Football get players wey go pass, shoot, or score. But every once in a while, you get that special one person wey go turn ordinary pass into magic, person wey go make football look like art. Today, the world dey celebrate one of those rare gems: Mesut Özil, as the German maestro clocks 37 years.
Born on October 15, 1988, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Özil no just play football he painted it. From his delicate first touch to those killer through balls wey break defensive lines, the man redefine what it means to be a playmaker.
A Career Full of Magic and Memories
Over his career, Özil don play 737 games, score 137 goals, and deliver an unbelievable 258 assists. But those numbers no even tell half of the story. When Özil dey at his best, defenders no fit predict am, goalkeepers no fit relax, and fans always dey expect something spectacular.
From Schalke to Werder Bremen, Real Madrid to Arsenal, and later Fenerbahçe and İstanbul Başakşehir leave his mark everywhere he go. His time at Real Madrid under José Mourinho na one of the finest chapters of his career. He formed deadly partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo, feeding him with assists like buffet. Ronaldo once talk say, “Özil knows my runs better than anyone else.” That talk alone show how special the connection be.
In Spain, he help Madrid win:
La Liga
Copa del Rey
Supercopa de España
And when he later move to Arsenal, e become the heartbeat of the team. Under Arsène Wenger, Özil light up the Premier League with his vision, calmness, and creativity. He give fans moments dem no go forget those no-look passes, chip assists, and ice-cold finishes. For Arsenal, e collect:
FA Cup
Community Shield
Wenger once call am a “magician” and truly, that’s what he was.
The World Cup Glory
Özil’s biggest achievement no doubt be his contribution to Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil. He no just play he dictated play. Always between the lines, always making space, always delivering that crucial final ball. His unselfish style of play represent the perfect modern No.10 intelligent, calm, and deadly.
That World Cup cement him as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Faith, Calmness, and Character
One thing about Mesut Özil be say e never shy away from who he be. From day one, he stand strong for his beliefs. As he once talk:
“I pray almost every day, and you can see that I pray on the pitch. I pray in the dressing room. That is just part of my life.”
His faith and humility always reflect in the way he play calm under pressure, respectful to fans, and never chasing headlines.
The Legacy of the Assist King
When you talk about playmakers of the 2010s, Özil name go always show. The man no need shout or dribble 10 players one perfect pass from him fit destroy a whole defense. His vision be like superpower; he dey see what others no dey see.
For many fans, Özil na the player wey make dem fall in love with the beauty of football again.
Even though he don retire from professional football, the influence of his style still dey everywhere in players like Kevin De Bruyne, Martin Ødegaard, and Jamal Musiala. His soft touch, grace, and intelligence go continue to inspire generations.
Final Words
As Mesut Özil clock 37 today, the football world dey remember not just the assists and trophies, but the artistry he bring to the game.
From Gelsenkirchen to Madrid, from London to Istanbul the Assist King go forever remain a symbol of elegance, vision, and class.
Happy Birthday, Mesut Özil.
Thank you for making football beautiful.
