German soccer star Mesut Ozil has recently announced his retirement from soccer. Ozil, who was one of the best midfielders of his generation, finally bid adieu to soccer at the age of 34. During Ozil’s more than 15 years of experience as a soccer player, the German midfielder won almost every trophy possible. He also played in some of the biggest clubs in the world such as Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Mesut Ozil was also a key member of the German side that won the FIFA World Cup in 2014. He also won La Liga with Real Madrid in the 2011-12 season. However, despite possessing unparalleled grace and poise with the soccer ball, Ozil’s career was marred with injuries. Moreover, Ozil’s injuries played a crucial role in his decision to take such an early retirement.
However, despite his early retirement, Mesut Ozil still leaves as one of the richest soccer stars in the world. Here’s a look at the former Real Madrid star’s salary, net worth, and career earnings.
Mesut Ozil announces retirement
Mesut Ozil took to his Instagram to announce his retirement. Ozil has been struggling with injuries for the past few years. After leaving his former club Arsenal in 2021, Ozil joined the Turkish club Fenerbahce where he had a spell of limited appearances. Last year, he joined another Turkish side, Istanbul Basaksahir. However, Ozil also struggled with appearances at this club.
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aqr4pB5SI2
— Mesut Özil (@M10) March 22, 2023
The former Arsenal midfielder made his last professional appearance earlier last month when he came on after halftime for Basaksehir’s 1-0 loss to Kayserispor in the Turkish Super Lig. This was Ozil’s only second appearance for the club. The 2014 World Cup winner wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying “It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. “
Toni Kroos has described Mesut Ozil’s racism claims as “nonsense.” pic.twitter.com/1sHYyoSd0F
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 16, 2018
Mesut Ozil had already retired from the national team back in 2018 right after Germany‘s exit from the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. Ozil cited racism and discrimination as the reasons for his decision to take early retirement. Ozil left the German team with 92 international caps, 23 goals, 40 assists, and a World Cup trophy under his belt (via Transfermarkt).
What was Ozil’s salary per week?
During Ozil’s 17 years as a top-flight professional soccer star, he played for some huge clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, and Istanbul Basaksehir. After Ozil completed his move to Real Madrid from Werder Bremen back in 2010, he reportedly earned an estimated salary of $6 million a year after taxes. The then-Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, was a big fan of Ozil and paid Werder Bremen about $29 million for the German star.
After three successful years with Real Madrid, Ozil joined Arsenal in a big-money-move. The English club reportedly paid an estimated sum of $54 million for Ozil. During his stay at Arsenal, Ozil earned almost $20 million annually. Ozil won four FA Cup titles and the Community Shield twice with Arsenal. Amidst problems at Arsenal, Ozil took a significant pay cut and moved to Fenerbahce in 2021.
Mesut Ozil officially retires from football. What a career this playmaker has had 🤩
🏟
Schalke 04
Werder Bremen
Real Madrid
Arsenal
Fenerbahce
Istanbul Basaksehir🏆
DFB-Pokal
LaLiga
FA Cup x3
2014 World Cup pic.twitter.com/xypvNUpC5X— The Woodwork (@TheWoodworkUK) March 23, 2023
There, he earned about $3.5 million annually. After his transfer to Basaksehir in 2022, Ozil’s salary got further reduced. Ozil earned less than $3 million annually during his brief stay at Basaksehir.
Mesut Ozil’s Net Worth
Even after taking a substantial pay cut, Mesut Ozil still retires as one of the wealthiest soccer stars in the world. As per reports from Sportskeeda, Ozil’s net worth as of 2023 is approximately $120 million. While most of his earnings have come from soccer, Ozil has also earned a significant amount from his endorsement deals.
Mesut Ozil’s lucrative sponsorship deal with Adidas is due to expire with the sportswear giant reportedly not renewing his £22million contract.
It is the second major sponsor Ozil has lost in recent years, after Mercedes ended their relationship with him in 2018.
{Mirror} pic.twitter.com/pkxyNVqNZ3
— AshkuzSports (@SportsAshkuz) June 3, 2020
Mesut Ozil had signed a $35 million deal with Adidas back in 2013. However, Adidas announced back in 2020 that they were not going to sign a new deal with Ozil after the expiration of the previous one. Ozil was also an ambassador for the German automobile company, Mercedes-Benz, from 2016 to 2018. The former Arsenal star has also his own eSports team, M10, which Ozil founded back in 2018.