Lahm finally picks up the one that got away

Lahm, who won eight Bundesliga titles and a World Cup during a glittering career, won the poll of sports journalists conducted by German sports magazine ‘kicker’ with 242 votes, ahead of Champions League winner Toni Kroos of Real Madrid, who won 192.

He is the fourth Bayern player, after Jerome Boateng, Mauel Neuer and Bastian Schweinsteiger to win the award in the last five years, with only Kevin de Bruyne breaking the recent monopoly when at Wolfsburg in 2015.

“It is a big distinction. I am really pleased. I guess the sports journalists were looking at my entire career,” Lahm said after finally picking up the award.

Youth triumphs over experience

Hoffenheim boss Nagelsmann, who turned 30 on Sunday, also picked up the Coach of the Year award for the first time after guiding his side to a surprise Champions League berth.

He edged out Freiburg boss Christian Streich by just 12 votes with Ralph Hasenhüttl finishing in third. Nagelsmann dedicated the award to all his backroom staff and said it shows his side are on the right track.

Marozsan’s exceptional season continues

Dzsenifer Marozsan is a key player for Germany

Completing the trio of first-time winners, was captain of Germany’s women’s side Dzsenifer Marozsan.

The playmaker has had a spectacular season, picking up the Women’s Champions League and French Division 1 title with new club Lyon to add to her Olympic title from Rio. The Hungarian-born midfielder is currently in the Netherlands attempting to defend Germany’s Euro title with the German squad.

“This award makes me very proud,” she told the magazine. “The season has gone so well for me, I have won trophies, but being a footballer of the year is another special honor.”

mp/jh (DPA/SID) 

• The stellar career of Philipp Lahm

  Promising at a young age

  Born in Munich, Lahm joined Bayern’s academy from FT München Gern at age 12. He was a life-long Bayern fan and even served as a ball boy in the Olympic stadium in Munich. Lahm impressed at Bayern’s youth levels, making his second team debut in 2001 at 17.

• The stellar career of Philipp Lahm

  Becoming a professional in Stuttgart

  Lahm made his debut against Lens in the Champions League November 13, 2002, two days after his 19th birthday. That was the only appearance he made for Bayern before joining Stuttgart on loan for two years. He helped them to two consecutive third-place finishes.

• The stellar career of Philipp Lahm

  National team debut

  While on loan at Stuttgart, Lahm received his first caps with the German national team. He made his debut on February 14, 2004 and became coach Rudi Völler’s first choice at left back. Lahm’s first major international tournament was the 2004 European Championship.

• The stellar career of Philipp Lahm

  First Bundesliga title

  Lahm had to miss six months in 2005 after suffering a knee injury in his last days with Stuttgart. Once he returned, it didn’t take him long to convince Bayern coach Felix Magath of his quality. He made 29 appearances in his first season with Bayern as they went on to win a domestic double.

• The stellar career of Philipp Lahm

  Pre-World Cup Wedding

  Philipp Lahm married Claudia Schattenberg on June 4, 2010, just days before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Only one footballer, best friend and former teammate Andreas Öttl, was in attendance. Lahm currently resides in Bogenhausen, a town near Munich.

• The stellar career of Philipp Lahm

  Captaining Germany

  With Michael Ballack set to miss the World Cup in South Africa with an injury, Germany coach Joachim Löw elected to make Lahm his new captain. Under Lahm’s leadership, Germany finished third for the second straight time.

• The stellar career of Philipp Lahm

  The trophy he had been waiting for

  Lahm’s third season as Bayern’s captain was arguably his best, clocking up 19 assists in 47 appearances. He also got to finally lift a Champions League trophy as part of Bayern’s first ever European treble.

• The stellar career of Philipp Lahm

  Move to midfield

  His talents were already well known by the time Pep Guardiola came to Munich, but the newly appointed coach brought out a new side of Lahm in midfield. The drastic tactical move baffled the footballing world, but Lahm excelled. “Philipp Lahm is perhaps the most intelligent player I have ever trained in my career,” Guardiola said.

• The stellar career of Philipp Lahm

  World Cup glory

  A year after reaching the pinnacle at the club level, Lahm claimed the biggest prize in the international game. He helped Germany achieve their first World Cup title in 24 years in Brazil, playing both in midfield and at his familiar right back position. He retired from international football after the tournament.

  Author: Davis VanOpdorp

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