Jens Lehmann facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jens Lehmann

Lehmann in a charity match in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Jens Gerhard Lehmann
Date of birth	(1969-11-10) 10 November 1969 (age 55)
Place of birth	Essen, West Germany
Height	1.93 m
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1987–1998	Schalke 04	274	(2)
1998–1999	AC Milan	5	(0)
1999–2003	Borussia Dortmund	129	(0)
2003–2008	Arsenal	147	(0)
2008–2010	VfB Stuttgart	65	(0)
2011	Arsenal	1	(0)
Total		621	(2)
National team
1989–1990	West Germany U21	6	(0)
1998–2008	Germany	61	(0)
Teams managed
2017–2018	Arsenal (goalkeeper coach)
2019	Augsburg (assistant manager)
2020–2021	Hertha Berlin (board member)
Honours Men's football Representing  Germany FIFA World Cup Runner-up 2002 Korea/Japan Third 2006 Germany UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2008 Austria-Switzerland FIFA Confederations Cup Third 2005 Germany
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Jens Gerhard Lehmann (born 10 November 1969) is a German former professional footballer. He played as a goalkeeper. He is famous for being part of Arsenal's "Invincibles" team. This team went through the entire 2003–04 season without losing a single game.

Lehmann also holds a special record in the UEFA Champions League. He didn't let in a single goal in eight straight matches for Arsenal. This amazing streak lasted for 853 minutes! Many people think he is one of the best goalkeepers of his time. He was even named UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year twice. He also played in three World Cup tournaments for Germany.

Jens Lehmann's Football Journey

Early Career at Schalke 04

Jens Lehmann started his football career in the 1988–89 season. He played for Schalke 04 for almost ten years. His first few years were a bit tough. But Lehmann soon became known as a strong goalkeeper. He was especially good at stopping crosses.

He even scored his first league goal on 12 March 1995. It was a penalty kick in a big 6–2 win. His second goal was super exciting. It was a last-minute goal against their rivals, Borussia Dortmund. This goal helped his team get a draw.

Lehmann became a hero for Schalke when they won the 1997 UEFA Cup Final. He played brilliantly and saved a penalty in the shootout. This helped his team win the trophy.

Short Time at AC Milan

In 1998, Lehmann moved to AC Milan in Italy. But things didn't go so well there. He played only five matches and then left the team. He felt he wouldn't get another chance to play.

Success with Borussia Dortmund

Lehmann returned to Germany in 1999. He joined Borussia Dortmund. Again, he had a difficult start. Some fans were not happy with his performances. But he worked hard and got much better. He became a very reliable player for the team.

He helped Borussia Dortmund become one of the top teams in Germany and Europe. They won the Bundesliga (German league) in 2001–02. That same year, they reached the UEFA Cup final. However, they lost to Feyenoord Rotterdam.

During this time, Lehmann also got a reputation for getting red cards. He holds the record for the most red cards for a goalkeeper in the German Bundesliga.

Becoming an Invincible at Arsenal

Joining the Gunners

Lehmann joined Arsenal in England on 25 July 2003. He took over from the famous goalkeeper David Seaman. The 2003–04 season was amazing for Arsenal. They finished the Premier League season without losing a single game! They were called "The Invincibles."

Lehmann played in every single match of this unbeaten season. His daring style of play sometimes led to small mistakes. But his presence helped Arsenal achieve this historic feat. Arsenal's unbeaten run lasted until 24 October 2004. By the end of his first season, he had played 54 games and won a Premier League medal.

FA Cup Hero

In the 2004–05 season, Lehmann faced some competition. Another goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia, played in some matches. But Almunia made some errors, and Lehmann got his spot back.

Lehmann showed his skill in the 2005 FA Cup Final against Manchester United. He was named man of the match. He made many important saves. He also saved a penalty in the shootout, which Arsenal won 5–4. This helped Arsenal win the FA Cup.

Champions League Record

The 2005–06 season was fantastic for Lehmann and Arsenal. They reached the UEFA Champions League final for the first time ever. During this journey, Arsenal set a new record. They kept ten clean sheets (no goals conceded) in a row in the Champions League.

Lehmann himself went 853 minutes without letting in a goal. This broke the Champions League record for an individual goalkeeper. In the final against Barcelona, Lehmann was sent off early in the game. Arsenal lost 2–1, but Lehmann was still named the Champions League Goalkeeper of the Year.

