Oliver Kahn

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Lore & Background

Kahn's commanding presence in goal 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 in recent history, having won eight Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokals, the UEFA Cup in 1996, the UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup, both achieved in 2001. His individual contributions have earned him 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, Kahn became the only goalkeeper in the tournament's history to win the Golden Ball.

In Their Own Story

The roar echoes through the stadium before the penalty kick. Kahn stands on his line, eyes locked on the striker, the weight of the nation resting on his shoulders. He dives, palms the ball away, and rises to celebrate with fists clenched in triumph. In the 2002 FIFA World Cup, although Germany were not among the tournament favourites, Kahn's prowess, despite being injured, in goal was key to reaching the final, where Germany lost 0–2 to Brazil. Kahn made a mistake on Brazil's first goal; nonetheless, he received the Golden Ball as player of the tournament. Kahn experienced one of his worst performances in his international career against England in Munich in 2001. Germany were favoured to win as they had beaten England 1–0 in 2000 at the Wembley Stadium. However, they were routed 5–1, including a hat-trick by Michael Owen. Despite the defeat, Germany qualified for the World Cup after winning a playoff against Ukraine, and Kahn remained as Germany's number one for the upcoming Cup.

Reader's Guide

Kahn represented Germany at four FIFA World Cups: 1994 (as an unused third keeper), 1998 (on the bench), 2002 (as starter and captain), and 2006 (as backup). His most significant tournament was the 2002 edition held in Japan and South Korea, where Germany reached the final and lost 0–2 to Brazil; Kahn received the Golden Ball as player of the tournament. He was an unused member of the squad that won the 1996 UEFA European Championship. After the 2006 World Cup, Kahn retired from international football.

Did You Know?

• Kahn made his league debut on 27 November 1987 in a 4–0 away defeat to 1. FC Köln.
• He saved three penalties in the 2001 Champions League final shoot-out against Valencia.
• Kahn has the second-most all-time clean sheets in Bundesliga history with 204, behind Manuel Neuer.
• He was CEO of Bayern Munich from July 2021 to May 2023.