“Why doesn’t this happen more often?”
World champion Lahm criticizes German professional clubs
03/02/2026 – 2:24 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Too few top talents despite the best conditions? Philipp Lahm takes a look at German football and remembers what once made it successful.
The world champion captain criticized the youth work in German football in his column for the “New York Times”. The 42-year-old is primarily targeting the clubs and youth training centers: “The clubs invest millions in their academies and train seven days a week, but many talents hardly get any playing time. The path to the top is not professionally supported. There is a lack of a clear approach. So a lot of potential remains unused,” complains the long-time Bayern star.
He cites a teenager from his former club as a positive example: “Lennart Karl is a super talent,” says Lahm. “In the first half of the season, when Jamal Musiala was injured, he got his chance to prove himself. He benefited from a clearly defined role, from men’s football and from being able to develop routines with his teammates.” The fact that Karl became important at a top club at a young age could have a long-term impact on him. “There is a real perspective that he can become something very special,” said Lahm.
The former right-back complains that Karl is just the exception instead of the rule: “Why doesn’t this happen much more often in German football, even though we have all these advantages?” He explains: “We have an enviable infrastructure, clubs in every region, many coaches, numerous youth leagues and well-equipped training centers. The DFB has around eight million members, the Bundesliga is economically one of the strongest leagues in the world, and the stadiums are full right up to the regional league. Thanks to our population, there are talented players in every year group.”
A consistent system is needed for sustainable success. “Success comes when young players are trained in a system over many years.” From the U14 to the U19 there must be a uniform line, clear rules and coordinated training methods. Lahm demands: “The clubs must not only support their youth players in sports, but also provide them with educational support.”
