As the Champions League action heats up this week with blockbuster clashes like Borussia Dortmund versus Barcelona and Juventus versus Manchester City, it is a perfect time to reflect on a historic milestone in British football history.
The first British player to win the Champions League (previously the European Cup) with a foreign team, was not a superstar export like David Beckham or Gareth Bale, it was a Scottish midfielder - Paul Lambert.
Here is a closer look at Lambert’s remarkable journey, his role in Borussia Dortmund’s 1997 triumph, and where life has taken him since.
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Paul Lambert the player
Paul Lambert was a hard-working, intelligent midfielder renowned for his defensive discipline and ability to control the tempo of a game.
Born in Glasgow, he began his professional career with St. Mirren for whom he played 227 games. A move to Motherwell and a further 103 games followed as it looked like he was destined to spend his career toiling away in the engine room of SPL.
But it was not to be as his performances in the Scottish league caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund, who signed him in 1996.
In Dortmund, Lambert quickly established himself as a key figure in midfield.
Despite being a relative unknown on the European stage, his tactical awareness and versatility made him an invaluable asset for the German giants as he slotted in seamlessly to a midfield that include players like Portuguese international Paulo Sousa and German stars Andreas Möller and Michael Zorc.
1997 Champions League triumph
Lambert’s crowning achievement came in the 1997 UEFA Champions League final, where Borussia Dortmund faced the heavily favoured Juventus.
The Italians boasted a star-studded lineup, including Zinedine Zidane, Didier Deschamps, Christian Vieri and Alessandro Del Piero. Lambert was tasked with neutralising Zidane — and he did so masterfully.
Not only did Lambert dominate defensively, but he also provided a pivotal assist for Dortmund’s opening goal, scored by Karl-Heinz Riedle.
The match ended 3-1, with Dortmund lifting the trophy and Lambert etching his name in history as the first British player to win the Champions League with an overseas team.
Other honours
Lambert’s success was not limited to the Champions League. During his time with Dortmund, he also won the 1996-97 Bundesliga title, completing a memorable double.
After returning to Scotland in 1997 to join Celtic, Lambert added multiple domestic honours to his name, including four Scottish Premier League titles and two Scottish Cups.
Lambert the manager
After retiring as a player, Lambert transitioned into management.
Much like his playing career his management career began in the unfashionable reaches of the game at places like Livingston, Wycombe and Colchester. But it was a rollercoaster of a ride that also took in spells with clubs like Norwich City, Aston Villa, and Ipswich Town.
At Norwich, he achieved notable success, guiding the team to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League between 2009 and 2011.
While his managerial record has had ups and downs, Lambert has consistently been recognised for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent.
Where is he now?
As of 2024, Lambert has stepped away from full-time management but remains involved in football, occasionally serving as a pundit and mentoring young coaches.
He remains a respected figure in both Scottish and European football, with his historic Champions League triumph ensuring his legacy is secure.
As we gear up for another thrilling round of Champions League fixtures, Lambert's story is a reminder of the surprises and milestones that make football so special.