Jens Lehmann Biography: The Life of a German Football Legend
Jens Lehmann is a retired German international footballer who played as a goalkeeper between 1989 and 2011. Born on November 10, 1969, in Essen, West Germany, Lehmann started his professional career in 1989 with FC Schalke 04 in the 2nd Bundesliga and was promoted to the 1st Bundesliga with the team in 1991. He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, having played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and VfB Stuttgart.
Throughout his career, Lehmann has won numerous accolades, including the UEFA Cup with Schalke in 1997, the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund in 2002, and the Premier League title with Arsenal in 2004. He was also a key member of the German national team, helping them reach the final of the 2002 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup. After retiring from football in 2011, Lehmann went on to pursue a career in coaching, working as an assistant coach for Arsenal and later as the head coach of FC Augsburg.
Despite his many achievements, Lehmann has also been the subject of controversy and criticism throughout his career, particularly for his fiery temperament and outspoken nature. Nevertheless, his impact on the game of football cannot be denied, and he remains a beloved figure among fans of the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Jens Lehmann is a retired German international footballer widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.
- He won numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Premier League title with Arsenal in 2004 and helping the German national team reach the final of the 2002 World Cup.
- After retiring from football, Lehmann pursued a career in coaching and remains a beloved figure among fans of the sport.
Early Life and Education
Jens Lehmann was born on November 10, 1969, in Essen, West Germany. He grew up in a family of football enthusiasts, and his father was a coach. Lehmann started playing football at a young age and joined his local club, TuS 64 Bockum-Hövel, when he was just six years old.
Lehmann attended the Heinrich-von-Kleist-Schule in Hamm, where he excelled academically. He was also a talented athlete and played for the school’s football team. After finishing high school, Lehmann enrolled at the University of Münster, where he studied economics.
Despite his academic pursuits, Lehmann continued to play football and joined the youth team of FC Schalke 04. He made his professional debut for the club in 1989 and helped them gain promotion to the Bundesliga in 1991.
Lehmann’s talent as a goalkeeper soon caught the attention of other clubs, and he was signed by Borussia Dortmund in 1999. He played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them win the Bundesliga title in 2002.
Lehmann’s success on the field continued, and he was eventually signed by Arsenal in 2003. He played a key role in the team’s unbeaten title-winning season in 2003-2004, and his performances earned him the Premier League Golden Glove award.
Career in Football
Jens Lehmann is a former German professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He started his career in the 1988-89 season with Schalke 04, playing for them for nearly a decade. During his time with Schalke, he won the DFB-Pokal in 2001 and was voted the Bundesliga’s best goalkeeper in 1997.
In 2003, Lehmann signed with Arsenal and became the first-choice goalkeeper for the team. He played a crucial role in Arsenal’s unbeaten title-winning season in 2003-04, playing every match of the season. During his time with Arsenal, he also won the FA Cup in 2005 and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2006.
After leaving Arsenal in 2008, Lehmann played for a number of other clubs, including VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund, and Arsenal again. He retired from professional football in 2011.
Throughout his career, Lehmann was known for his strong personality and aggressive playing style. He was also known for his ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations.
Career at Arsenal
Jens Lehmann joined Arsenal in July 2003 from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Gunners, making 200 first team appearances during his six-year stint at the club.
Initial Years
In his first season at Arsenal, Lehmann helped the team win the Premier League title, keeping 15 clean sheets in 36 league appearances. He also played a crucial role in Arsenal’s run to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Chelsea.
Lehmann continued his impressive form in the following season, helping Arsenal reach the Champions League final. He kept 10 clean sheets in 13 Champions League appearances, including a crucial penalty save in the semi-final against Villarreal.
Champions League Final 2006
In the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona, Lehmann was sent off in the 18th minute for a foul on Samuel Eto’o. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Arsenal took the lead through Sol Campbell’s header. However, Barcelona scored twice in the last 15 minutes to win the match 2-1.
Departure and Return
Lehmann left Arsenal in 2008 to join Stuttgart, but returned to the club in 2011 as emergency cover for injured goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. He made one appearance for Arsenal before retiring from professional football at the end of the season.
Overall, Lehmann’s time at Arsenal was marked by his excellent shot-stopping ability, commanding presence in the penalty area, and his occasional lapses in discipline. Despite some high-profile mistakes, he remains a fan favorite at the club and is considered one of the best goalkeepers in Arsenal’s history.
Career at VfB Stuttgart
Jens Lehmann played for VfB Stuttgart in two different spells. He first joined the club in 1998 and played for them until 2003. During his first spell, Lehmann established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga. He helped Stuttgart reach the final of the DFB-Pokal in 2000, where they lost to Bayern Munich.
After a successful stint at Arsenal, Lehmann returned to VfB Stuttgart in 2008. He was initially signed as a backup goalkeeper, but quickly established himself as the first-choice keeper. In his first season back at the club, Lehmann helped Stuttgart win the DFB-Pokal, making several crucial saves in the final against Borussia Dortmund.
Lehmann continued to play for Stuttgart until 2010, when he announced his retirement from professional football. In total, he made 107 appearances for the club across both spells.
During his time at VfB Stuttgart, Lehmann was known for his commanding presence in the penalty area and his ability to make crucial saves. He was also a vocal leader on the pitch, often directing his teammates and organizing the defense.
International Career
Jens Lehmann had a successful international career, representing Germany in major tournaments such as the European Championship and the World Cup. Here are some highlights of his international career:
Euro 2000
Lehmann was the second-choice goalkeeper for Germany in the Euro 2000 tournament, behind Oliver Kahn. However, he played in the quarterfinals against Romania after Kahn was suspended due to a red card. Lehmann saved a penalty in the match, helping Germany win 2-1 and advance to the semifinals. Germany was eventually eliminated by Italy in the final.
