FORMER Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from football.
The German-born Wold Cup winner has entered the world of POLITICS.
Ozil has become a member of Turkey’s ruling AK Party’s central council at a congress meeting in Ankara.
The legendary midfielder was voted into a key decision-making body called the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK).
Ozil, who ended his club career with Istanbul Basaksehir, has been a longtime supporter of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Tens of thousands gathered in a sports hall grand congress as Erdogan secured his ninth re-election as AKP’s leader.
In 2019, Ozil chose Conservative leader Erdogan as the best man at his wedding to Amine Gulse, a former Miss Turkey.
His association with Erdogan has previously sparked controversy.
A 2018 photo of Ozil and fellow German star Ilkay Gundogan alongside Erdogan triggered a political backlash in Germany.
Ozil, previously held up as a symbol of a multicultural Germany, retired from the German national team soon after.
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He accused fans of racism saying: “I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose.”
The third-generation Turkish-German was born in Gelsenkirchen and was a key member of his country’s 2014 World Cup-winning side.
He won 92 caps and was voted the national team’s player of the year five times since 2011 by fans.
Now, with his political career taking shape, Ozil is set to play a new role within Turkish politics under Erdogan’s leadership.
But in his prime, he was regarded as one of football’s best playmakers.
Ozil scooped trophies with Werder Bremen, Madrid and Arsenal during a glittering club career.
SCENES featuring One Direction star Liam Payne could be drastically cut back in the upcoming series of boyband search, Building the Band.
I understand bosses at Netflix are trying to find a way that the singer can remain as a presence in the final edit of the show when it drops on the streaming service later this year.
He signed up to be a guest judge on the contest and filmed his section in the UK last year, just months before he died in tragic circumstances in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October.
But the streaming giant wants to avoid a backlash from viewers, who might think that having him feature in the show too much is insensitive or in poor taste.
A TV insider said: “The feeling among execs at Netflix is that they want to err on the side of caution, and if that means having Liam in the least amount of scenes possible then that’s the step they’re willing to take.
“They want to strike the right balance between having him feature in the show, doing the thing he loved, with having him feature too much, which would be a lot for his loved ones to contend with.
“Discussions are ongoing with Liam’s family, and their views are a crucial consideration for Netflix.
“But fans may be surprised by how little he ends up featuring in the finished series.
“The one option they probably don’t have is to remove him entirely from the show, even if they wanted to, because he’s an intrinsic part of the process the boy bands go through on the series.”
Those close to Liam’s family were surprised that Netflix confirmed in January that Building The Band would air later this year.
They thought they would have a final say on the show and that discussions were ongoing.
Netflix were approached for comment.
FRESH from the jungles of Costa Rica on Netflix’s Celeb Bear Hunt, Laurence Llewellyn Bowen is returning to his creature comforts with another round of his Channel 4 series.
The king of interior design will be back to explore more wild, weird and wonderful houses in a second series of Outrageous Homes.
In it, Laurence discovers what inspires homeowners to be different by banishing all things bland, and uncovers the hard work put in to finish each project.
He said: “Twenty-eight years ago when I filmed the first episode of Changing Rooms, I suspected this nation wasn’t the aesthetic blandscape it appeared to be.
“Now, with Season Deux (The Glampire Strikes Back), I’ll be up to the armpits in weird.
Applications to appear on the series are open now.
JODIE WHITTAKER warned her Doctor Who replacement Ncuti Gatwa that time on the series “goes so quick”.
I previously revealed the BBC show faced the axe as lead star Ncuti was poised to quit.
Jodie said in ST Culture mag: “I was grief-stricken when it ended.”
FILMING for EastEnders, joining Beeb comedy Boarders and starting a consumer series might keep Natalie Cassidy busy but she still has time for her fans.
In fact, she texts them.
Natalie, who plays Sonia Fowler on the soap, tells listeners on her podcast Life With Nat to text on WhatsApp.
She told the Monday Mile podcast: “I get messages every day, it’s like a real community.
“I text them back.
“Not all of them, or you could be doing it all day, but I will reply, ‘Thanks’, and they’re like, ‘Is this really you’ – so if I have time, I put voice notes in.
“I want people to feel part of it.”
Natalie will leave Albert Square this year, and will play an eccentric maths teacher in Boarders, and host consumer series What’s The Big Deal.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
HOLLYOAKS underwent a wave of departures by cast members last year – and now one of its longest serving stars is stepping down.
Nikki Sanderson, who has played Maxine Miniver since she joined the Channel 4 series in 2012, told soap bosses that she’s keen to step back at the end of her current contract.
It means the actress, who featured in plotlines from domestic abuse to mental illness, will film her emotional exit scenes next month.
Insiders revealed that Nikki, who has been dating Emmerdale actor Anthony Quinlan for three years, had decided to move on to give herself more freedom to try other roles.
