Lothar Matthäus: The Most Complete Footballer of the 20th Century

When we consider the defining figures of the 20th century, Billy Joel’s 1989 song We Didn’t Start the Fire serves as a cultural time capsule, chronicling pivotal political, social, and historical moments. However, conspicuously absent from its rapid-fire verses are references to the world of sport—aside from baseball and boxing—despite the monumental impact of athletics on global consciousness.

Among the many overlooked sporting events of the century, one that arguably deserves inclusion is the Bundesliga debut of Lothar Matthäus on September 22, 1979. While that date may not resonate as profoundly as the Iranian Revolution or the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, it marked the emergence of a footballer whose career would span nearly a quarter-century, bridging the generations of Bobby Moore, Johan Cruyff, and Diego Maradona to those of Luís Figo, Thierry Henry, and Zinedine Zidane.

Matthäus was more than just a player—he was a phenomenon. His name is synonymous with versatility, longevity, leadership, and reinvention, making him one of the most complete footballers in history.

The Origins of a Footballing Titan

Born in March 1961 in Erlangen, Bavaria, Lothar Herbert Matthäus was destined for the grandest stages of world football. His early years were spent in the town of Herzogenaurach, where his father worked at the Puma factory—a fitting detail, considering that the same town would later host Argentina’s 2006 World Cup base, linking Matthäus to one of his fiercest rivals: Diego Maradona.

His journey began at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where in 1979, the young interior design apprentice was scouted and signed by Jupp Heynckes. Thrust into the Bundesliga at just 18 years old, he made his debut in a 4-2 defeat against Kaiserslautern. However, this initial setback would not deter him; he soon established himself as a key figure in midfield, featuring in all 27 remaining league games and helping his team reach the UEFA Cup final, which they lost to Eintracht Frankfurt.

By the early 1980s, Matthäus had evolved into one of Germany’s most promising midfielders. His performances earned him a place in the West Germany squad for Euro 1980, where he was part of the team that lifted the trophy in Italy. While still a box-to-box midfielder, his ability to drive forward, dictate play, and score spectacular long-range goals—such as his thunderous free-kick against Werder Bremen in 1981—marked him as a player of extraordinary talent.

His final season at Gladbach ended in heartbreak, missing a crucial DFB-Pokal final penalty against Bayern Munich—a team he would controversially join that summer. Though conspiracy theories abounded, the move would prove to be a masterstroke in Matthäus' career.

The Evolution of a Midfield General

Upon arriving at Bayern Munich in 1984, Matthäus took his game to new heights. His first season saw him finish as the club’s top scorer with 16 goals, leading Bayern to the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal while also reaching the semi-finals of the Cup Winners' Cup.

Matthäus had transformed into a complete midfielder, a terrifying blend of power, technical ability, two-footedness, speed, and tactical intelligence. He wore the iconic number 10 jersey, playing both as an advanced playmaker and a deeper schemer. His ability to dictate the tempo of a match while also contributing goals made him a nightmare for opposition defenses.

His international prowess shone through at the 1986 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in West Germany’s journey to the final. However, Franz Beckenbauer’s tactical decision to assign him the role of marking Maradona in the final against Argentina backfired. While Matthäus restricted the Argentine genius to an extent, it limited his own attacking contributions, and Germany fell 3-2.

This disappointment, however, only fueled his hunger for future triumphs.

The Italian Renaissance: Inter Milan’s Golden Era

By 1988, Matthäus had conquered German football. Now, he sought a new challenge, moving to Internazionale, the epicenter of the golden era of Serie A. Italian football was at its peak, and Giovanni Trapattoni, tasked with restoring Inter’s dominance, saw Matthäus as his midfield general.

Just as Maradona had revived Napoli, Matthäus became the heartbeat of Inter Milan’s resurgence. In his first season, he guided the Nerazzurri to their first Scudetto since 1980, scoring 12 goals and forming a formidable midfield partnership with Nicola Berti and Aldo Serena.

Matthäus’ vision, passing, and ability to score from distance made him an indispensable asset. His famous low-driven free-kick against Napoli in May 1989 epitomized his ability to rise in decisive moments. While further Serie A triumphs eluded him, he captained Inter to the 1991 UEFA Cup, solidifying his legendary status in Italy.

World Cup Glory: Redemption in Rome

The pinnacle of Matthäus' career came in the 1990 World Cup, where he captained West Germany to ultimate glory. This time, Beckenbauer unleashed him in his natural midfield role, allowing him to orchestrate play and contribute goals.

In the opening match against Yugoslavia, he produced one of the tournament’s most iconic goals—dribbling from his own half before unleashing a ferocious shot. He added goals against Czechoslovakia and the UAE, before scoring in the penalty shootout against England in the semi-final.

The final in Rome was a rematch against Argentina, but this time, Matthäus dominated Maradona, nullifying him completely. While he was meant to take the winning penalty, a damaged boot forced him to hand the responsibility to Andreas Brehme, who coolly slotted home to seal Germany’s third World Cup title.

Matthäus was named Ballon d'Or winner, FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991, and became the face of German football’s new era.

Reinvention as a Sweeper: The Bayern Munich Return

By 1992, at 32 years old, Matthäus returned to Bayern Munich, where Franz Beckenbauer converted him into a libero (sweeper). While an Achilles tendon rupture in 1995 threatened to end his career, Matthäus adapted, becoming one of the greatest sweepers of all time.

Guiding Bayern to multiple Bundesliga titles (1994, 1997, 1999, 2000), he remained a key figure well into his late 30s. However, his career ended on a painful note, as Bayern lost the 1999 Champions League final to Manchester United in the dying seconds—a match where he was controversially substituted before the comeback.

Despite the heartbreak, Matthäus retired as Germany’s most-capped player (150 caps), and one of the most decorated players in history.

Legacy: The Ultimate All-Rounder

What made Matthäus unique was his ability to excel in multiple roles—from a box-to-box dynamo to a creative playmaker and, later, a defensive sweeper. Few players in history have reinvented themselves so successfully.

Though his brash personality and love for controversy often overshadowed his greatness, his influence on modern football is undeniable. From Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to Bastian Schweinsteiger, many midfielders have drawn inspiration from his tactical intelligence, work ethic, and versatility.

While his playing career ended in 2000 with the New York MetroStars, his legacy as one of football’s greatest ever players remains eternal.

In a century filled with icons, Lothar Matthäus stands as football’s most complete warrior.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar