign of regret added even more fuel to it. Maybe the whole statement was a bit over the top. On the other hand it was obvious that the German FA and the whole team had a PR disaster themselves and didn't even think about defending one of their own against racist attacks from right-wing politicians. (That was different in the past, when society and also teammates stood behind Jerome Boateng when he was racially abused in 2016). So there are always two sides to it. And afterwards - as shown in the film - they didn't even get his explanation and felt attacked. He neither criticized the "German people" you mentioned, nor the team or coach Löw, actually it was the opposite. He excluded them from his statement and made it about the German FA and president Grindel.

[@arjsrgr]

Riquelme, Totti, Rui Costa, Pirlo, Mancini, Deco, Modric, Zidane, Guti, Ozil and few more . . They just don't need a wizard wand to show you some kind of magic

[@lucianopaulus9038]

I only remember the good deeds. Love M10Ö💪

[@akashguharoy341]

I am all time Ozil fan from India die hard love u 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜👏✌✌👍👍✌✌

[@dwkickoff]

What's next for him, akash? Can he get back to his best at Arsenal?

[@miqsirajuddin5378]

@@dwkickoff Depends on who Arsenal get as their next coach. With the right coach I think Ozil will play out his career at Arsenal. Otherwise there is always Turkey, China, or even MLS.

[@dwkickoff]

@a a Fenerbahce or Galatasaray? Or rather Erdogan's favorite club Basaksehir?

[@dwkickoff]

@a a Haha, let's see if he really becomes a coach after his playing career ;) Wouldn't agree on the England-Germany comparison you did though. Think it could easily happen in England as well. Just think about Raheem Sterling and how he is portrayed in the English media. And the whole Brexit issue also throws a spotlight on immigration...

[@boonlimp2503]

China right cause Allah no has humanity because it is not humankind . What the Allah orders in Quran Says 47:3. That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus does Allah set forth their parables for mankind. 47:4. So, when you meet those who disbelieve, smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly. Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity or ransom, until the war lays down its burden. If it had been Allah's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost,

[@akeemMali]

I’m with you all the way, Özil.

[@Ahmad_Alhabib]

The best Cam to ever live. I remember watching him and being so amazed and mind blown. My favorite ever player to grace football

[@kelvinobatsa3808]

Am a Chelsea fan,but honestly when we talk about game changers and makers, Mesut Ozil is the GOAT, I respect all the decisions he's made si far, great player👍🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rahulbarca4112]

One of the Best modern playmaker in the history of game. Period. Coming from a Barca fan.

[@brayanorellana2391]

Maybe talented bu not the best

[@brayanorellana2391]

@peter decordova i know and i'm saying his not one the best, one of the most talented players yes one thing is having a talent and other is using that talent to become a great player

[@southpawtwenty8657]

Bullshit! He's not even close.

[@peterhammer6915]

Özils records speak for themselves. Assists and chances created since starting in Bundesliga. Everybody can look them up. He is nr1 or two in all rankings. Incredible talent, yes lazy sometimes but not at all so bad as many make him. For me biggest scapegoat in football history.

[@PavithranPandian]

If Torreira and guendouzi take care of the Defensive duties, we might still see Ozil's master class at Arsenal. Its hard to watch Ozil, Aubameyang, Pepe and Lacazette in the same team and not having enough of the ball.

[@dwkickoff]

Exactly! Decent team actually, and so much talent. One really wonders why Arsenal are struggling...

[@vigzy77]

I can tell you why. Because we don't have central midfielders like Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla or Rosicky. They were all incredible with the ball.Quick, fast , precise passers. Now we have hard working midfielders without any quality on the ball to connect with Ozil and the forwards. Also they give away cheap possession to the opposition and take ages to pass the ball.

[@Timbone07]

@@vigzy77 Well English Arsenal fans want workhorses who arent technical enough There is a reason England hasnt won an international trophy in decades. Football is not about fight. It is not boxing

[@Timbone07]

@@KD-os7kv Sorry but if you truly believe that then you know nothing about football. There is a reason England hasnt won any international trophy in decades: It is the obsession with work rate

[@kanatzhumagulov8910]

Gotta fix the center back problem and ditch Xhaka, Mustafi, Sokratis, and many other

[@franciscoguevara9727]

Ozil was at the top of the world in real madrid, he was truly a force to be reckoned with, honestly, his decline started in arsenal. But in Madrid, he was a wizard on the ball

[@kalaunakmaju]

What I admire the most from him is his creativity and game vision on the pitch. That is the aspect that Germany need to win a tournament like World Cup or Euro

[@asnsatellite301]

Whatsoever they say about him, he is a hero, a true man

[@sajilprkkv]

True Human, love him

[@icetech2432]

@geranienbaum he got snitched so hard, ofc he wont talk to them

[@anocsalepo]

we are supporting to him in everywhere because he is the one of us

[@AR-cx5yf]

absolutely you r right

[@sargonoshana3607]

He is one of the best players in the world and the most generous, How many of his teammates donated anything to charity, even if he wasn't a good player, he is generous and down to earth, i hope he stays with Arsenal and win the EPL.