World Cup 2006
Lehmann was the first-choice goalkeeper for Germany in the 2006 World Cup, held in his home country. He played a crucial role in Germany’s success in the tournament, making several important saves throughout the competition. In the quarterfinals against Argentina, Lehmann saved two penalties in the shootout to help Germany advance to the semifinals. Germany eventually finished third in the tournament, with Lehmann being named in the All-Star Team for his performances.
Lehmann’s performances in the 2006 World Cup were particularly impressive given his age. At 37, he was one of the oldest players in the tournament, but he showed that he still had the ability to compete at the highest level.
Coaching Career
After retiring from professional football in 2011, Jens Lehmann began his coaching career. In 2018, he was appointed as an assistant coach of FC Augsburg, a German football club playing in the Bundesliga. He worked alongside Manuel Baum to help the team improve its performance and climb up the league table.
In January 2019, Lehmann was promoted to the position of first-team assistant coach, working directly under Baum. He continued to help the team develop its tactics, improve its players’ skills, and prepare for matches.
Lehmann’s coaching style is known for its emphasis on discipline and hard work. He believes in setting high standards for himself and his players, and pushing them to achieve their full potential. He is also known for his tactical acumen, and his ability to read the game and make quick decisions.
Under Lehmann’s guidance, FC Augsburg has made steady progress, and has become a respected team in the Bundesliga. Although the team has not yet won any major titles, Lehmann’s coaching has helped to lay the foundation for future success.
Controversies and Criticisms
Jens Lehmann has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Racist Text Message: In 2021, Lehmann was removed from the supervisory board of Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin after sending a racist text message to a Black former player, Dennis Aogo. Aogo published a screenshot of Lehmann’s WhatsApp message asking whether Aogo was “actually your quota Black person.” The incident sparked widespread condemnation from the football community and led to Lehmann’s dismissal from the club.
- Homophobic Comments: In 2014, Lehmann caused controversy by advising gay footballers not to come out. He argued that it would be better for them to keep their sexuality a secret because of the potential negative reactions from fans and teammates. His comments were widely criticized by LGBT rights groups and other members of the football community.
- Token Black Guy Comment: In 2021, Lehmann was sacked from Hertha Berlin’s supervisory board after referring to the German television pundit Dennis Aogo as “a token black guy” in a WhatsApp message. The comment was widely condemned as racist and led to Lehmann’s dismissal from the club.
- Poor Performance: Lehmann’s on-field performances have also been subject to criticism throughout his career. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he had a difficult start after several poor performances, leading to rumors that he might leave the club. Similarly, during his time at Arsenal, he was criticized for making several high-profile mistakes, including a red card in the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final.
Despite these controversies and criticisms, Lehmann remains a respected figure in the football world, known for his talent as a goalkeeper and his contributions to the sport.
Personal Life
Jens Lehmann was born on November 10, 1969, in Essen, Germany. He is of White ethnicity and holds German nationality. Lehmann is married to Conny Lehmann, and together they have two children.
Off the pitch, Lehmann is known for his interest in politics. He is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party and has expressed his desire to become a member of the German parliament.
Lehmann is also an avid cyclist and has competed professionally in the past. He won two Olympic gold medals in cycling at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
In addition to his political and cycling interests, Lehmann is also a keen golfer and has participated in various golf tournaments. He has also been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting the German Cancer Aid organization.
Legacy and Impact
Jens Lehmann was a legendary goalkeeper who left a lasting impact on the world of football. He was known for his exceptional reflexes, agility, and commanding presence in the box. Lehmann’s career spanned over two decades, during which he played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Schalke 04, Borussia Dortmund, and Arsenal.
Lehmann’s most significant achievement came in the 2003-2004 season, when he played an instrumental role in Arsenal’s unbeaten run to the Premier League title. He played every match of the season, keeping 15 clean sheets and conceding only 26 goals. This feat earned him a place in Arsenal’s “Invincibles” squad, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in English football history.
Apart from his club success, Lehmann also represented Germany at the international level, earning 61 caps for his country. He played a crucial role in Germany’s run to the World Cup final in 2002, where they lost to Brazil in the final.
Lehmann’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He was known for his outspoken personality and his willingness to speak his mind on various issues. This made him a controversial figure at times, but it also earned him respect and admiration from many fans and fellow players.
Today, Lehmann is remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation. His impact on the game of football is still felt, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jens Lehmann’s net worth?
As of 2023, Jens Lehmann’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. His income comes from his successful career as a professional football player, as well as his work as a television pundit.
What is the relationship between Alisha Lehmann and Jens Lehmann?
Alisha Lehmann is the daughter of Jens Lehmann. She is also a professional football player who currently plays for West Ham United and the Swiss national team.
Who is Lasse Lehmann and how is he related to Jens Lehmann?
Lasse Lehmann is the son of Jens Lehmann. He is not involved in professional football and keeps a low profile.
Who are the parents of Alisha Lehmann?
The parents of Alisha Lehmann are Jens Lehmann and Conny Lehmann. Conny Lehmann is a former athlete and the ex-wife of Jens Lehmann.
What was the reason for Jens Lehmann’s removal from FIFA?
Jens Lehmann was removed from his role as a pundit for FIFA during the 2018 World Cup due to a racist comment he made about former French player Patrick Vieira. Lehmann apologized for his comment and stated that it was a mistake.
How old is Jens Lehmann and what is he doing now?
Jens Lehmann was born on November 10, 1969, which makes him 53 years old as of 2023. He is currently retired from professional football and works as a television pundit for various networks. Lehmann is also involved in charity work and is an ambassador for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.