Lothar Matthäus (born March 21, 1961, Erlangen, Germany) is a soccer player, who in 1990 was named FIFA World Player of the Year after captaining Germany to victory in the World Cup and also for his successful spell at Inter Milan. In the same year he was also named European and German Player of the year. Early in his career, Matthäus played in the midfield, before switching to the libero position in his 30s. He has played in five World Cups, more than any other field player to date.

Matthäus started his professional career in 1979 with Borussia Mönchengladbach of the Bundesliga, for whom he played until 1984. He also played for Bayern Munich (1984-1988 and 1992-2000), Inter Milan of Serie A (1988-1992, winning the Scudetto in 1989) and the MetroStars of Major League Soccer (2000). He retired with 150 caps and 23 goals for the German National Team.

Lothar Matthäus is a member of the FIFA 100 - a list of the greatest living football players chosen by Pelé.

Matthäus is now the head coach of the Hungary national team.

Honors won:

• Bundesliga Championship: 7 (1985, 1986, 1987, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000)
• German Cup: 3 (1986, 1998, 2000)
• Serie A Championship: 1 (1989)
• UEFA Cup: 2 (1991, 1996)
• European Championship: 1 (1980)
• World Cup: 1 (1990)