Footballer Mesut Ozil Aims To Become An 'Esports Pro' After Retirement
Despite the memes of Mesut Ozil's gaming, the football icon is actually aiming to become a professional esports player.
20th Jun 2022 11:49
Mesut Ozil Instagram | Twitch | Epic Games
Footballer Mesut Ozil Aims To Become An 'Esports Pro' After Retirement
Despite the memes of Mesut Ozil's gaming, the football icon is actually aiming to become a professional esports player.
20th Jun 2022 11:49
Mesut Ozil Instagram | Twitch | Epic Games
People familiar with the career of Mesut Ozil will know that the German footballer is arguably the most significant "missed opportunity" the sport has ever seen. For those unfamiliar, Ozil was once one of the most gifted players on the planet, excelling with intricacy and 'eyes in the back of his head' vision. The German superstar went from breaking assists records and winning the World Cup to rotting on the bench of Arsenal FC for years, picking up an extortionate pay cheque for little return on the pitch.
Having always had a passion for gaming alongside his footballing career, Ozil was often ridiculed by sports media and Arsenal fans for putting more effort into Fortnite than his on-pitch performances, and quickly became an internet meme.
Now, 33-year-old Ozil is failing to make an impact in the sub-par Turkish League with Fenerbache, and as his football retirement approaches, he has now eyed a career in esports.
Mesut Ozil Wants To Be An Esports Professional
Ozil's contract with Fenerbache seems to be in dire straights after spending the majority of the last six months on the sidelines amid reported arguments with their head coach. Now, four years after launching his own organisation 'M10 eSports', Ozil is setting his eyes on being a full-time esports athlete, according to his agent.
Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph, mega agent Dr Erkut Sogut said, "When Mesut Ozil quits football he will become a professional gamer."
"He will go more into esports, play himself and maybe become an esports athlete," continued the agent.
Ozil's Agent Backs Him To Be A Fortnite Pro
Dr Erkut Sogut also claimed that Ozil has a dedicated gaming house in Germany, where he will likely return when his time with Fenerbache ends. Having got comfortable with both FIFA and Fortnite alongside the M10 eSports crew, Ozil's agent has eyed the latter battle royale title to be his next venture.
"He’s really good to be honest, at Fortnite, and I think one day I wouldn’t be surprised if he is competing," he said.
The former World Cup winner has been seen to play Fortnite on Twitch, although his last live stream was two years ago.
Most sports stars with investments and personalised teams in the esports place haven't expressed the desire to make the switch from their careers to video games, although NFL Running-Back Boston Scott recently signed for Dignitas' Rocket League roster as their official substitute, becoming the world's first esports professional to also double in a sports career.
About The Author
Jack Marsh
Jack is an Esports Journalist at GGRecon. Graduating from the University of Chester, with a BA Honours degree in Journalism, Jack is an avid esports enthusiast and specialises in Rocket League, Call of Duty, VALORANT, and trending gaming news.
