Lothar Matthäus could tackle, pass, shoot and lead, and he did all four for his country across five World Cups. He is the most decorated outfield player Germany has produced.
Captain in 1990
His best tournament came in 1990. Matthäus captained Germany to the World Cup and was named the best player of the tournament. The following year he won the first FIFA World Player of the Year award, in 1991.
The longevity is the other half of the story:
- Five World Cups, in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998, a record at the time
- 150 caps for Germany, the most by any German outfield player
- Seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich
- The UEFA Cup with Inter Milan
That adds up to nearly two decades at the top of the game. Five World Cups, 150 caps and the first global player award is a record few midfielders can put next to their name.
He was the most complete German footballer of his era, a genuine all-rounder in the middle of the park, and he stayed good for a very long time. German football has produced plenty of reliable machines. This one ran longer than most.
Tomorrow: number 12.
