Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil Biography

Known for his technical skills and versatility as an attacking midfielder, Mesut Ozil is a German professional footballer who was born on 15th October 1988 in Gelsenkirchen, West Germany.

He plays for English club Arsenal and the Germany national team.

Ozil plays mostly as an attacking midfielder through the centre of the pitch, but can also be deployed as a winger on either flank.

In 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012, Ozil became the joint-highest assist provider.

Background

Mesut Ozil started his senior career as a member of his hometown club Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga and he later departed after two seasons to join Werder Bremen for €5 million.

At the age of 22 due to his performance, he garnered everyone’s attention at the 2010 FIFA World Cup as he was instrumental in the side's campaign where they reached the semi-finals.

Debut

On 11 February 2009, Ozil made his international debut for the senior side during a friendly match against Norway and he scored his first goal for the senior team in his third appearance against South Africa in another friendly match.

Before starting playing for the senior team, Ozil represented Germany in Under-19 and Under-21 categories.

Rise to Glory

Just a year after his debut, Ozil came into prominence when he was selected for Germany's squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and helped his side to reach the semifinals.

Ozil was one of the leading forces in Germany's qualification for UEFA Euro 2012, scoring five times during the campaign which helped Germany to win all ten games to top their group and he also provided seven assists, more than any European international during Euro 2012 qualification.

On 29 February 2012, Ozil was recognised as Germany's best international of the year for 2011.

Club Career

In 2005, Ozil moved to the youth system of Schalke 04 and later moved to represent Werder Bremen in 2008. In the 2009–10 season, Ozil became the key playmaker of Werder Bremen.

Ozil ensured his place among Europe's top young talents as he signed a deal with Real Madrid due to his performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Ozil agreed to join English side Arsenal on 2nd September 2013 and he continues for Arsenal in the 2017–18 season, when he signed a new long-term deal with the Gunners.

He has scored 81 goals in the 485 matches he appeared for different clubs.

Ozil's Record in Numbers

Ozil has been called "assist-king" in the media, due to his creative ability and offensive prowess as a playmaker.

In the 88 appearances he made for Germany national team, he managed to score 22 goals at international level.

Ozil's performances for Real Madrid during his first season were praised by media as he finished the season with 25 assists which is the highest for any player in any major European competition that season.

He was nominated for UEFA Best Player in Europe Award due to his fine form with Real Madrid and German national team, in which he finished tenth, being the youngest player to feature in the Top 10 and was also shortlisted for FIFA Ballon d'Or award.

Ozil finished the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament as the joint-highest assist provider and was named in the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament which earned him two Man of the Match Awards.