Photo by Yuri Cortez/ AFP/ Getty Images

The 2018 World Cup may be over, but the conversations about race and identity are not.

Most recently, German soccer player Mesut Ozil is making headlines. Ozil has decided to quit playing professionally for the national team after what he describes as experiences of racism and doubled standards against people with Turkish ancestry.

On July 22, the Turkish-German midfielder posted a statement on Twitter detailing the defamation and ridicule he has received from far-right German politicians, the media, the German Football Association( DFB ), his squad, and soccer fans.

The statement comes in response to backlash Ozil, a practise Muslim and son of Turkish immigrants, received for posing for a photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The photo was taken after a charity event in London.

While Germany has over 3 million Turkish immigrants, some German politicians and fans questioned Ozil's national allegiance after his photo with the Erdogan. Some have gone so far as to say that Erdogan was exploiting Ozil for political gain.

But in his statement, Ozil insisted that his meeting and photo with Erdogan had no political motive. “For me, having a picture with President Erdogan wasn’t about politics or elections, ” Ozil wrote. “It was about me respecting the highest office of my family’s country.”

Twitter users also pointed out the double standard and hypocrisy Ozil received for posing with Erdogan in comparison with other athletes.

Ozil says he's been singled out because of Germany's failure to advance in the 2018 World Cup.

While Ozil helped lead Germany to win the 2014 World Cup, he said that he has been unfairly scrutinized for the team's shortcomings this year — something he says has to do with his Turkish roots.

In his statement, Ozil described in detail every racist incident he's experienced. He called out the German media for using the Erdogan photo as right-wing propaganda, DFB president Reinhald Grindel for inducing “unforgivable and unforgettable” comments about immigrants and Muslims, and German politician Bernd Holzhauer for referring to him with an offensive expletive.

But Ozil insists that his heart is still with Germany. “I have two hearts, one German and one Turkish, ” he added. Despite being one of the world's best midfielders, Ozil said his mother has always taught him to never forget his roots and values. This is particularly why he wanted to celebrate his dual heritage.

Ozil's resignation is a powerful and courageous act of defiance against the selective — and racist — celebration of immigrants.

By taking a public stand against racism, Ozil shed spotlight on the double standard employed against players of dual-heritage. At a hour when debates about refugees and national identity are looming, he's bravely shaping the conversation on the meaning and purpose of European identity.

The disapproval of dual heritage isn't a problem exclusive to Germany. Trevor Noah received backlash in July 2018 from a French diplomat for celebrating the African background of some of the French soccer players. But Noah set things straight: His celebration of their African roots is not denying their “Frenchness” but instead is pointing out the beauty in all “these Africans who can become French.”

As a matter or principle, Ozil said he would no longer stand to be a part of the scapegoating and racism. The only route for him to do that is to step down from the team and speak out against injustice.

“Racism should never be accepted.”

Right on, Ozil.

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