![Lothar_Matthäus](https://i0.wp.com/www.worldplayerranking.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/640px-6423_Lothar_Matthäus-200x300.jpg?resize=200%2C300)
Full name | Lothar Herbert Matthäus |
Date of birth | 21 March 1961 |
Place of birth | Erlangen, West Germany |
Position | Midfielder / Sweeper |
Lothar Matthäus became the symbol of German domination of football during the 1980s.
Ten years after his mentor Franz Beckenbauer, Matthäus reigned over world football thanks to his “complete” player profile; able to play just as well in offense or defence.
Lothar Matthäus won seven German championships with Bayern Munich, three German cups, two UEFA Cups (with Inter Milan and Bayern) the European Football Championship in 1980, the World Cup in 1990 (finalist in 1982 and 1986) and the Ballon d’Or in 1990.
Diego Maradona said of Matthäus: “He is the best rival I have ever had.”
![Matthäus scores a penalty kick against Bulgarian goalkeeper Borislav Mihaylov in the 1994 World Cup quarter-final](https://i0.wp.com/www.worldplayerranking.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/800px-WorldCup1994BulgariaGermany-300x199.jpg?resize=300%2C199)