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Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup winning captain Philipp Lahm has been named honorary captain by the DFB convention in Frankfurt/Main on Friday. The former full-back joins an elite group including Fritz Walter, Uwe Seeler, Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthäus and Jürgen Klinsmann, while Bettina Wiegmann and Birgit Prinz count among the female honorary captains.
The certificate was presented to Lahm by DFB president, Reinhard Grindel, who said, “As both a footballer and a human, Philipp Lahm is one of the greats. He was a beacon of stability at the top level of the game, establishing a leadership style in the national team that proved little hierarchy could lead to success. Lahm has always had a clear opinion and always stayed faithful to it. He is a brilliant athlete, an outstanding team player and very engaged in social issues. The certificate also recognises the role he played in Germany’s World Cup triumph in 2014.”
Philipp Lahm stated, “It’s a huge honour to join a group of players I respect immensely. As captain, I always saw myself as an ambassador for the team and so I accept this award on behalf of everyone who’s represented Germany, without whom this wouldn’t have been possible. The success we achieved, we achieved together. This recognition isn’t just an honour; I also see it was a duty – the duty to uphold the reputation of football in Europe, to maintain its status as a shining light in the sporting world.”
Germany head coach Joachim Löw gave an arousing speech in praise of his former captain. “For you, a new award should’ve been created: best international footballer of the decade. It was a huge honour to work with you. Thank you for everything, Philipp!”
Löw continued, “You weren’t just a special player, leader and captain. Most important of all, you are a special individual. That’s what makes the brilliant players. I want to thank you for your incredible performances. You’ve been a crucial part of the team’s positive development.”
Meanwhile Lahm was also named ambassador of Germany’s EURO 2024 campaign. He will now play a major role in the application, both inside and outside Germany, while being on hand to share his knowledge with the DFB.
Grindel explained, “Philipp Lahm is highly respected internationally and is someone who has always had the bigger picture in mind. We’re delighted and proud to secure his engagement in the DFB’s EURO 2024 application. He should be the face of our campaign.”
Lahm furthered added, “In 2006, I witnessed how a tournament could excite a nation. Germany is friendly, modern and good at organising events. I’m sure that the competition can bring Germany and Europe together and provide brilliant entertainment. I’m delighted to be part of this project and I hope our application is successful.”
This is the second time the DFB are applying to hold the European Championship since hosting the tournament in 1988. The association have until April 27, 2018 to submit the complete application to UEFA, presented in the form of a ‘Bid Book’. The final decision to choose the EURO 2024 hosts will be made in September 2018.
Philipp Lahm began his football career with his local team FT Gern,in 1989, one year after Germany hosted the European Championship. He won the German Bundesliga title eight times and the German DFB Cup six times with Bayern München, as well as the 2013 UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. Lahm made 113 appearances for the German national team, captaining the side 53 times. The 2017 footballer of the year’s final game came in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.
