PHILIPP LAHM

2014

As Hollywood endings go, few footballers will top the manner in which Philipp Lahm brought the curtain down on his glittering international career.

Germany’s skipper kicked off the 2014 tournament in central midfield, having thrived in that role the previous season under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

Lahm was key to group-stage wins over Portugal and the USA, plus the last-16 defeat of Algeria, as Die Mannschaft progressed to the quarter-finals.

But his ability to switch from midfield to defence during the knockout phase gave Joachim Löw’s side another dimension. Lahm slotted into a full-back position for the last-eight game against France with ease, making the team a more cohesive unit.

A Mats Hummels header gave them victory, before Brazil were demolished 7-1 in the semis and Argentina beaten 1-0 in the final. At 30, Lahm lifted the World Cup as captain, before hanging up his Germany boots for good.