Former German international footballer Mesut Özil is facing strong backlash after sharing a controversial Instagram story.
In the post, Özil displayed a map where the name "Israel" was crossed out with a red cross and replaced by "Palestine."
This action has been widely interpreted as a direct challenge to Israel's right to exist, a stance that is particularly sensitive in Germany, where the state's commitment to Israel's security is a matter of official policy.
According to Der Spiegel, Özil has previously shown solidarity with Palestinians on social media, but this latest post has provoked criticism within his home country.
Instagram story by Mesut Özil. Photo: m10_official / Instagram
Julia Klöckner, a politician from Germany's CDU party, responded on social media platform X by calling for Özil to return the Silver Laurel Leaf.
This is the highest state award for athletes in Germany, which he received in 2010 along with other national players for their success at the World Cup in South Africa.
Initially, Klöckner mistakenly referred to the Federal Cross of Merit in her criticism, but corrected herself later.
The Jewish sports association Makkabi Germany also condemned Özil's post and called on the German Football Association (DFB) to distance itself from him.
Makkabi President Alon Meyer described the post as "anti-Israel" and accused Özil of promoting an anti-Semitic worldview.
Özil’s Connection to the "Grey Wolves"
Further controversy surrounds Özil's alleged connections to the "Grey Wolves," a far-right Turkish nationalist group.
CSU General Secretary Martin Huber, in an interview with Bild newspaper, labeled Özil's post as "unspeakable" and "unbelievable," accusing him of openly supporting anti-Semitism.
Huber also criticized Özil's associations with the Grey Wolves by calling him "a prime example of failed integration."
This incident has reignited debates around Özil's political stances and the responsibilities of public figures in expressing their views on sensitive geopolitical issues.
