Mesut Özil was crowned as the Germany International of 2015 prior to Saturday’s 3-2 friendly defeat to England. Fan club members Tobias Obitz and Lena Kleiner presented the attacking midfielder with the award just before kick-off at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
The World Champion had already responded to getting the award: "It’s a big honour – this award is determined by the fans after all. At the same time though, it’s a huge motivation for me to continue working hard in 2016, especially in regard to the European Championship in France, where our team aims to go all the way."
Özil received exactly 51,580 votes in the national team fan club ballot, powered by Coca-Cola, which equals roughly 45% of all the votes casted. Thomas Müller (15.9%) came in second place, with Jonas Hector (13.6%) rounding off the top three. It is the fourth time Özil has won the award, having previously secured the honours in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Former Germany Internationals of the Year
2010: Bastian Schweinsteiger
2011: Mesut Özil
2012: Mesut Özil
2013: Mesut Özil
2014: Toni Kroos
2015: Mesut Özil