A source told me: “She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave, she’d just turned 40 and felt the time was right to say goodbye to Maxine.
“She’s keen to explore other opportunities and is excited to get back out there.
“Bosses have been plotting Maxine’s exit storyline for months and have promised it will be a fitting tribute to the character, and viewers can expect a lot of drama before she goes.”
The source added: “She will film her final scenes next month, which will go out on-screen in May.”
Earlier this month we revealed how rival soap Coronation Street has signed up Ryan Mulvey, who played JJ Osborne in the Channel 4 soap.
Ryan bagged a part in the ITV programme mere weeks after finally leaving Hollyoaks for good.
Ryan was involved in one of soap’s most controversial plots ever when it was revealed that his character JJ had been repeatedly raping and abusing his twin sister, Frankie, and putting her through a terrible ordeal.
JJ was sent to prison after finally confessing to the shocking abuse which led to his exit from the soap.
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DANCING On Ice fans have hit out at the judging panel after disagreeing with them on the scores given for one couple.
Fans of the show were up in arms and quick to slam the judges for ‘overscoring’ The Traitors star Mollie Pearce.
Asking “are they watching something different?” after Mollie and Colin took to the ice, fans didn’t agree with the 35.5 score the pair nabbed.
For Musical Week, Mollie & Colin skated to Mamma Mia! and received three scores of 9.0.
The pair did the headbanger during their routine, which is always met with baited breath – but the pair smashed it.
Although the couple seamlessly carried out the risky headbanger, fans didn’t agree with their high score.
Ashley gave the pair 9.0, Oti followed suit with a score of 9.0, and so did Jayne who gave 9.0, while Chris gave the pair 8.5.
After he scores were given, fans rushed to social media to fume over the high scores dished out to Mollie and Colin by the judges.
Fans were disappointed with the high scores the couple received, with many quick to say how Mollie needed to skate on her own more.
One person on X said: “Overmarked I think, not much solo skating for me. Pretty sure they told her last week they wanted to see more solo skating #dancingonice.”
A second then echoed: “I love Mollie but that was overmarked #dancingonice #doi.”
“Mollie still being carried around and scores 9s! How she keeps getting through week after week beats me,” penned a third.
“9.0 for Mollie and Colin. Are they watching something different?!” asked a fourth.
While a fifth pleaded: “Ice skate on your own mollie please… the others get told why dont she…”
A sixth added: “I agree with Chris about Mollie – there were a few jolty moments I loved the Headbanger though and Mollie & Colin are a brilliant couple.”
“Well done Mollie and very brave. Although slightly overmarked IMHO,” added a seventh.
Here's the 12 celebs taking part in 2025 - along with their professional partner.
Charlie Brooks and Eric Radford
Chris Taylor and Vanessa Bauer
Mollie Pearce and Colin Grafton
Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty
Dan Edgar and Vanessa James
Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt
Sam Aston and Molly Lanaghan
Josh Jones and Tippy Packard
Here’s who has left the show so far:
Sir Steve Redgrave and Vicky Ogden
Ferne McCann and Brendyn Hatfield
Chelsee Healey and Andy Buchanan
Sarah Storey revealed she had quit on December 6, 2024. The Paralympian was partnered with Sylvain Longchambon.
While an eighth said: “I like Mollie but decent headbanger doesn’t disguise a lack of solo skating.”
And another viewer chimed in: “Mollie was good but the standard required to get a 9 seems to have lowered in comparison to other years!”
But despite the criticism, some fans want the 22-year-old who is from Somerset to win the trophy at the end of this year’s series.
After the series began, one person said on X: “Need Mollie Pearce to be the first woman to win #DancingOnIce in 12 years because that was IT!!!”
While another said: “Early prediction; Mollie for the win.”
A BRITISH schoolboy, 14, has died in a skiing accident while on a half-term holiday with his family in northern Italy.
Despite the teen wearing a helmet, he suffered severe chest injuries after losing control on the slopes before crashing into a tree.
Paramedics desperately fought to save the 14-year-old for over half an hour using a defibrillator, but he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragedy occurred on Falzarego red run, a slope spanning 3.5km from Lagazuoi toward Col Gallina.
Witnesses claim that the boy had built up significant speed before hitting a dip that launched him forward with no control.
He then went crashing into a tree at high impact in the horror accident.
Francesco Cataldo Giorgi, vice president of the Happy Ski school in Cortina, told Corriere del Veneto: “Had he fallen just a few metres earlier or later, he may have escaped unharmed.
“But in this sport, one wrong fall in the wrong place can be fatal.
“We must always exercise extreme caution.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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ANTONY has continued his stunning form since joining Real Betis – leaving Manchester United fans furious.
