Lothar Matthäus is one of the most famous football players in history. He is known for his skill, leadership, and versatility on the field. Matthäus played mainly as a midfielder, but he could also play in defense. He is considered one of the best midfielders of all time and had a long and successful career, both at the club and international levels. He is especially known for his role with the German national team, and he helped them win the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Matthäus was also the first German to be named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991. He is remembered for his ability to control the game, his powerful shots, and his intelligence in reading the game.
| Name | Lothar Herbert Matthäus |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 21, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Erlangen, Bavaria, West Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Midfielder / Sweeper |
| Playing Career | 1979–2000 |
| Clubs | – Borussia Mönchengladbach (1979–1984) – Bayern Munich (1984–1988, 1992–2000) – Inter Milan (1988–1992) |
| National Team | West Germany / Germany (1980–2000) |
| International Caps | 150 |
| International Goals | 23 |
| FIFA World Cup Appearances | 5 (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998) |
| Coaching Career | 2001–2011 |
| Managed Teams | – Rapid Wien (2001–2002) – Partizan Belgrade (2002–2003) – Hungary (2004–2006) – Atlético Paranaense (2006) – Bulgaria (2010–2011) |
| Major Achievements | – 1990 FIFA World Cup Champion – 1991 FIFA World Player of the Year – 1980 UEFA European Championship winner – Bundesliga Champion (7 times with Bayern Munich) – Serie A Champion (1988–1989 with Inter Milan) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $25 million (as of 2024) |
| Sources of Income | – Football salary, endorsements, coaching – Media work, business ventures |
| Marital Status | Married five times |
| Children | 4 |
Early Life
Lothar Matthäus was born on March 21, 1961, in Erlangen, a town in Bavaria, Germany. He grew up in a working-class family, and from a young age, he loved football. As a child, Matthäus played for a local football club called 1. FC Herzogenaurach. His talent was clear from the start, and by the time he was a teenager, it became obvious that he was going to be something special in the world of football. His determination and dedication helped him stand out from other young players.
When Matthäus was just 18 years old, he signed his first professional contract with the German football club Borussia Mönchengladbach. This was the start of his long and amazing professional career.
Professional Life
Lothar Matthäus’s professional career can be divided into different stages, with some of the biggest clubs in the world playing a role in his journey.
Borussia Mönchengladbach (1979–1984)
Matthäus began his professional career at Borussia Mönchengladbach, one of the top clubs in Germany at that time. He spent five years at the club and made a name for himself as a strong and skilled midfielder. His performance at the club attracted attention from bigger clubs in Europe.
Bayern Munich (1984–1988, 1992–2000)
After Borussia Mönchengladbach, Matthäus joined Bayern Munich, one of the biggest and most successful clubs in Germany. At Bayern, he continued to improve and became a leader on the field. He won several Bundesliga titles (the top football league in Germany) and became a key player for the club. His leadership skills were unmatched, and he was known for his ability to score crucial goals from midfield.
After a short time playing in Italy for the club Inter Milan, Matthäus returned to Bayern Munich in 1992. He spent most of the rest of his career at the club, leading them to more Bundesliga titles and other victories. He stayed with the team until he retired from professional football in 2000.
Inter Milan (1988–1992)
In 1988, Matthäus moved to Italy to play for Inter Milan, one of the most successful clubs in the country. He won the Serie A (the top Italian football league) in his first season with the team. This move also helped him become even more famous internationally. He stayed with Inter Milan for four years, during which time he was also named FIFA World Player of the Year.
National Team Career
One of the most important parts of Lothar Matthäus’s career was his time with the German national team. He played for Germany from 1980 to 2000, earning 150 caps (which means he played in 150 international games). He holds the record for the most appearances in World Cup matches with 25 appearances over five World Cup tournaments.
Matthäus’s biggest achievement with the national team was winning the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He captained the German team to victory and was one of the best players in the tournament. He was praised for his leadership and ability to control the game from midfield. He also helped Germany win the 1980 European Championship.
Personal Life
Lothar Matthäus’s personal life has been just as public as his football career. He has been married five times and has four children. His marriages have often been covered by the media, making him a well-known figure outside of football as well. Matthäus’s high-profile personal life has been a topic of interest for many fans and media outlets.
Despite the ups and downs in his personal relationships, Matthäus has always stayed focused on football. After retiring as a player, he went on to become a football coach. He has coached several teams around the world, including clubs in Europe and national teams like Hungary and Bulgaria. His experience as a player helped him transition into coaching, although his success as a coach has not been as great as his success as a player.
Achievements
Lothar Matthäus’s career is filled with achievements, both at the club level and internationally. Some of his major achievements include:
- 1990 FIFA World Cup winner with the German national team.
- 1980 UEFA European Championship winner with the German national team.
- FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991.
- Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich (multiple times).
- Serie A champion with Inter Milan.
- Record-holder for the most appearances in FIFA World Cup matches (25 appearances).
- Named to the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest living footballers chosen by Pelé.
Lothar Matthäus Net Worth
As of 2024, Lothar Matthäus’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. This wealth comes from different sources related to his long football career and other activities.
Football Salary
One of Matthäus’s main sources of income during his playing career was his football salary. He earned money from playing for top clubs like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. These clubs are known to pay high salaries to their best players, and Matthäus was no exception. His time in Italy, playing for Inter Milan, was especially lucrative, as Italian football clubs were known for paying top salaries during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Endorsements
Throughout his career, Matthäus also earned money from endorsements. As one of the most famous footballers in the world, he was approached by various brands to promote their products. These endorsement deals added significantly to his overall wealth. Some of the brands he worked with include Adidas and other sports-related companies.
Coaching
After retiring as a player, Matthäus moved into coaching, which became another source of income. While his success as a coach did not match his achievements as a player, he still earned money from coaching teams in different countries, including Hungary, Bulgaria, and some clubs in Europe. His vast experience as a player gave him credibility as a coach, and he has been able to make a good living through this.
Media and Commentary
Another major source of income for Matthäus comes from his work in the media. After retiring from professional football, he became a football analyst and commentator for several television networks. He has worked with networks like Sky Sports and other German sports channels, where he provides expert analysis on football matches. This has added to his net worth over the years.
Business Ventures
In addition to football-related income, Matthäus has also invested in various business ventures. He has been involved in real estate and other businesses, which have helped him grow his wealth. Though he is not as heavily involved in business as some other former footballers, his smart investments have contributed to his financial success.
Legacy and Influence
Lothar Matthäus is considered a legend in the world of football. His influence on the game is still felt today, as many younger players look up to him as a role model. His ability to play at the highest level for such a long time and his leadership on the field have inspired countless footballers around the world.
Matthäus is also remembered for his incredible work ethic and his desire to always be the best. He was known for training hard and giving everything he had in every match. His achievements with the German national team and his club successes have earned him a place in football history.
Conclusion
Lothar Matthäus is one of the greatest football players in history, and his legacy in the sport is unmatched. From his early days in Bavaria to his success with clubs like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, Matthäus has achieved everything a footballer could hope for. He captained Germany to a World Cup victory in 1990, won numerous club titles, and was named the FIFA World Player of the Year.
