Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm has cast doubt on his former team's chances of lifting the trophy at this year's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

"I don't see Germany among the favourites," Lahm said candidly at an event hosted by Münchner Merkur/tz newspapers. While he acknowledged the current squad boasts talented players from top European clubs, he pointed to a troubling pattern: "The past hasn't necessarily shown that we've really grown as a team in recent years or over the last few tournaments."

It's hard to argue with the statistics. Since Lahm lifted the World Cup in Brazil 12 years ago—his final act in a Germany shirt—the national team has suffered back-to-back group stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. They've also failed to reach a European Championship final during that stretch, a far cry from the dominant era Lahm helped define.

So who does the former Bayern Munich legend see as the teams to beat? "France or Spain, maybe even Portugal," he said. "But it's always possible." That last bit of cautious optimism suggests Germany can't be completely counted out—but the burden of proof lies squarely on the current squad.

As for Lahm himself, don't expect a return to the Bayern Munich front office anytime soon. Since hanging up his boots in 2017 after a legendary career in Bavaria, the 41-year-old has built a busy life as a businessman and football official. "I'm keeping myself pretty busy and I'm enjoying it," he said. "My life is great. And that's why, to be honest, I'm not really thinking about FC Bayern right now."

For now, Lahm is content watching from the sidelines—even if he doesn't like everything he sees.