Mesut Ozil was awarded the "Laureus Prize" at the Laureus Media Prize ceremony in Berlin on Wednesday for his charity work during the summer's World Cup.
While away in Brazil with the Germany squad, Ozil donated a sum of money allowing 23 children in the city of Coroata to undergo life-saving surgery, with many of them born with cleft lip and palate.
"This accolade means a lot to me because I am honoured for something I've done off the pitch," the 26-year-old was quoted as saying by the German Football Association website.
Thank you for this Laureus award. I promise this will be the beginning of further projects for disadvantaged children pic.twitter.com/kIXcuZtLOY
- Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) November 12, 2014
"This makes me very, very proud. It also means a lot to me because I was able to help children, and they are our future. I am delighted that everything worked out. The doctors have done an incredible job.
"Because I am famous it is easier to help -- footballers also earn a lot of money. And to me personally it's just very important to help children. I have a few other small projects I want to make reality and I will continue to step on the gas off the pitch so that I can help as many children as possible."
The Arsenal midfielder, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, was part of the Germany squad that was presented with the Silver Laurel Leaf by German President Joachim Gauck this week following their World Cup triumph in Brazil.