Bundesliga
Lahm receives Order of Merit
Philipp Lahm - a name synonymous with success with Bayern Munich and Germany - has been honoured with the Order of Merit at a ceremony held as part of German Unity Day, which is celebrated on 3 October.
Lahm was among 16 women and nine men recognised for outstanding contributions to the common good and their commitment to social cohesion and intergenerational coexistence in Germany.
The 41-year-old made 113 appearances for Germany and over 500 in the colours of Bayern during a glittering career that saw him lift the FIFA World Cup in 2014 as his nation's captain and eight Bundesliga championships along with the UEFA Champions League - among other titles - with Bayern.
"World champion, Champions League winner, team captain, 'Mr. Fair Play' – Philipp Lahm is one of the most influential figures in German football, both on the pitch and off it," German president Frank Walter Steinmeier said in his notes.
"As the head of organisation at the 2024 European Football Championship in Germany, he made a significant contribution to the success of the entire tournament," Steinmeier added. "The fact that the European spirit was directly experienced by everyone in the stadiums is also thanks to his ability to always inspire rather than polarise."
Remarkably, Lahm was never once sent off in his 15 years playing for Bayern, a fact that marked the highly versatile full-back out as a champion of fair play during his on-field career.
Lahm also created the Foundation for Sport and Education, an organisation that supports disadvantaged children and young people in Germany and South Africa.
His receiving of the the Order of Merit represents a huge honour for the former player and recognises his immense commitment to the game both on and off the field.