Mesut Özil
A magician with the ball whose sublime vision and delicate passes redefined the creative midfielder role for a generation.
Born 1988 (age 38)·German footballer·Birthday: October 15·Millennials
Biography
Mesut Özil's football was a form of art, played at a different tempo from everyone else. Born in Gelsenkirchen to Turkish parents, his game was a blend of German precision and intuitive flair. His breakthrough at Werder Bremen led to a starring role in Germany's thrilling 2010 World Cup campaign, which earned him a move to Real Madrid. There, under José Mourinho, he became the premier assist provider in Europe, his eyes seemingly seeing passing lanes before they existed. His £42.5 million transfer to Arsenal in 2013 was a statement signing; for years, he was the team's creative heartbeat, breaking the Premier League single-season assist record. His career, marked by sublime highs and complicated chapters, left an indelible mark as that of a player who made the difficult look effortless.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mesut was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mesut Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Mesut's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014, playing a key creative role in the tournament.
- Set the Premier League record for most assists in a single season (19) during the 2015/16 campaign with Arsenal.
- Helped Real Madrid win the La Liga title in 2012, providing a league-high 17 assists that season.
Did You Know?
He is a devout Muslim and has performed the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
He founded the 'Mesut Özil Foundation' which focuses on helping underprivileged children around the world.
He was known for wearing the number 10 shirt for club and country, a symbol of the playmaker role.
“My technique and feeling for the ball is the Turkish side to my game. The discipline, attitude and always-give-your-all is the German part.”
