Oliver Kahn "Der Titan" - Top Soccer Legends Goalkeepers

Oliver Rolf Kahn

Oliver Kahn was an agressive and impatient goalkeeper, such that, he got nicknamed as Der Titan and Vol-kahn-o.

He earned several awards for being the best goalkeeper of the World, best European goalkeeper and best Bundesliga keeper.

Club Career

He was born in Karlsruhe on June 15, 1969. When he was 6, Oliver started playing at a local club Karlsruher SC. It was the club where his father played at, between the years 1962-65.

In 1987, he decided to stay at the club for his senior career. Oliver made his 1^stappearance on November 27, 1987 when FC Köln beat them 4-0.

Successful Goalkeeper

Although Oliver was a successful goalkeeper, the team manager made him play as a reserve goalkeeper until 1990.

Oliver then became the starting goalkeeper of the team since he managed to prove himself as a key player. He reached the 1993-1994 UEFA Cup semi-finals with his team; however, they lost to Red Bull Salzburg in the match.

Bayern Munich Spell

As Kahn managed to draw everyone’s attention, Bayern Munich decided to sign him in 1994 season. Two years later, although he got injured, Oliver contributed to the 1996 UEFA Cup final victory over Bordeaux.

German Goalkeeper

He earned the German Goalkeeper of the Year award, after helping the team win 1996-97 Bundesliga title.

Kahn played in the squad that finished runners-up to Manchester in 1999 UEFA Champions League. He won the World Goalkeeper of the Year award in the same year.

UEFA Champions League

He played a key role in 2000-01 UEFA Champions League final match against Valencia. Oliver became the Man of the Match after his performance especially during the penalties.

He helped the 2001 Intercontinental Cup victory, being the team’s captain as Bayern Munich beat Boca Juniors by 1-0.

In 2003-04 Champions League knockout, Oliver’s miscalculation let Robeto Carlos score the equalizer, although Bayern was winning 1-0. Bayern Munich got eliminated from the competition after the mistake.

Bundesliga

After winning the next season’s Bundesliga with Bayern, Oliver renewed his contract for 2007-08 season. He played in 2007-08 UEFA Cup, however, Bayern lost the match 4-0 against St. Petersburg in the semi-finals.

Oliver’s last Bundesliga match came on May 17, as Bayern won the title with a 4-1 victory over Hertha.

Kahn ended his 20-year professional career after playing in a friendly on May 27, 2008 for the last time. Oliver had 429 appearances and 14 years at Bayern Munich.

Germany National Team

Although Oliver got selected for World Cup 1994 as a back-up, he could make his debut on June 23, 1995.

He was a reserve goalkeeper during UEFA Euro 1996, as Germany won 2-1 against Czech Republic.

Kahn could become the starting keeper after Andreas Köpke retired at the end of World Cup 1998.

Captain

Although Germany got eliminated from UEFA Euro 2000 before the quarter finals, Kahn had the right to wear captain’s armband. He got named as the Best Goalkeeper in the World and remained as Germany’s number 1 for the next tournament.

World Cup 2002

Germany got into the finals of World Cup 2002 with Oliver being the team’s captain. However, they lost to Brazil 2-0 since Kahn played while he got an injured finger.

Golden Glove

After the competition, he got Golden Glove award, being the best goalkeeper; also the Golden Ball, leaving the topscorer behind.

Oliver kept the captaincy during UEFA Euro 2004 as Germany got knocked out in group stage. After the tournament, Michael Ballack became the team’s captain.

World Cup 2006

Kahn played as a reserve keeper for World Cup 2006, as they lost the game against Italy in the semi-finals.

During the 3^rd place play-off game against Portugal, Oliver performed well and saved Pauleta’s 2 shots as they won 3-1. It was Kahn’s last game for Germany national team.