Jens Lehmann Biography

Jens Lehmann was one of the best German keepers in his day. Lehmann is one of three goalkeepers in the history of the German Bundesliga who have scored more than one goal. His career was especially characterized by his rivalry with Oliver Kahn.

Early Years

Jens Lehmann was born on November 10th, 1969, in Essen, Germany. He started to play soccer at the age of four. His first team was DJK Heisingen where he played as striker.

Between 1978 and 1987, he played for Schwarz-Weiss Essen as goalkeeper. One of his teammates during this time was today's current manager of Germany's national team, Oliver Bierhoff.

In 1987 he signed a contract with German Bundesliga team, Schalke 04. After playing one year in Schalke's U19 team, he became part of the senior team in 1988.

Lehmann made his senior debut in the season 1988/1989 and was starting goalkeeper for most of the games. Due to several mistakes and his high school graduation, he lost his spot in goal.

The second year in Schalke was his final breakthrough. He played all 34 games of the season. After 10 good years with Schalke 04, he moved to AC Milan in 1998.

AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund

Jens Lehmann said he needed a new adventure and signed a three-year contract with AC Milan. He began the season as starting keeper but lost his spot in goal after a couple of games.

After six months in Italy, he moved back to Germany in January, 1989 to play for Schalke's rival: Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund paid about $4.5 million to sign him. He should replace Stefan Klos, who had left Dortmund in the winter.

Due to the intense rivalry between Dortmund and Schalke, Lehmann was not really welcome in Dortmund at the beginning. The following season was the beginning of the public competition with Bayern Munich's goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn, as they were both fighting for the spot in the goal of Germany's national team.

Lehmann won the national championship with Dortmund in 2002. In 2003 Lehmann moved to large English team, Arsenal FC.

Arsenal FC and VFB Stuttgart

In his first season for Arsenal, Jens played all 38 games. In the 2006/2007 season, Arsenal reached the final of the UEFA Champions League.

Lehmann had played a fantastic season to that point and was a large part in Arsenal reaching the final. He caused a penalty and got a suspension, though, and Arsenal lost the final.

In 2008 he moved back to Germany, signing a contract with VFB Stuttgart. He played two good years before he ended his career on May 8th, 2010. At the age of 41, Jens Lehmann made a short comeback for Arsenal due to injury problems with their keeper.