The Brazilian, 24, notched up another assist as Betis took on Getafe in LaLiga on Sunday.
https://twitter.com/PremSportsTV/status/1893721856097558546
Antony joined the Spanish side last month on loan from the Red Devils.
The £85million flop infamously left Old Trafford after clocking up more yellow cards than goals over the past three seasons.
But he looks like a player reborn under Manuel Pelligrini at Betis.
Antony has netted three times since heading to Spain on loan, bagging three Player of the Match awards in the process.
And he turned provider for pal Isco during Sunday’s contest at Getafe’s Coliseum.
Antony picked up the ball well inside his own half, beating two men for pace as he burst forward.
The Brazilian cut back onto his left foot, before finding Isco in the box with a perfect pass.
Former Real Madrid star Isco did the rest, giving Antony his second assist since leaving Old Trafford.
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One Man Utd fan raged: “This is getting out of hand, Antony is actually cooking in La Liga.”
Another said: “Antony deserves an apology. My man is on fire. POTM for sure atm.”
While a third claimed: “Something must be in the waters in Old Trafford.”
And a fourth joked: “Love the look of this Antony, we should sign him!”
Antony now has more goals and assists for Betis in six games than he managed in his last 41 for United.
The 24-year-old appears to have immediately settled in Spain.
And he puts his success down to being happy, suggesting he feels more calm and at ease in Betis.
MANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison Park
The Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.
But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.
Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.
SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…
Andre Onana – 7
United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.
Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4
Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisis
Harry Maguire – 4
Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.
Diogo Dalot – 5
At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.
Casemiro 62′ – 2
The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.
Patrick Dorgu – 6
Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.
Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3
Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.
Subs:
Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7
Injected some desperately needed pace and passion.
Leny Yoro 69′ – 6
Should have been on much earlier.
Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5
The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.
Antony told AS: “I’ve had a great time in Manchester too, I won two titles and I’m very grateful.
“But when I say that I’ve found myself here, I’m happy, the people are like us in Brazil. The sun helps a lot.
“I’m very happy here. I wake up every day with a smile and that’s very important.
“I have a lot of friends who played here and they left me very calm so that I could sign here.
“I was sure in my heart that coming here was the best decision for me. I hope to continue like this.”
A TEENAGER plunged 50ft to his death while hopping over rooftops at a construction site after a night out.
Harry Calam and his two friends jumped over a fence at a construction site and scaled a scaffolding tower in Daveygate, York, on June 24.
The 19-year-old and his pals wanted to reach a rooftop above a row of retail units so they could look down at the bar where he worked.
An inquest heard Harry, who loved adventure according to his devastated mum, had been moving from one roof to another as the pals tried to get a “cool view”.
But then tragedy struck as Harry fell off one ledge wrongly thinking there was a lower rooftop below.
Harry and two friends he worked with, along with others from neighbouring bars, had gone out for drinks in York after finishing work on the night of June 23 last year.
After finishing their final drinks at 4am, the group were chatting at a nearby McDonald’s.
As they left, Alfred Miller, who had worked with Harry for nine months prior to his death, went to a construction fence in the Daveygate area to urinate.
He mentioned he had already climbed the fence and walked up the scaffolding to a shared roof above some retailers.
Alfred encouraged Harry and the other friend to join him to observe the view, the court heard.
The friend climbed over the fence into the construction site and Harry followed him, while the other friend stayed in the street.
The pair climbed up to the roof of the building then called for the other man to join them, which he did.
The roof area was large with parts at different heights and the three lads began “hopping” between the levels on the hot dry night, North Allerton Coroner’s Court heard.
After about 15 minutes, the two other friends walked across the roof to see if they could look at their workplace, Kennedy’s Bar and Restaurant, down below in Little Stonegate.
They looked back to see Harry swing his legs over a ledge and drop to what he thought was the floor beneath.
“Unfortunately, the roof level was not there, and Harry fell to the ground below,” Coroner Alison Norton said.
The two friends walked to the edge of the roof and were horrified to see Mr Calam lying motionless below.
They rushed down to their friend, who was not moving, and dialled 999.
But despite their desperate attempts to revive him Harry had suffered devastating brain injuries and was pronounced dead at 4.40am.
Tests revealed Harry was twice the legal drink drive limit, the court heard.
Assistant Coroner Alison Norton recorded a conclusion of death by misadventure.
In a statement read to the inquest his mother, Eileen Calam, said her son had a love of the outdoors and adventure.
She said he had been “very happy” and was enjoying making new friends.
A statement from Det Sgt Dodson said police had investigated the health and safety of the construction site.
He said the scaffolding tower had been a solid structure with a staircase, the entrance had been fenced off from the public with clear signage and there were appropriate safety railings on the part of the roof being worked on.
Dt Sgt Dodson found there had been “no suspicious circumstances or third party involvement”.
