Mission

"I set up the Philipp Lahm Foundation for Sport and Education in 2007 after visiting South Africa in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup. I saw so many children in the townships growing up without any hope in their lives.

It made me feel that I wanted to start doing something for young people in need, and to find a way to get others to join me.  

Sport, especially football, is a way to get through to young people, and it’s an important part of all-round education. It teaches social values and life-skills that can change children’s lives: responsibility, team spirit, fair play, respect for rules. Kids discover new perspectives and find out that education can give them opportunities and a future.

I grew up in Munich with all the advantages that a good environment and family backing can give a child. I had a great start to life and got support all along the road to success as a professional footballer. Now I want to help others who haven’t been as lucky as I have – both here in Germany and on the African continent. The Philipp Lahm Foundation supports projects in the field of sport and education working towards this goal."