Retired German footballer Mesut Özil, who won the World Cup, made a profound impact during his recent visit to Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh, where he played a friendly match with Rohingya children. Celebrating his goal with heartfelt hugs rather than the traditional fanfare, Özil turned a simple scoring moment into a deeply emotional experience for the young participants. This gesture highlighted his humility and genuine empathy beyond his fame and accolades.

Özil's visit to the Rohingya refugee camps was part of a Turkish delegation, which included prominent figures such as Bilal Erdoğan, the son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Their presence aims to bring attention to the plight of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, demonstrating the humanitarian efforts of global figures to support vulnerable communities. During this visit, Özil participated not only in the match but also joined a communal iftar meal with the locals, showing solidarity and compassion.

Previously playing for established clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal, Özil's career was marked by a World Cup victory with Germany in 2014. After retiring from international football in 2018, he has continued to focus on philanthropic engagements, and this interaction with the Rohingya children serves as a poignant reminder of the power of sport to foster connections and uplift communities in distress. His actions inspire both fans and non-fans alike to engage in humanitarian endeavors and recognize the shared humanity in sports.