Mesut Ozil Donates Bonus To Fund Surgeries For 23 Brazilian Children Following World Cup Victory

Germany’s midfielder Mesut Ozil won the biggest title of them all, the World Cup, but he is not keeping his hefty bonus to himself. In an selfless act, the 25-year-old decided to fund the surgeries of 23 Brazilian children to express his thanks for the country’s hospitality during his stay there.

The striker — who along with his team defeated Argentina 1-0 to win Germany’s fourth World Cup title on Sunday — had promised to pay for 11-surgeries prior to the tournament. In a statement, in several languages, on his Facebook page, Mesut Ozil said of the surgeries:

“Dear fans,

Prior to the #WorldCup I supported the surgery of eleven sick children. since the victory of the #WorldCup is not only due to eleven players but to our whole team, I will now raise the number to 23. This is my personal thank-you for the hospitality of the people of Brazil. #Bigshoe #Brasil2014.”

With his decision to be involved and fund the surgeries needed by 23-children, Mesut Ozil is setting an example that others have followed after a very exciting World Cup. Every player in the German team is expected to receive a bonus of $405,778 for winning the title.

We cannot dispute Mesut Ozil’s generosity in taking care of the surgeries for 23 Brazilian strangers, but it may be also seen as a way to make-up for the crushing 7-1 defeat handed down to the Verde Amarela in their semifinal match. A score mourned by the very loyal Torcida, as Brazilian fans are known.

Historically, Germany is a feared, respected football team and at the 2014 World Cup it was no different. From the beginning, many assigned Germany one of the biggest chances of earning the title, predictions which, in the end, turned out to be correct.

Germany became the villains in Brazil — as they have at other World Cups — for humiliating their beloved Green and Yellow. Perhaps Mesut Ozil’s gesture and extreme generosity in taking charge of these surgeries will go a long way to soften the image of his team with the locals.

Initially, there had been reports that Mesut Ozil would donate his hefty bonus, not to the 23 surgeries, but to the children affected by the conflict in Gaza. However, that was denied almost immediately.

Story spreading on Ozil WC winnings not true. @MesutOzil1088's spokesman told @AP that Ozil's donating money to projects in Brazil NOT Gaza

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) July 16, 2014

Other players are also showing extreme generosity after the World Cup. Argentina is reportedly donating around $110,000 of their bonus to a pediatric cancer center in Buenos Aires, after a suggestion made by leader Javier Mascherano. Algeria also, reportedly, donated $9 million to the poor in Gaza.

What do you think about Mesut Ozil’s generous donation to fund 23 surgeries?

[Image via Mesut Ozil/Facebook]