Oliver Kahn

The Titan of German goalkeeping

Oliver Rolf Kahn (born 15 June 1969) is a German football executive and former professional player who played as a goalkeeper. He started his career in the Karlsruher SC Junior team in 1975. In 1994, he was transferred to Bayern Munich for a fee of DM 4.6 million, where he played until the end of his career in 2008. From July 2021 to May 2023, he was the CEO of Bayern Munich.

Quick Facts

Full name: Oliver Rolf Kahn
Born: 15 June 1969
Birthplace: Karlsruhe, West Germany
Height: 1.88 m / 6 ft 2 in
Position: Goalkeeper
Total caps: 630

Lore & Background

Kahn's commanding presence and aggressive style earned him nicknames such as Der Titan from the press and Vul-kahn from fans. He is one of the most successful German players, having won eight Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokals, the UEFA Cup in 1996, the UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup, both in 2001. He won a record four consecutive UEFA Best European Goalkeeper awards, three IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper awards, and two German Footballer of the Year trophies. At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he became the only goalkeeper to win the Golden Ball. He placed fifth in both the IFFHS Best Goalkeeper of the 21st Century and Best Goalkeeper of the Past 25 Years elections.

Reader's Guide

Kahn played for Karlsruher SC from 1987 to 1994, then for Bayern Munich from 1994 to 2008. He was in the Germany national team from 1994 to 2006. He was an unused member of the squad that won the 1996 UEFA European Championship. In the 2002 World Cup, Germany reached the final, where they lost 0–2 to Brazil; Kahn made a mistake on Brazil's first goal but received the Golden Ball. He played the final with a torn ligament in his right ring finger (per source). His professional farewell was a testimonial match versus a select Germany XI on 2 September 2008, which ended 1–1. He also played a friendly against Mohun Bagan on 27 May 2008 in Kolkata.

Did You Know?

Kahn saved three penalties in the 2001 Champions League final shoot-out against Valencia, according to the source.
Kahn has the second-most all-time clean sheets in Bundesliga history with 204, behind Manuel Neuer.
Kahn was sent off in a 2001 match against Hansa Rostock for punching the ball into the opponent's net during a corner kick.