The goalkeeper who broke records and red card records alike

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Jens Lehmann was a man of extremes. He achieved a historic Champions League clean sheet record with Arsenal, yet he also holds the record for most red cards for a Borussia Dortmund player and a Bundesliga goalkeeper. His career was a journey of brilliant highs and high-profile disciplinary lapses.

Born on 10 November 1969, the German goalkeeper became a central figure in football history through both his brilliance and his volatility. During his tenure with Arsenal, Lehmann was a vital component of the 'Invincibles,' the squad that completed an unbeaten Premier League title-winning season in 2003–04. His presence was instrumental in Arsenal's ability to maintain their unbeaten run, which lasted until 24 October 2004.

Lehmann's technical prowess was most evident in the UEFA Champions League. He set a record for the most consecutive clean sheets in the competition, preventing goals in eight consecutive full matches. This remarkable run included a 853-minute spell without conceding, a feat that surpassed the previous individual record held by Edwin van der Sar. His dominance was recognized when he was named the UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year for both the 1996–97 and 2005–06 seasons.

However, his career was often marked by disciplinary issues. While playing for Borussia Dortmund, he became the club's record holder for red cards and also set the record for the most red cards received by a goalkeeper in the German Bundesliga. His temperament was famously tested in various high-stakes moments, such as his dismissal in the 2006 Champions League final—the first and only goalkeeper to be sent off in a European Cup/Champions League final.

Beyond his time in England and Germany, Lehmann's career included stints at Schalke 04, AC Milan, and VfB Stuttgart. His professional journey concluded on 30 June 2010, following a final season with Stuttgart, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled shot-stopping and controversial disciplinary records.

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