[@georgewilliam940]

Ozil my bro, dearly missed on international football

[@ayushpanwar5380]

I'll never forget what he has given to football ⚽⚽⚽

[@forefatherofmankind3305]

What ? 😂

[@ayushpanwar5380]

@@forefatherofmankind3305 Beautiful assists,&playmaking, great goals...., that style of passing, the silky smooth play he brings just impossible to forget.

[@BrainstormFRW]

And his giving away his bonuses to the poor in Brazil.... My! The Turks are genuinely generous. When I lived in Turkey about a decade ago, everyone would say 'ihtiyacin varsa bana söyle!" meaning "if you need anything, just tell me!" I was like, why does everyone want to help!!! It was really strange to me. But I met a man from whom I understood it wasn't a mere verbal nicety. He really went overboard to help me after I did my best to hide my condition. Thumbs up Özil for this humanitarian gesture! 👍🏾❤️

[@dwkickoff]

Nice insight and great story, Mukhtar! It is actually true, you meet very friendly people in Turkey and they are genuinely generous as you said.

[@bumblebee2956]

He is not only a great player but also an amazing human being,..god bless him always

[@mdabutaher9097]

The a true man who never accept the the unfair, utter the facts infront of world, which many players don't, He is Mesut Ozil. The masterclass, the fiery passer, the unique midfielder. Many European footballer will get inspired from him

[@shawnkay5462]

Sucks that Ozil was treated that way.

[@hasan_alp96]

Sunny Kay german society and mediaworld is like this: racist

[@tarek2304]

@@hasan_alp96 better be careful with statements like that 🧐

Hasan Canbay i mean he is right, that‘s how germany is for like 5 years

[@mrfreeman2911]

YOu think the media would have reacted differently if it had been Putin? Gündogan was forgiven and still plays as he apologised. Özil didn't and proved he supports a practical dictator who imprisons journalists. To claim racism is the most naive and dumb thing ever and that is why germans turned against him and not Gündogan.

[@borarider669]

As a Turk, i dont think football players should take photo with politicians. Specially with erdoğan. They should just stick to football only.

[@PrinceOfCats5]

It's like watching rocky in rocky ii and Mickey saying: "you're training/fighting like a damn bum", trying to get his fire back. It's sad to watch

[@sameerksa8404]

Özil is my football hero from a long time

[@Seleno_phile]

Ozil is an artist . You feel the joy while he paints those passes on the pitch . It is sad how it ends.

[@ozayr.u]

I like mesut ozil so much 💙 , he is so humble and helping for others and he is one of the best midfielders of all time.

[@reergaalkacyood9361]

WE LOVE YOU MESUT OZIL.

[@mohammedwarischannel832]

I miss you 😢 Mesut ozil

[@Gulchih]

"I was German when we won, an immigrant when we lost." -Mesut Ozil

[@dinisrealm3240]

He’s a star on & off the field but he also has a big heart for the voiceless, the disadvantaged amongst us. Thanks 🙏 Mesut Ozil for your humanity

[@shafeequemst]

Brought me back to 2010 world cup. A certain german no.8 was tearing apart Australia in first group stage match ! I have been a fan since then !

[@dwkickoff]

And later on tearing apart England and Argentina! Definitely his breakthrough tournament ;)

[@TheDavinci888]

Diego & Ozil in Wolfsburg ;)

[@lobenikithan2640]

Im an Arsenal fan and if you love football you just cant hate ozil this guy is just something else thanks for your years at Arsenal you are an Arsenal legend .idc both what others say

[@kashy101]

The mistake that led to his position was letting him go whilst he was at Real. Him and Ronaldo were the deadly duo. Both at their peak in prime. Ozil was always the shooter with the vision of hitting the target, Ronaldo was the gun that reached and pierced the target. Ozil didn't get his full time at Real, and thats the real shame. He is the true playmaking genius of football

[@fatimab5145]

True

[@salmasadiiq5265]

Ozil he is just being honest if being honest is polarizing I support ozil and iam proud of who he is today and who he will be tomorrow I will always support him ❤️❤️❤️ love u ozil

[@tayyebshabir177]

May ALLAH SWT bless Mesut Ozil, aameen

[@bitamynsong5591]

He is one of my favorite player ,he has done a great job in the field especially in worlcup 2014 he was amazing to me.

