Ozil Could Have Been The GOAT Playmaker, But Then He Disappeared
Daily Dose Of Football・18 minutes read
Mesut Ozil had a remarkable career, excelling in assists and gaining recognition as a world-class player before facing challenges, both personally and professionally, that led to his retirement from professional football at a relatively young age. Despite initial success and accolades, Ozil's career took a downward turn due to injuries, conflicts, controversies, and a decline in performance, ultimately culminating in his retirement after playing only a few matches for his last team.
Insights
- Mesut Ozil's early career was marked by exceptional performance, with over 150 assists by age 24, earning comparisons to football legends like Zidane and Messi, but his later years were plagued by personal challenges and a significant decline in productivity, culminating in a premature retirement.
- Ozil's journey was shaped by his struggle for acceptance and identity as a third-generation immigrant in Germany, facing isolation and discrimination, highlighting the complexities of his background and the impact it had on his career trajectory from early success to later setbacks.
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Who is Mesut Ozil?
A talented footballer with a complex career.
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Summary
00:00
Mesut Ozil: Rise, Fall, and Legacy
- Mesut Ozil provided over 150 assists by the age of 24, achieved in less than 300 matches, contrasting with Iniesta's 192 assists in nearly 1,000 matches.
- Ozil was praised by Iniesta and others, being compared to Figo, Zidane, Messi, Ronaldo, and Kaká, with a chant at Arsenal hailing him as superior to Zidane.
- Despite a promising start, Ozil's career spiraled downwards, accumulating only 15 assists in the last 5 years before retiring due to personal and external challenges.
- Ozil, a third-generation immigrant in Germany, faced isolation and discrimination, with his football talent being his sole standout quality.
- Ozil's struggle for German citizenship, delayed for over 16 years, highlighted the complexities of his identity and acceptance in Germany.
- Ozil's success at Werder Bremen, including a Bundesliga second-place finish and a German Cup win, marked a significant phase in his career.
- Ozil's exceptional performance in the Bundesliga, Europa League, and as the top assist provider led to his recognition as a world-class player.
- Ozil's move to Real Madrid saw him excel, becoming the top assist provider in Europe and earning accolades from teammates and opponents alike.
- Despite initial success at Arsenal, Ozil faced injuries and challenges, missing matches but still achieving milestones like becoming the fastest player to reach 50 assists in the Premier League.
- Ozil's departure from Real Madrid was met with disappointment from teammates like Ronaldo and Ramos, while Arsenal fans celebrated his arrival and impact on the team.
13:46
Mesut Ozil: Rise, Fall, and Retirement
- Mesut Ozil impressed during the World Cup, scoring a decisive goal and leading in creative stats, catching the attention of UEFA president Michel Platini.
- In the 2015/2016 season, Ozil barely missed any minutes in the league, achieving 19 assists, just one short of a record, helping Arsenal to a second-place finish.
- Despite a strong season, Ozil's performance declined after 2018, leading to drama surrounding his World Cup photo with Erdogan and subsequent retirement from the German national team.
- Ozil faced challenges at Arsenal with a change in management, injuries, and conflicts with Unai Emery, resulting in underperformance and strained relationships.
- Ozil's refusal to take a pay cut during the pandemic, along with other controversies, led to further complications in his career, including being left out of Arsenal's competitions in 2021.
- After leaving Arsenal for Fenerbahce and later Basaksehir, Ozil faced injuries and coaching issues, ultimately announcing his retirement after playing only 7 matches for his new team.