DANIEL STURRIDGE made an embarrassing gaffe on pundit duty for Sky Sports.
The former Man City and Liverpool star was on duty at the Etihad for Super Sunday, as his ex-clubs faced off against each other.
City trailed at the break 2-0, as presenter David Jones asked if he could see them getting back into the game.
He said: “They’ve been prying away and giving themselves opportunities.
“But when they’re getting crosses in the box, there’s not that presence in the box to get on the end of it.
“So, we might end up seeing Haaland at some stage in the game.”
Norwegian hotshot Erling Haaland – who Sturridge referred to – was deemed unfit to be included in City’s squad before the clash.
That prompted Sky Sports presenter David Jones to interrupt.
Jones said: “Not Haaland today because he’s, of course, missing. But maybe there might be one or two options they can turn to.”
Fans online couldn’t help but notice Sturridge’s mistake.
One wrote on X: “Sturridge had a stinker there.”
A second posted: “Sturridge has just been embarrassed there.”
While a third added: “Someone give Daniel Sturridge a team sheet.”
Sturridge is used to getting some attention on punditry duty for Sky Sports.
On his debut in 2023, he showed his flamboyant side by singing an initiation song alongside Micah Richards and Roy Keane.
While back in August last year, he suffered a wardrobe malfunction when one of the buttons on a shirt had broken.
Without Haaland, Man City struggled to find the net in a one-sided contest.
The Reds took the lead in the 14th minute through Mo Salah.
Dominik Szoboszlai scored Liverpool’s second before half-time to give the away side a comfortable lead.
Liverpool’s win has given them an 11 point lead at the top, following second-placed Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham on Saturday.
SPENDING one minute every day doing this technique can help to smooth out your smile lines.
With just five quick steps, you will be left with wrinkle-free skin around your mouth.
In her viral video, YouTube user Fumiko showed her followers how to use facial exercises to tackle prominent nasolabial folds.
She explained that her go-to method for quick results is the “puffer fish face”.
The expert discussed the importance of combatting laughter lines early.
“These lines get longer and deeper as we age and can eventually reach the bottom of your face,” Fumiko said.
For her first step, she demonstrated how to fill up your mouth with air and close it tight before pushing the air towards your lips.
She then shifted her tongue so the air moved to the right side of her mouth.
The YouTuber then repeated this process on the left side of her mouth.
Next, she moved the air to her upper mouth, puffing out the area above her lips.
Finally, Fumiko moved the air to the lower area of her mouth.
During each step, she advised her audience to hold the air for five to seven seconds.
“You should feel the resistance on the cheeks, upper mouth, and lower mouth,” she explained.
According to the expert, if practiced consistently this process can see impressive results.
“With the correct form, these facial exercises will change the way your face looks,” Fumiko said.
She pointed out how her own nasolabial folds had “diminished” since she incorporated the technique into her daily routine.
The YouTuber added that she has seen a “dramatic transformation” in everyone who has practiced the steps “on a regular basis”.
Face The Future’s Head of Clinic, Kimberley Medd, shared the five skincare trends predicted to take off in 2025.
1. Exosomes
Exosomes are the buzzword for 2025, taking advanced skin regeneration to new heights. These micro-messengers signal skin cells to repair damage, boost collagen, and accelerate recovery, and they’re a gamechanger for targeting ageing.
2. Streamlined Skincare
The age of 12-step routines is fading as consumers shift to more intentional, multi-functional products. Streamlining skincare not only saves time but also reduces the risk of overloading your skin. In 2025, we’ll see a rise in hybrid products that combine active ingredients for simplified, effective results.
3. Vegan Collagen
Plant-based collagen will dominate the skincare world this year, providing a sustainable, ethical alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. Expect vegan collagen in everything from moisturisers to serums.
4. The Rise Of AI
AI is revolutionising the beauty landscape, making it possible for consumers to get truly personalised skincare solutions. In 2025, we predict a dramatic shift towards AI-powered tools that help people understand their skin on a deeper level.
5. Hair Loss Solutions –
Hair loss is an issue that affects more men than we often realise, and it’s no longer just something we’re talking about behind closed doors. This year, expect to see a continued rise in demand for treatments that not only tackle hair loss but also nurture overall scalp health.
Fukimo recommended doing the puffer fish technique twice every day.
She suggested completing the facial exercise in the morning and at night.
YouTube users shared their thoughts on the method in the comments section.
“This works for me, I was doing this for two days, every time I have spare time, and I’m seeing the results,” wrote one viewer.
“I have chubby cheeks that makes me have lines on both sides of my mouth, and I’m seeing it start to disappear.”
“I have been doing this for one year and I no longer have them, thank you,” said another person.
“GUYS THIS WORKS, I’ve had these lines for so long but this works, just keep on doing this in your free time,” commented a third subscriber.
