Days before announcing his intentions to retire at the end of the season, Philipp Lahm made his 500th appearance for Bayern Munich earlier in the season as Carlo Ancelotti's side picked up a point against Schalke in a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena.
It was an incredibly understated result that gave The Bavarians a four point lead at the top of the Bundesliga ladder. For the remainder of the season, this performance will be overshadowed by 5-0 victories and moments of individual brilliance, but if Bayern lift the trophy in May 2017, people will wake up and smell the coffee.
Advert
It almost feels like fate that one of the most understated players of our generation recorded his 500th appearance in a relatively conventional way. His achievements go unnoticed by many, but this incredibly gifted footballer is one of the greatest.
A fresh-faced Philipp Lahm played his first game for Bayern during a 3-3 draw in the Champions League. The defender came on in the 92nd minute alongside a certain Bastian Schweinsteiger, who also made his debut in the same match.
14 years later, in a rather fitting set of circumstances, both Lahm and Schweinsteiger now stand joint-eighth in Bayern's all-time top appearance list on 500 matches.
Advert
Lahm in action for Bayern in his early days. Image: PA
Let's just dive straight into it. Philipp Lahm is a genius.
For me, a football genius can adapt to any situation thrown at him. These people are unique individuals who can consistency perform to the highest level, week in, week out. A genius uses his own knowledge and wisdom to influence others, both on and off the pitch.
Indeed, the usual suspects will naturally spring to mind. Lionel Messi is a genius, Zinedine Zidane is a genius, Johan Cruyff is a genius - of course they are, but many often forget this genius. A man that epitomises longevity and consistency. It feels like people have become custom to Lahm's ability to be consistently good in every game he plays. That alone is impressive.
Advert
In 613 appearances for club and country, the 33-year-old's consistency on the field has been one of his greatest strengths. "He always performs. I have never seen him have a poor match. He will always be a special person in my life, and he is an absolute legend. Philipp Lahm is the most intelligent footballer I have ever coached." said former coach Pep Guardiola.
Lahm winning one of many trophies under Pep Guardiola. Image: PA
On the international stage, Lahm has a truly magnificent record. "For almost ten years, he provided consistency, reliability and the highest standard in the national side. He has a natural authority, takes on responsibility, is communicative and is a natural leader." - Joachim Low.
Advert
Lahm made 113 appearances for Germany in 10 years. Not only did he captain his national side to the 2014 World Cup in a 1-0 victory over Argentina, but he made the all-star team for all five major tournaments he competed in: including the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cup. At the age of 30, Lahm announced his retirement from international football after Germany's fourth World Cup victory.
In another fitting set of circumstances, Bastian Schweinsteiger took over leadership duties, 12 years after they both made their debut against Lens in the Champions League.
Lahm celebrates with Schweinsteiger after winning the World Cup. Image: PA
Advert
During his club career, Lahm has won the Bundesliga seven times, the German cup and the Champions League in 2012/13, but for many, his temperament on the field is his most impressive feat.
Prominently played at full-back during his career, Lahm has never received a red card in 500 appearances for Bayern Munich.
If you want an example of professionalism and control on the field, then this man is the perfect role model for young and old.
It speaks volumes of how efficient Philipp Lahm is as a footballer.
To put this record into perspective, he did not commit a foul in the Bundesliga between September 2014 and October 2015. How does he do it?
Away from the pitch, Lahm runs a foundation bearing his name which mostly focuses on improving lives in South Africa through football.
In 2008, he helped to found a club just outside Johannesburg.
The overall goal of this Foundation is to give all children the same chance - a motto that Lahm feels strongly about.
As Germany prepared for the World Cup in 2010, Lahm visited South Africa back in 2007 and wanted to make a difference.
He realised how children lived in the townships. Large families living in poverty and there were little to no facilities. So he made a difference.
A truly magnificent footballer who has performed at the highest level for 16 consecutive years, Lahm once said: "Whether we have the best individual players doesn't matter, you have to have the best team" - a quote that embodies one of the greatest full-backs of our generation.
Understated, but effective. A true great.
Thank you, Philipp.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Bayern Munich
