Former Germany and Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm will receive the nation's Order of Merit on October 1, the office of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Thursday, reported dpa.
A statement said that World Cup and Champions League winner Lahm, who was also chief organizer of Euro 2024, is among 25 people honoured for their services to the country as part of the celebrations of German Unity Day October 3.
"Philipp Lahm is one of the defining personalities of German football, both on and off the pitch," the statement said.
"As head of organization for the 2024 European Championship in Germany, he contributed significantly to the success of the entire tournament. The fact that the European spirit could be experienced so directly in the stadiums is also thanks to his ability to always inspire rather than polarize."
The statement highlighted Lahm's social engagement via his foundation which supports disadvantaged children in Germany and South Africa.
It said that "team spirit, respect, and fairness are also the values he promotes in numerous honorary positions and which he teaches at his home club FT Gern as assistant coach of the U11 team — because they are important pillars of democracy."
- Philipp Lahm
- To get
- German
- Order of Merit
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