Later Years at Arsenal

In the 2006–07 season, Lehmann's amazing clean sheet run finally ended. He signed a new contract to stay at Arsenal until 2008.

In the 2007–08 season, Lehmann had some injuries. This meant Manuel Almunia played more games. Lehmann was frustrated but remained professional. He played his last home game for Arsenal on 4 May 2008. Fans gave him a standing ovation.

Moving to VfB Stuttgart

In June 2008, Lehmann signed a one-year contract with VfB Stuttgart in Germany. He played his first game for them in July 2008, against his old team Arsenal. He announced in August 2009 that he would retire from football on 30 June 2010.

Return to Arsenal (Briefly)

In March 2011, Arsenal had many injured goalkeepers. So, Lehmann came out of retirement to help his old club. He signed a short contract until the end of the season. On 10 April 2011, he started a game against Blackpool. It was his 200th game for Arsenal. He became the oldest player to play for Arsenal in the Premier League. After this, he retired from football again.

In 2018, Lehmann played in a charity match for Arsenal legends. He made some great saves and even scored a penalty in the shootout!

International Career with Germany

Lehmann with the Germany national team in 2006

Jens Lehmann first played for the Germany national team in February 1998. He played 61 games for his country.

He had a famous rivalry with fellow German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn. Kahn was usually Germany's first-choice goalkeeper. Lehmann was part of the squad that finished second in the 2002 World Cup. But he didn't play any matches then.

World Cup 2006 Hero

However, for the 2006 World Cup, Lehmann was chosen as Germany's main goalkeeper. He played very well in the group stages.

The most memorable moment was in the quarterfinal against Argentina. The game went to a penalty shootout. Lehmann was amazing! He saved two penalties, helping Germany win 4–2. He even had a small piece of paper with notes about how the Argentinian players usually took their penalties. This story was so famous it was even in a film! After this, Lehmann was seen as a hero in Germany.

Germany reached the semifinals but lost to Italy. Oliver Kahn was given the honor of playing in the third-place match. Germany won this game, earning bronze medals.

Lehmann continued to play for Germany. He set a national record for not letting in a goal for 681 minutes in a friendly match. He played in Euro 2008, where Germany reached the final. They lost 1–0 to Spain.

On 8 August 2008, Lehmann announced he was retiring from international football.

How Jens Lehmann Played

Lehmann diving to save a shot

Jens Lehmann was considered one of the best goalkeepers of his time. He was known for being very agile and having quick reflexes. He was also great at stopping shots and making acrobatic saves. He was good at kicking the ball and catching crosses.

Lehmann was also known for his strong personality. He was a leader on the field and could handle pressure well. He inspired other goalkeepers, like Manuel Neuer. Even though he was very talented, sometimes he could be a bit inconsistent.

After Retirement

After retiring from playing, Lehmann became a coach. He returned to Arsenal as an assistant coach for a short time. He also worked as an assistant manager for FC Augsburg. Later, he became a board member for Hertha BSC.

Personal Life

Jens Lehmann grew up in Essen, Germany. He studied economics at university while playing football. In 1999, he married Conny. He adopted her son, Lasse, and they also have two other children.

Helping Others

Lehmann is involved in charity work. He is a board member of the Stiftung Jugendfußball, a youth football foundation. He also supports foundations that help children affected by HIV. He has played in charity football matches to raise money for UNICEF.

Acting

Lehmann even tried acting! He appeared in a German/South African film called Themba. He played a football coach who discovers a talented young player. The movie is about a boy facing poverty and challenges.

Honours

Schalke 04

• UEFA Cup: 1996–97
• 2. Bundesliga: 1990–91

AC Milan

• Serie A: 1998–99

Borussia Dortmund

• Bundesliga: 2001–02
• UEFA Cup runner-up: 2001–02

Arsenal

• Premier League: 2003–04
• FA Cup: 2004–05
• FA Community Shield: 2004
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2005–06

Germany

• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2002; third place: 2006
• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2008
• FIFA Confederations Cup third place: 2005

Individual

• kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 1995–96
• UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 1997, 2006
• UEFA Club Football Awards Best Goalkeeper: 2005–06
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2006
• Most clean sheets in the Premier League: 2003–04

Images for kids

• 

  Lehmann in 2012, as a brand ambassador.

See also

In Spanish: Jens Lehmann (futbolista) para niños