The stellar career of Philipp Lahm
Philipp Lahm announced that he will retire from football at the end of the 2016-17 season. Here is a snapshot of his brilliant 15-year career, one that has made him one of Germany's most decorated players.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.