Oliver Kahn web site - deutch version
Oliver Kahn
Lebenslauf
Whenever football experts are called upon to pick one world-class
player from Germany's ranks, the name of Oliver Kahn is the one that
automatically springs to mind. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper has carved
a place for himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and
the epitome of consistency at the highest level for many years.
Kahn began his football odyssey in 1976, in his native town, Karlsruhe. A year later, he was playing for Karlsruhe FC's youth team. He worked his way up through the youth teams but never quite made it into the international youth set-up. He subsequently made his Bundesliga debut in the autumn of 1990 and left an indelible mark from the outset.
It took him only three seasons to establish himself as one of the best last lines of defence in the Bundesliga and his excellent displays were rewarded with a call-up to the national team in October 1993. He was drafted into the German squad at the 1994 FIFA World CupTM as reserve keeper to Bodo Illgner, but never made the starting line-up.
He was signed by Bayern Munich at the beginning of the 1994/5 season, with whom he has gone on to win many honours, both at domestic and international level. The 2.5 million euros paid by the Bavarian club was a record fee for a goalkeeper at the time, and from the word go Kahn was made Bayern's first-choice keeper.
His career was interrupted in November 1994, when a torn ligament injury sidelined him for five months. This enforced absence did, however, have a positive effect. Kahn returned a much stronger individual mentally and quickly found his best form.
His international debut came in a match against Switzerland in June 1995. He had to still make do with being the reserve keeper at the 1996 UEFA European Championship in England. More frustration was to follow at France 98TM. He had to play second fiddle for the third successive major international tournament. It was not until Andreas Kopke announced his retirement at the end of the tournament that Oliver Kahn was finally given his chance as the Mannschaft's unquestionable number one.
Kahn was voted German footballer of the year in 2000 and best European goalkeeper. The 2001/2002 season was the high point of his sporting career so far. Having won a fourth German League title, he was to go on and lift the UEFA Champions League trophy the same season. His outstanding performances were one of the major factors that helped Germany book their ticket to the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/JapanTM
