Written by: Victor Malone

Benjamin Lauth: The German Striker Who Lit Up the Bundesliga

Benjamin Lauth is a name synonymous with German football, particularly in the Bundesliga, where he made a name for himself as a prolific striker. Born on August 4, 1981, in Hausham, Bavaria, Lauth's two spells at TSV 1860 Munich are still fondly remembered by fans of the club.

Early Years and Rise to Prominence

Lauth began his footballing journey with TSV 1860 Munich in 1992, rising through the youth ranks to establish himself as a leading striker. His breakthrough came in 2002 when he scored the German Goal of the Year with a stunning bicycle kick, a testament to his technical ability and aerial prowess.

Club Career Highlights

• Hamburger SV (2004-2007): Lauth moved to Hamburg in 2004, but his progress was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just ten appearances in the 2004-05 season. However, he regained his form and earned a starting place in the HSV attack for much of the 2005-06 season.
• VfB Stuttgart (2007): In January 2007, Lauth was loaned to VfB Stuttgart, where he played a crucial role in their Bundesliga-winning campaign, earning himself a medal in the process.
• Hannover 96 (2007-2008): Lauth moved to Hannover 96 in July 2007, playing 21 of his 140 German top-flight matches for the club.
• Return to 1860 Munich (2008-2014): In July 2008, Lauth returned to his boyhood club, 1860 Munich, where he went on to play until 2014, scoring his final goal against VfL Bochum on May 4, 2014.

International Career

Lauth represented Germany at various youth levels, scoring one goal in one appearance for the under-18 team and four goals in eight matches for the under-21 side. He made his senior international debut on December 16, 2002, and went on to earn five caps, scoring three goals.

Legacy and Personal Life

In September 2015, Lauth announced his retirement from professional football. While his career was marred by injuries and suspensions, including a four-match ban in 2012 for elbowing an opponent, Lauth's contributions to German football cannot be overstated. He remains a beloved figure in the Bundesliga, and his goalscoring exploits are still remembered fondly by fans of the clubs he represented.

After hanging up his boots, Lauth has kept a low profile, preferring to focus on his personal life and charitable endeavors. While his post-football career may not be as high-profile as some of his contemporaries, Lauth's on-field achievements continue to inspire a new generation of German footballers.