FrenklenMesut Özil, the renowned German former professional footballer, is a practicing Muslim. He is known for his exceptional skills, creativity, and playmaking abilities, but his faith has played a significant role in shaping his life and career. This article delves into the details of his religious beliefs and practices, his journey as a footballer, his personal life, and his influence beyond the field.
Mesut Özil’s Religion and Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Religion | Islam |
| Profession | Former Professional Footballer |
| Date of birth | October 15, 1988 |
| Zodiac sign | Libra |
| Nationality | German |
The Influence of Islam on Mesut Özil’s Life
Mesut Özil’s Muslim faith has been an integral part of his life since childhood. He has spoken openly about the importance of prayer and faith in his daily routine, especially before important matches.
Reciting the Quran Before Matches: Özil is known for reciting verses from the Quran before every match as a way of seeking blessings and finding strength. He has shared that his teammates are aware of this ritual and respect his need for quiet time before taking the field.
Observing Ramadan: While he acknowledges the challenges of observing Ramadan during his professional career due to the demands of training and matches, Özil strives to fast whenever possible. He recognizes the importance of this religious observance and tries to adhere to it as much as his busy schedule allows.
Umrah Pilgrimage: In 2016, Özil performed Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca, highlighting his dedication to his faith.
Philanthropic Efforts: Özil’s faith inspires his charitable work. He has donated his World Cup winnings to help sick Brazilian children, visited refugee camps, and supported various other initiatives aimed at helping those in need.
Embracing the Muslim Community: Özil’s faith has also shaped his identity as a Turkish-German Muslim. He has spoken out against Islamophobia and prejudice, using his platform to promote understanding and tolerance.
Mesut Özil’s Parents: A Turkish Heritage
Mesut Özil’s parents, Mustafa and Gulizar Özil, are Turkish immigrants who moved to Germany in search of better opportunities. They raised Mesut and his siblings in Gelsenkirchen, where he developed his passion for football.
While Mesut was born and raised in Germany, his family’s Turkish heritage has played a crucial role in shaping his identity and values. He has expressed his connection to both cultures, recognizing the influence of his Turkish upbringing on his approach to life and the game.
Family’s Religious Beliefs
While there’s limited information on the specific religious practices of Mesut Özil’s immediate family, considering his parents were Turkish immigrants and his own outspoken faith, it is likely that they also identify as Muslims.
Life Partner’s Religious Beliefs
Mesut Özil’s wife, Amine Gülşe, is also a practising Muslim. They were married in 2019, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was a witness at the ceremony, further highlighting their shared faith.
Siblings’ Religious Beliefs
There is limited information publicly available about the religious beliefs of Mesut Özil’s siblings. While it’s possible they share his Muslim faith, their personal beliefs are not confirmed.
Education and Career Beginnings
Mesut Özil’s journey in football began in his hometown of Gelsenkirchen, Germany. He attended Gesamtschule Berger Feld, a comprehensive school, where he excelled in sports and began his football career at a young age. He initially played for various local youth clubs, including Westfalia 04 Gelsenkirchen, Teutonia Schalke-Nord, and Falke Gelsenkirchen.
His talent was recognized early on, leading him to join the youth system of Schalke 04 in 2005. He made his professional debut for FC Schalke 04 in 2006. However, his time at Schalke was short-lived as he moved to Werder Bremen in 2008.
Rise to Career Success
Özil’s move to Werder Bremen marked a turning point in his career. He quickly established himself as a key player, showcasing his exceptional technical skills and playmaking abilities. His performances helped Bremen win the DFB-Pokal in 2009 and reach the final of the UEFA Cup.
His success at Bremen brought him international attention, and in 2010, he transferred to Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world. During his time in Madrid, Özil won the La Liga title and became one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.
In 2013, he made a record-breaking move to Arsenal, becoming the most expensive German footballer at the time. He remained with Arsenal for eight years, winning four FA Cups and establishing himself as a Premier League legend. He was known for his creative passing, vision, and ability to unlock defences, making him a fan favorite in England.
Key Collaborations and Recognition
Mesut Özil’s exceptional talent and footballing prowess earned him accolades and recognition throughout his career. He was nominated for the Golden Ball award at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the tournament. He has consistently been a top assist provider in major competitions, earning him the nickname “assist-king.”
He has played alongside some of the greatest footballers of all time, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Lionel Messi. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates has made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for.
Praise from Fellow Players and Coaches:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: “He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal… I’m angry about Özil leaving.”
- Xabi Alonso: “He understands the game, sees things, combines and thrives between the lines, unlocking teams.”
- José Mourinho: “Özil is unique. There is no copy of him – not even a bad copy.”
Personal Life and Relationships
Off the field, Mesut Özil is known for his private nature. However, he has shared glimpses of his personal life with fans through social media.
