Lothar Matthäus: Five Wives, Five Divorces, One World Cup Legend
Germany's greatest footballer won one World Cup and lost five marriages — each one more expensive than the last.
Key Facts
What Happened
Lothar Matthäus is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The German midfielder captained West Germany to World Cup glory in 1990, won the first-ever FIFA World Player of the Year award, and played a record 150 international matches. But off the pitch, his personal life became as famous as his football — five marriages and five divorces over four decades made him a tabloid fixture across Europe.
His first marriage to Silvia lasted from 1981 to 1992 — essentially the duration of his peak playing career. His second marriage to Swiss model and TV presenter Lolita Morena (1994-1999) coincided with his transition from player to manager. His third marriage to Serbian fashion entrepreneur Marijana Colic (2003-2008) was the most publicly documented: reports indicated Colic received €100,000 and a penthouse in Budapest as part of the settlement. His fourth marriage to Ukrainian model Liliana Chudinova in December 2008 became farcical — it lasted barely weeks before divorce proceedings began in early 2009.
His fifth marriage to Anastasia Klimko in 2014 initially seemed more stable, lasting seven years before ending in 2021. Throughout all five marriages, a pattern emerged: Matthäus consistently married younger women — each new wife younger than the last — and the relationships followed a predictable arc of passionate beginning, public honeymoon phase, tabloid speculation about fidelity, and eventual collapse.
The financial toll of five divorces on Matthäus's fortune has been significant, though exact totals are unknown. Despite earning substantial income as a player, manager, and television pundit, the compounding effect of serial settlements has been widely discussed in German media. As of 2025, the 64-year-old was photographed with a new 26-year-old girlfriend, suggesting the cycle may not be over. His case is a cautionary tale about patterns in relationships and the escalating financial consequences of repeated divorce.
Legal Breakdown: Serial divorce and the compounding financial impact on athletes' wealth
German Divorce Law (Scheidung)
German law requires a separation period before divorce — one year if both parties consent, three years if one party objects. The Zugewinnausgleich (equalization of gains) principle means that any increase in each spouse's net worth during the marriage is calculated and equalized. For a high earner like Matthäus marrying repeatedly, this meant each successive wife had a claim on wealth accumulated during that specific marriage.
Serial Divorce and Compounding Losses
Each divorce reduced Matthäus's asset base, meaning the next marriage started from a lower financial position. The 'equalization of gains' calculation in each subsequent marriage applied to a smaller pie. This compounding effect is one of the most underappreciated financial risks of serial marriage — the fifth divorce impacts a fortune that has already been divided four times.
Cross-Border Complications
Matthäus's marriages involved women from Switzerland, Serbia, Ukraine, and Russia, creating jurisdictional complexity. The question of which country's divorce law applies can dramatically affect the outcome. The Budapest penthouse in the Colic settlement reflects assets held internationally, adding another layer of legal complexity to already complicated proceedings.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Serial divorce creates compounding financial losses — each successive settlement reduces the asset base from which the next marriage begins.
- →Recognizing patterns in relationships (consistently choosing similar partners, repeating the same conflicts) is essential to breaking the cycle.
- →Athletes and entertainers are particularly vulnerable to serial divorce due to lifestyle factors, wealth imbalances with partners, and prolonged time away from home.
- →Prenuptial agreements become increasingly important with each subsequent marriage, as the financial stakes of each new divorce compound.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.