Mesut Ozil: Career stats, trophies breakdown

After a glittering career, the World Cup-winning midfielder hangs his boots as a professional.

Former Arsenal player and German international Mesut Ozil took to social media to announce his retirement from professional football. “After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football,” the 34-year-old wrote in his statement, expressing gratitude for the support and acknowledging the privilege of playing as a professional for almost 17 years. 

Mesut Ozil is remembered as a player with an impeccable vision. He made plenty of assists for his teammates, often from tight situations. He won plenty of trophies during his illustrious career. Also, he was open to making a statement and raising his voice in the context of social issues. The former German international was of Turkish descent and very humble, both as a player and a person.

He also gave credit to his close ones in the message announcing his retirement. “Special thanks must go to my family members and my close friends. They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support, through the good times and the bad.” the statement read.

Here is a look back at Mesut Ozil’s glorious career as he bids adieu to football as a professional:

Club Career

Mesut Ozil played for several top European clubs. Here is a breakdown of his club career:

FC Schalke 04

Mesut Ozil made his professional debut with German Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04. This is where he showed glimpses of his quality after navigating through the youth ranks at the club.

Appearances: 39

Goals: 1

Assists: 5

Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen paid €5.00m for Mesut Ozil’s services in 2008. The midfielder went on to make more than a century of appearances for the German side before moving on to fry bigger fish.

Appearances: 108

Goals: 16

Assists: 54

Real Madrid

Signing for Real Madrid is a dream for every footballer. Mesut Ozil was at the peak of his abilities when he was playing for the LaLiga giants and won several trophies with the club.

Appearances: 159

Goals: 27

Assists: 81

Arsenal

Premier League outfit Arsenal spent €47.00m to bring Mesut Ozil to England, a transfer that made a huge statement. The midfielder made the most appearances for the Gunners out of all the clubs and spent eight years with them. It is worth remembering that Ozil created 146 chances during the 2015-16 Premier League season, the most ever recorded in a top-five European division.

Appearances: 254

Goals: 44

Assists: 79

Fenerbahce

In January 2021, Fenerbahce welcomed Ozil with open arms as he joined the Turkish side on a free transfer heading into the latter stages of his career.

Appearances: 37

Goals: 9

Assists: 3

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Basaksehir FK

Turkish outfit Basaksehir FK made a move for Ozil at the start of the 2022-23 season. The midfielder had fitness issues and could not feature extensively for the side.

Appearances: 7

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

International Career

Mesut Ozil played for the German national team in various major international tournaments including the FIFA World Cup. He made his debut at 20 years 03 months 27 days for the national team and went on to represent the team for nine more years.

Appearances: 92

Goals: 23

Assists: 40

Trophies

Mesut Ozil won trophies at both club and international levels. Most notably, he won the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014, playing a significant role in Joachim Loew’s side. Here is a breakdown of his honours across a successful career:

FIFA World Cup - 1 (2014)

La Liga - 1 (2011-12)

FA Cup - 4 (2014, 2015, 2017, 2020)

DFB Pokal - 1 (2008-09)

Copa del Rey - 1 (2010-11)

Spanish Super Cup - 1 (2012-13)

FA Community Shield - 2 (2015, 2016)

UEFA U-21 Euro - 1 (2009)