Philipp Lahm

Philipp Lahm (German pronunciation: [ˈfɪlɪp ˈlaːm]; born 11 November 1983) is a German professional footballer who plays as a right back or defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. He is the captain of his club, having skippered them to numerous honours including the 2013 UEFA Champions League as part of the Treble. He is also a former captain of his national team, which he led to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, before retiring from international football.

Lahm is considered by many to be one of the best full backs of his generation, and was included in the World Cup team of the tournament in 2006, 2010, and 2014, and the UEFA Team of the Tournament in 2008 and 2012 and in the UEFA Team of the Year 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Although Lahm is right-footed, he is able to play on both sides of the pitch. He often cuts from the flank to the inside of the pitch to either shoot and/or pass. He is renowned for his pace, stamina and precise tackling abilities as well as his small stature, giving him the nickname the "Magic Dwarf".