Mesut Özil Joins Turkish President’s Party in Political Shift.

Mesut Özil Joins Turkish President’s Party in Political Shift

Retired football star Mesut Özil has entered Turkish politics, joining President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s AKP party and securing a seat on its governing board during a weekend congress in Ankara.

The 36-year-old World Cup winner, who retired in 2023, was elected to the AKP’s Central Decision-Making Board on February 24. His appointment follows years of public alignment with Erdoğan, including serving as his 2019 wedding best man and defending Turkey’s stance on Palestine.

Özil’s 2018 photo-op with the Turkish leader previously sparked accusations of divided loyalties in Germany, leading to his international retirement.

Analysts view the move as symbolic outreach to youth and diaspora communities, though the board holds limited authority under Turkey’s presidential system.