Mesut Özil helped Werder Bremen win the 2009 German Cup and reach the finals of the UEFA Cup. The 20-year-old has already debuted with the German senior national team and he has guided Germany to the semi-finals of the U21 European Championship in Sweden.
Turkish Ancestors
Özil was born on October 15, 1988 in Gelsenkirchen to third generation Turkish immigrants. The creative midfielder began his career with Westfalia 04 Gelsenkirchen before moving through Teutonia Schalke, DJK Falke Gelsenkirchen and Rot-Weiss Essen on his way to Schalke 04's youth side.
Schalke Top Squad For 2006-07 Season
Özil joined Schalke's top squad for the 2006-07 season, starting the campaign as a 17-year-old and setting up one goal in 19 Bundesliga appearances for the league runners-up. He also was subbed in for one UEFA Cup match and one German Cup contest. Özil started the 2007-08 season with Schalke, collecting four assists in 11 Bundesliga games. He also played in four Champions League matches and scored a goal in his only German Cup match with Schalke
Mid-Season Move To Werder Bremen
In January 2008, Schalke broke off negotiations on a contract extension with Özil saying the 19-year-old, who had a deal until 2009, would not commit to staying with his home town club. Werder Bremen swooped in and spent 5 million euros to sign Özil on a contract until June 30, 2011. And it was with Bremen on April 26, 2008 that he scored his first Bundesliga goal against Karlsruhe. Özil played 12 Bundesliga games for Werder, setting up one goal as well as Bremen finished second in the league.
UEFA Cup Final, German Cup Title
Özil teamed with Brazilian playmaker Diego to give Werder one of the most explosive and creative midfields in Germany. Bremen struggled in the Bundesliga in 2008-09, finishing the season in 10th place despite three goals and 15 assists from Özil. But Özil helped Werder Bremen to reach the final of the UEFA Cup, where Bremen lost 2-1 in extra time against Shaktar Donetsk. Özil collected seven assists during Bremen's run from the Champions League through to the UEFA Cup final. In the German Cup final, Özil scored his second goal of the competition in a 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen. He also had one assist in the competition.
National Team For Germany, Not Turkey
In February 2009, German national team coach Joachim Löw nominated Özil for Germany's friendly against Norway on February 11 in Düsseldorf. Özil's career with the German youth national teams dated back to 2006 with the U19 side. He also played for Germany's U21 team starting in 2007. But Turkish football federation members pushed him hard to join the Turkey national team - something other German-born Turks like Hamit and Halil Altintop and Yildiray Basturk have done. But Özil decided against such a move and made his Germany debut against Norway, causing much disappointment and outrage in Turkey.
2009 U21 Euros In Sweden
Özil finished off his 2008-09 season with the U21 European Championship in Sweden. He was named Man of the Match in Germany's scoreless draw against Spain to open the competition. He then set up both goals in Germany's 2-0 win over Finland - his 24th and 25th assists in all competitions this season. And Özil hopes to guide Germany to the U21 Euro title as they have qualified for the semi-finals.
Transfer Rumors Already Coming In
Even though Özil has a contract until 2011, he confirmed that his agent is already getting offers for a transfer from Werder. Among those interested in Özil - who has a market value of 8.9 million euros - are Arensal, Fenerbahce, Manchester City, Valencia and Juventus.