[@hoppy_plays3028]

Dude I was born playing football now I play for a arsenal academy and I am 10 I was his fan since I was 2 and I have his kit I love u Ozil ur the best don’t listen to anything poeple say and keep safe

[@naseemshay7778]

He is such a good person a man witha big heart! He never stops supporting and donating poor and weak people! There’s a football club named after him in Africa

[@theveganguiri]

I guess it's true what they say - football and politics shouldn't mix! A real shame, though, as when he was at the peak of his powers he was maybe the most graceful footballer I've ever seen. Let's hope he can rekindle some of that magic.

[@dwkickoff]

Where would that be, Johnny? Still at Arsenal or where can he revitalize his career, what do you think?

[@theveganguiri]

DW Kick off! Good question! Speaking with the biggest of bias, I wouldn’t mind seeing Mike Ashley opening his chequebook and bringing him to St James’ Park. Pigs might sooner fly!

[@dwkickoff]

@@theveganguiri That would be 🔥🔥🔥 Could they afford him though? And would he be willing to join them?

[@usmaniqbaal]

As a person he has his own political inclination and an ideology. Everyone's opinion matters and should be respected. German media and FA really let him alone to face the heat and this reminds me of John Galsworthy's drama Loyalties

[@lamrinlostsoul8049]

Ozil the best... I don't want any discussion or argument who support him just like... My heart and soul with ozil

[@jeanlucdiscard]

He is one of those players that when the team clicks, he is the magician. When the team doesn't, he stands out and is a scapegoat. He either receives tremendous outstanding praise, or bitter, never ending ridicule. There is no gray.

[@kugelschotchen1867]

Bremen was then what Dortmund is now: Bayernˋs counterpart

[@dwkickoff]

Absolutely! They won the German Cup with Özil and had big signings like Micoud and Diego.

[@3doubles]

misimovic, ozil, dzeko, wagner love...

[@dwkickoff]

@@3doubles 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@YVR_Gooner]

Torsten Frings!

[@emmanuelhugo1761]

Diegoooooooo!

[@mts9789]

Few players out many brilliants click and Ozil is one of them after CR, on his day he can be the difference between winning and loosing. Such a class act...

[@nakbocha]

No matter what you will always be the greatest artist of the midfield for me. Thanks for giving me so amazing memories. As a German fan I will never forget your contributions for the team. Love & Respect for you

[@rajasekarr7038]

One of the best player to be selected in a national team can be criticised with his game but not with his patriotism.

[@Chimera_166]

you can take his dignity but you'll never that Ozil vision

[@turkkarabakh1056]

We love Mesut Ozil and support him.

[@tim..indeed]

A lot of Turkish people in the comments really have no clue how hated Erdogan is in Germany. Just 1 year in 2017 he called Germans nazis and that we would "support terrorism". The fact that Özil didn't distance himself from Erdogan (which Gundogan did) when he was accused of campaigning for him was a big deal. The fact that he later accused the team (laughably) of racism, had Erdogan as his best mate and moved to Turkey only seemed to prove everyone right as well.

[@carlislepanting5219]

Stand strong Mesut Ozil!! Belize central america I'm from!! Thanks for playing for real madrid

[@jasonfreshwater6138]

Ozil peaked with the world cup he has since semi retired at Arsenal

[@dwkickoff]

Semi retired 😂😂😂

[@arifakbar5642]

Love Ozil, from Bangladesh

[@hahahahahahahaha6682]

It doesn't matter what religion he follows or what his ethnicity is remember he won 2014 FIFA damn WORLD CUP for Germany. Ozil loves Germany everyone knows that. Even Ronaldo and Messi couldn't win World Cup.

[@abujamal233]

God Bless u and Ur Family Mesut Özil ❤️🤲🏽

[@emresenta1163]

The cruel face of the media. I still remember the harsh criticisms about Ozil at that time... He proved em wrong with an Iconic slogan "I am German when we win but I am an immigrant when we lose"... Since then he is more than just a world-class footballer... As a Turkish, I am proud of what he stood for!

