The GERMAN FOOTBALL AMBASSADOR initiative has selected 9 German men – and two women – who are playing abroad actually. The voting took place until 10 May 2015. The winner will be announced on 2 June 2015.
The native Brazilian is known for his friendly and polite manner. Off the field Cacau commits himself to the aid organisation "World Vision" and the foundation "Deutsche Kindersuchthilfe". Since 2010 Cacau supports the German Football Association as an ambassador for integration.
The former German U-20 national team player is now successfully playing football in Australia. He is considered an unconventional football player and is appreciated by his team mates and fans. His story was filmed in the 2011 movie "Tom meets Zizou - No summer fairy tale".
Mesut Özil is one of the key players of Arsenal FC. Following his spectacular transfer from Real Madrid to Arsenal in the summer of 2013 he created the "Özil hysteria". Off the field the world champion launched the "Özil Foundation" in 2015 which supports young people in different countries. Özil was awarded with the ‘Bambi’ award for his commitment and in 2014 he received the Laureus Sports Award.
Anja was the top goal scorer of Sweden in 2012 and was also elected by the Swedish club coaches as The Player of the Year. She is committed to World Vision and supports children in developing countries.
Lukas Podolski is currently playing on loan for the Italian football club Inter Milan. He is a very popular player and is loved for his pleasant and easy-going manner. Podolski launched the "Lukas Podolski Foundation" which supports various social projects.
Per Mertesacker is a key player at Arsenal FC and is known for his openness and fair treatment of the fans. In England he is also known as "Big Foot German". The "Per-Mertesacker-Stiftung" is socially active and supports many important causes.
It didn’t take long for Toni Kroos to enchant his new fans. Only a few months after joining Real Madrid he is already an vital part of the starting squad. The Spanish press describes him as a "German machine of wonderful accuracy and efficiency".
Miroslav is one of the top players of Lazio and enjoys great respect by the team and the public alike. The winner of the ‘Silver Laurel Leaf’ is famous for his fairness and professionalism on the pitch and supports sick children and their families with the organisation "Sports meets charity".
The son of Albanian parents started playing for the Valencia CF this season. As a stabilizer in defense, he currently contributes to the outstanding performance of the team in the league. He began his career in the youth ranks of Hamburger SV and English club Everton, where he made one substitute appearance in two-and-a-half-years before leaving to Sampdoria in January 2012. He signed a five-year deal at Valencia in August 2014.
The German national team player, World/European champion and FIFA World Player 2013 engages herself as an ambassador for "Football worldwide for unity" and supports children and young people in South Africa.
The German-Brazilian forward has been highly successful with his current club, as well as with the German national team, and is very popular in Russia. Off the field he supports "Show Racism the Red Card".