Bukayo Saka, the dynamic winger for Arsenal, recently revealed a surprising pick for the best player he’s ever shared a pitch with: former Gunner Mesut Ozil. This isn’t a casual mention; coming from a player who regularly lines up alongside stars like Harry Kane and Declan Rice for England, it speaks volumes about Ozil’s unique talent.
Saka described playing with Ozil as simply “fun,” a quality difficult to quantify but instantly recognizable to those who witnessed the German playmaker at his peak. He struggled to articulate the experience, hinting at a level of effortless brilliance that transcended typical footballing artistry.
Their time together, though spanning just 17 matches during Saka’s early career, clearly left an indelible mark. Ozil’s vision and creativity were a rare sight in the Premier League, captivating fans and inspiring teammates.
Ozil arrived at Arsenal in 2013, a proven talent from Real Madrid, and quickly became the embodiment of elegant playmaking. While his departure was marked by controversy, his best years in North London delivered moments of pure footballing magic.
Across 254 appearances for Arsenal, Ozil amassed an impressive 44 goals and 77 assists. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent countless opportunities created and games influenced by his exceptional skill.
The 2015/16 Premier League season stands as a testament to his creative genius. Ozil provided a staggering 19 assists, a total surpassed only by Thierry Henry in Premier League history, solidifying his status as one of Europe’s elite.
Beyond individual accolades, Ozil played a crucial role in ending Arsenal’s nine-year trophy drought, contributing to four FA Cup victories. These triumphs brought joy to the Emirates Stadium and cemented his place in the club’s history.
However, Ozil’s Arsenal story wasn’t without its complexities. His outspoken views on political issues, specifically concerning human rights in China, led to a significant fallout with the club.
After publicly criticizing China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims in 2019, Arsenal swiftly distanced themselves from his comments, emphasizing they were his “personal opinion.” The club, mindful of its substantial commercial interests in China, faced immediate repercussions, including the cancellation of match broadcasts.
The aftermath saw Ozil increasingly marginalized, eventually excluded from both the Premier League and Europa League squads. This ultimately led to his transfer to Fenerbahce in January 2021, bringing an end to his Arsenal career.
Since retiring from professional football in March 2023, following a stint with İstanbul Başakşehir, Ozil has embarked on a new path, blending politics and business. His Turkish heritage has drawn him into the political arena.
In 2025, Ozil joined the central council of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), a move reflecting his long-standing relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This represents a significant shift from the football pitch to the political landscape.
Beyond politics, Ozil remains an active entrepreneur. He continues to oversee his esports team, founded in 2018, and has expanded his portfolio with a stake in the Mexican football club, Club Necaxa.
Ozil has also undergone a noticeable physical transformation since retirement, dedicating himself to fitness and building a more muscular physique, a stark contrast to his leaner build during his playing days. This demonstrates a commitment to a new chapter, far removed from the demands of professional football.
