Philipp Lahm
The captain who led Germany to World Cup victory in 2014.
Philipp Lahm is a German former professional footballer who played as a full-back or midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs of all time. Lahm was the long-time captain of Bayern Munich and also served as captain of the German national team, which he led to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup before retiring from international football. His 113 appearances make him the eighth-most capped player in Germany’s history. He was included in the World Cup team of the tournament in 2006, 2010, and 2014, and the UEFA Team of the Tournament in 2008 and 2012.
- International Caps
- 113
- Primary Position
- full-back or midfielder
- Major Honour
- 2014 FIFA World Cup
- Captaincy Status
- captain of his national team
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Lahm's international career began to take shape during his loan spell at VfB Stuttgart, where he made his Bundesliga debut in the 2003–04 season. After returning to Bayern Munich, he established himself as a key player. He was included in the World Cup team of the tournament in 2006, 2010, and 2014, and the UEFA Team of the Tournament in 2008 and 2012. His leadership was recognized when he was named captain of the national team, and he led Germany to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football immediately after that triumph. His 113 caps place him eighth on Germany's all-time appearance list.
In Their Own Story
The 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Brazil was the peak of Lahm's international career. As captain, he led Germany to a 1–0 victory, securing the nation's fourth World Cup title. After the match, he announced his retirement from international football, ending his national team career at the highest possible moment. His performances throughout the tournament earned him a place in the World Cup team of the tournament for the third consecutive time, matching his inclusions in 2006 and 2010.
Reader's Guide
Philipp Lahm's international career spanned from his early breakthrough to his retirement after the 2014 World Cup. He earned 113 caps for Germany, making him the eighth-most capped player in the nation's history. He was selected for the World Cup team of the tournament in 2006, 2010, and 2014, and the UEFA Team of the Tournament in 2008 and 2012. As captain, he led Germany to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football immediately after that victory. His versatility allowed him to play as a full-back or midfielder, and he was widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs of all time.
Did You Know?
- Lahm made his debut for Bayern Munich's first team as a 92nd-minute substitute in a 3–3 draw with Lens in the UEFA Champions League on 13 November 2002.
- He scored his first Bundesliga goal on 3 April 2004 in a 5–1 away win for Stuttgart against VfL Wolfsburg.
- Lahm was given the highest fine in Bayern Munich's history (estimated over €25,000) in November 2009 for an unauthorized interview criticizing the club's transfer policy.
- He made his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance on 24 February 2016 in a 2–2 draw with Juventus.
- Lahm captained Bayern to an historic treble of the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League in the 2012–13 season.
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Elsewhere in the Germany National Team universe
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