New Delhi, June 26 (IANS) German football icon and Golden Ball winner Oliver Kahn believes that the FIFA World Cup is a tournament that brings out extraordinary talent and emotions from all around the World.

According to the former Bayern Munich goalkeeper, despite the club competitions getting a lot of value, the FIFA World Cup remains the ultimate prize.

“The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate stage in football—a tournament that inspires millions and creates moments that become part of sporting history. Every edition brings together extraordinary talent, passion, and emotion, making it one of the most captivating events in global sport,” Kahn told Zee5.

Former Germany captain has also expressed satisfaction with the growth of football in India and said that he is excited to share his insights with the fans as he joins Zee5 coverage for the ongoing tournament.

“I am delighted to join Zee 5 and Unite8 Sports as part of the expert panel and look forward to sharing my insights with fans across India. The growth of football in the country has been remarkable, and it is exciting to be part of bringing the tournament experience even closer to audiences,” he added.

A former captain of Germany, Kahn represented his country from 1995 to 2006, earning 86 international caps and leading the national team to the FIFA World Cup 2002 final. His extraordinary performances during that tournament saw him become the only goalkeeper in FIFA World Cup history to win the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player, while also being recognized as the tournament’s outstanding goalkeeper.

Renowned for his remarkable career with Germany and Bayern Munich, Kahn’s leadership, consistency, and winning mentality have cemented his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats. Following his illustrious playing career, he has continued to shape the game as a football executive, commentator, analyst, author, and one of the sport’s most influential voices.

Kahn also shares a long-standing connection with India. He first visited the country in 2008 when Bayern Munich played his farewell match against Mohun Bagan in Kolkata, and returned again in 2023, engaging with fans, students, and stakeholders while sharing insights on the development of football in the country.

With decades of experience at the highest level of international football, Kahn will bring sharp tactical analysis, unique perspectives from inside elite dressing rooms, and expert commentary on the players, teams, and defining moments shaping this year’s tournament. He joins an esteemed panel of experts on Zee 5, including legends Bhaichung Bhutia, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Igor Stimac, among others

–IANS

sds/