Football superstars donate their World Cup prize money

Published time: July 17, 2014 02:34
Edited time: July 18, 2014 16:52

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Germany's midfielder Mesut Ozil (C) celebrates with his medal after Germany won the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match between Germany and Argentina 1-0 following extra-time at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 13, 2014. (AFP Photo / Fabrice Coffrini)

According to the UK-based Express, 25-year-old German football star Mesut Ozil has donated his World Cup prize money – totaling more than $400,000 for winning the tournament – to various charity projects in Brazil. The hefty sum is reportedly going to fund surgeries for 23 Brazilian children.The World Cup may be over for Germany and Argentina, but players on both teams are putting their cash winnings to good use by donating them to worthy causes.

Photo from www.facebook.com/mesutoezil

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Ozil made the announcement official on his Facebook page, where he wrote the following:

“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.”