[@fredymendez3864]

In another era his style of play would have been appreciated, but in today’s football pressing is a big part of the game and everyone must participate. That is not in his game and it’s made more apparent in England where everyone is pressing non stop that’s why people call him lazy because he doesn’t press and just jogs toward the opposition!

[@dwkickoff]

Interesting perspective! Would he have been more successful in the 1970s? Alongside Cruyff and Beckenbauer?

[@dustyfoot9886]

Ozil has good heart May Allah swt reward his effort.

[@arleammohammed5476]

He is a gentleman in the game. Humble and kind. I will not say he is the best I see but he is good. He achieve more than many who we think are better than him.

[@truthhumanity1534]

He’s my best playmaker so far

[@frostackerman]

No matter where his career takes him , he will surely be one of the best playmaker in the world . M1Ö mein bruder

[@cherubic336]

One of the greatest footballers the world has seen... Magical!

[@dwkickoff]

Where does he rank among the very best midfielders, Intrepid? Cruyff, Maradona, Ronaldinho, Zidane...?

[@mdzunedahamed12345]

I m the great fan of Mesut Ozil and you

[@cybervillager]

We know What Kevin Pietersen faced from English cricket. He was a proud English when they liked him and a South African descent when they didn't.

[@Brandon-cv9uh]

I swear us Aussies had more respect for KP. One of the greatest to play for England imho

[@kizito8888]

I never knew Ozil had such a strong will. Not many people stand up for what they believe in. I am even more surprised he's still playing with the "no cojones" team.

[@ayaceoo7]

Those people who criticize Ozil doesn't know his history .The things that he have done at Madrid .Such a wonderful player to watch .No matter what i cant hate him .

[@Mojo1992-]

An excellent player. its always treat watching him playing

[@emir19emrah10]

You are the best! I cant believe how German FA didnt avoid that You couldnt show your respect to Germany more than that

[@RagingGoblin]

Well, you have to see everything within its context. I agree that Mesut is a phenomenal player (though the video description seems somewhat assuming and reductionistic), an honest, down-to-earth likeable fellow, and -- best of all -- someone who genuinely wishes to help those less fortunate. Admirable! I think it's also undeniable that some part of the German media (as is the case with the media in any given country, to be fair) comported themselves rather despicably after the 2018WC. I fully understand Mesut's frustration with the media and what might be called (perceived or real) their racist or racist-adjacent campaigns to scapegoat him. I also -- to a lesser degree -- understand his frustration with the German FA for not coming to his help. On the other hand, Mesut should be fully aware that he -- by his own actions -- placed himself clearly and decidedly on the political stage (if he intended to or not) on a very delicate subject -- twofold delicate even; firstly supporting Erdogan as an openly authoritarian and partially anti-democratic leader. Secondly, he lent his voice to Erdogan's election campaign -- even though there was a huge debate at the time over the fact whether a foreign president should be allowed to advocate his own electoral campaign in a third country (Germany). This was especially unfortunate as -- firstly -- the German government had decided that Erdogan should not be given a public platform for his campaign and -- secondly -- because it played into the entire Turkish-nationalistic issue that both ethnic Germans and Germans with Turkish roots are extremely divided on. While I don't agree with the German FA's decision not to publicly shield their player, I can at least follow their logic that by doing so they themselves would have had to enter the political side of the discussion, something the FA has been firmly against for decades (and for good reason). I don't abide by people who say 'he dug his own grave', but I also can't deny that the media storm was an extremely predictable outcome of this (in actually) extremely minor media stunt with Erdogan. All the worse, of course, because now both the Erdogan critics and political sceptics on the one side will have to consider their outrage justified because Özil deepened his personal involvement with Erdogan AND -- tragically -- the critics of the German FA, the German tabloids (or the media in general), and political Germans with Turkish roots might equally feel justified about their outrage over Özil's treatment and deepen their political entrenchment. Sadly, a loss-loss situation if ever I saw one.

[@MukeshSharma-tg8kj]

one of the best ❤️

[@niazgulhazarboz9043]

Remember when Ali was considered polarising back in the 60's. Now he is considered as an icon who stood up to the establishment and is considered more than just a boxer. I see Ozil in the same light. He might not be an eloquent speaker like Ali but he stands for justice. History will remember him long after his gone. He is a true champion on the pitch and off it.

[@southpawtwenty8657]

Ozil stands up only for his people! Ali stood up for lots of groups Christians as well as Muslims.