Overview

• Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented the decoration in Berlin as part of German Unity Day recognitions.
• Lahm was the only elite athlete among 25 recipients cited for outstanding service to the common good.
• The citation called him "one of the defining personalities of German football" and credited his leadership as Euro 2024 tournament director with materially contributing to the event’s success.
• Officials highlighted his promotion of democratic values through voluntary roles, including co-coaching the U11s at his home club FT Gern in Munich.
• His foundation work supporting disadvantaged children in Germany and South Africa was singled out, and he was saluted as "Mr. Fairplay."