14 Facts About Lars Bender

Lars Bender is a German former professional footballer who played as a right back and defensive midfielder.

Lars Bender played from 1993 to 1999 in the youth of the TSV Brannenburg, from 1999 to 2002 he was part of SpVgg Unterhaching youth teams.

On 18 August 2009, Lars Bender signed a three-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen.

Lars Bender played his first match in the Bundesliga coming off the bench on Matchday 6 and was used as a substitute in most of 20 games he played during his first season in Bayer Leverkusen.

On 21 March 2012, Lars Bender signed a new contract with Leverkusen to 2018.

Lars Bender replaced his brother Sven, who had played his final match, in the 89th minute while Leverkusen was awarded a penalty.

Lars Bender took the penalty, and in a respectful gesture, Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki allowed him to score without making any effort to save the shot.

Lars Bender was part of the German under-19 side that won the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship.

Lars Bender was chosen as part of Germany's 23-man squad for Euro 2012.

Lars Bender scored an 80th-minute winner in the final group game against Denmark.

Lars Bender was named in Germany's provisional 30-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but withdrew on 23 May following a thigh injury in training.

Lars Bender played his last internationals for Germany in late 2014.

Lars Bender was part of the Germany Olympic football team for Rio along with his twin and Nils Petersen who were the three selected over 23 years old players, winning the silver medal.

Lars Bender is known for his all-action style and possesses good tackling, passing and ball interception.