February 23, (THEWILL) – Former football midfielder, Mesut Ozil, has joined the Turkish ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) through election to its central council, the organisation confirmed on Sunday. The appointment occurred during a congress in Ankara, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan maintained his position at the helm of the conservative movement.
The 36-year-old, who concluded his professional football career in Istanbul in 2023, maintains strong ties with President Erdogan. Their connection became particularly evident when the Turkish leader served as best man at Ozil’s 2019 marriage to Amine Gulse, a former Miss Turkey winner.
The relationship between Ozil and Turkish leadership sparked diplomatic tensions in 2018 following a photograph featuring the footballer alongside Erdogan and fellow German international, Ilkay Gundogan. The incident prompted criticism from Berlin regarding Turkish governmental practices, while German far-right groups targeted Ozil specifically.
The 2014 World Cup champion, once regarded as representative of German multiculturalism, subsequently withdrew from international duty with Germany. In his departure statement, Ozil cited allegations of discrimination within the German Football Association’s structure.
The AKP, which has maintained governmental control in Turkey since 2002, welcomed Ozil during a significant party gathering. The event marked President Erdogan’s ninth consecutive re-election as party leader, further cementing the political group’s enduring influence in Turkish governance.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