He has been in several high-profile relationships. He was previously linked to singer Mandy Capristo, and is now married to Amine Gülşe, a former Miss Turkey. They have two daughters, Eda and Ela.
Notable Events in Personal Life:
- Marriage to Amine Gülşe: Their wedding in 2019 was a lavish event attended by many prominent figures, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who served as a witness.
- Carjacking Incident: In 2019, Özil and his Arsenal teammate Sead Kolašinac were the victims of a carjacking attempt. The incident led to increased security measures for both players.
Net Worth and Career Success
Mesut Özil’s exceptional career has made him one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. His net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, a testament to his success on the field and lucrative endorsements.
He has also ventured into various business ventures, including his own streetwear firm, M10, and esports team. He has a passion for entrepreneurship and has invested in several other ventures, including a chain of coffee shops and a sports clinic.
Influence and Legacy
Mesut Özil’s influence extends beyond his footballing achievements. His outspokenness on social issues, particularly regarding the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China and his support for Palestine, has drawn attention and sparked debate.
Social Activism and Advocacy:
- Uyghur Crisis: In 2019, Özil publicly criticized China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims, prompting backlash from the Chinese government and state media.
- Support for Palestine: He has consistently voiced his support for Palestine, wearing a “Free Palestine” T-shirt during a match and using his platform to raise awareness.
Özil’s willingness to use his influence to speak out on these issues has earned him admiration from some and criticism from others.
Attending Religious Events
While information about Özil’s attendance at specific religious events is limited, he has spoken about his faith’s influence on his life and his dedication to observing Islamic practices, such as prayer and fasting.
Related Queries
Is Mesut Özil a Muslim?
Yes, Mesut Özil is a practicing Muslim. He has spoken openly about his faith and its importance in his life.
What is Mesut Özil’s religion?
Mesut Özil is a Muslim.
What does Mesut Özil do before a game?
Özil recites verses from the Quran before every match as a way of seeking blessings and finding strength.
Does Mesut Özil fast during Ramadan?
He strives to fast during Ramadan but acknowledges the challenges of doing so during his professional career due to the demands of training and matches.
Why did Mesut Özil retire from international football?
In 2018, Özil retired from the German national team, citing racism and disrespect he faced from the German Football Association and the media. He alleged that he was unfairly targeted for his Turkish heritage and his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Long-Tail Keywords
Mesut Özil’s religious beliefs and their impact on his career
Mesut Özil’s Muslim faith has influenced his daily routine, his charitable efforts, and his stance on social justice issues. He is known for reciting verses from the Quran before matches and striving to observe Ramadan whenever possible. His faith has also inspired his philanthropic work and has shaped his identity as a Turkish-German Muslim.
How does Mesut Özil’s religion affect his life off the pitch?
Özil’s faith is evident in his charitable work, his personal values, and his advocacy for social justice issues. He is known for his commitment to his faith and for using his platform to speak out against Islamophobia and prejudice.
How does Mesut Özil’s religion influence his football?
Özil’s religious beliefs have instilled in him a sense of gratitude and humility. He is known for thanking God after scoring goals and for his focus on teamwork and collaboration. His faith has also given him strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Mesut Özil’s journey as a footballer and his journey of faith are intricately intertwined. His dedication to Islam is evident in his daily routines, his charitable endeavors, and his outspokenness on social issues. He has used his platform to promote understanding and tolerance, while also demonstrating the power of faith in shaping a person’s life and career.
FAQs
What is Mesut Özil’s nationality?
Mesut Özil is a German national.
Is Mesut Özil’s wife a Muslim?
Yes, Amine Gülşe, Mesut Özil’s wife, is a practicing Muslim.
What is Mesut Özil’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.
Did Mesut Özil play for Real Madrid?
Yes, he played for Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013.
Does Mesut Özil have any children?
Yes, he has two daughters, Eda and Ela, with his wife Amine Gülşe.
How many FA Cups did Mesut Özil win with Arsenal?
Mesut Özil won four FA Cups with Arsenal.
What is Mesut Özil known for?
Mesut Özil is known for his exceptional skills as a footballer, particularly his creativity, playmaking abilities, and vision on the field.
Why was Mesut Özil left out of the Arsenal squad?
Mesut Özil was left out of the Arsenal squad in 2020 after he refused to take a voluntary pay cut during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also suggested that his omission was related to his criticism of the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China.
What is Mesut Özil’s M10 brand?
Mesut Özil’s M10 brand is a streetwear firm and esports team that he owns.
What is Mesut Özil’s relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan?
Mesut Özil is of Turkish descent and has met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on multiple occasions. His association with Erdoğan has been the subject of controversy in Germany.
What is Mesut Özil’s “M” goal celebration?
Mesut Özil’s “M” goal celebration is in tribute to his niece, Mira.
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