Monday, 2 Dec 2024

Top 10 Best German Footballers of All Time: Discover the Legends

best german soccer players of all time

Germany is renowned for its success in international competitions, having won four World Cups and three European Championships. The country is also home to one of the best leagues in the world, the Bundesliga, which has produced a plethora of talented footballers. In this article, we will explore the top 10 greatest German footballers of all time.

Best German Footballers of All Time

German fans with the flag during the FIFA World Cup

Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, and Lothar Matthaus are among the most exceptional footballers to have represented Die Nationalmannschaft. These players showcased exceptional skill, determination, and hard work in dominating their opponents.

10. Matthias Sammer

Germany's Matthias Sammer

Matthias Sammer, a legendary defensive midfielder, played for both West and East Germany. He retired in 1998 as one of the greatest soccer stars in Europe, having achieved remarkable success throughout his career.

  • Games: 74
  • Goals: 14
  • Position: Defensive midfielder
  • Clubs: Dynamo Dresden, VfB Stuttgart, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund
  • Awards: German Footballer of the Year (1995), 1996 FIFA Ballon d’Or, Best Player of the UEFA Euro 1996
  • Trophies: Bundesliga (3), DFB Super Cups (2), Champions League

9. Uwe Seeler

Uwe Seeler

Uwe Seeler, a prolific striker, scored over 406 goals in his Bundesliga career. Although he never won a World Cup, Seeler remains one of the iconic figures of German football.

  • Games: 72
  • Goals: 43
  • Position: Striker
  • Club: Hamburger SV
  • Awards: German Footballer of the Year (3), Bundesliga Top Scorer, FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
  • Trophies: German football championship, DFB-Pokal

8. Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bastian Schweinsteiger, a remarkable midfielder, played a pivotal role in Germany’s triumph in the 2014 World Cup. He is considered one of the best German footballers of the 21st century.

  • Games: 121
  • Goals: 24
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Clubs: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Chicago Fire
  • Awards: German Player of the Year (1), ESM Team of the Year, Silbernes Lorbeerblatt (3), FIFA World Cup Dream Team
  • Trophies: Bundesliga (8), DFB-Pokal (7), DFL-Supercup, DFB-Ligapokal, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup
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7. Sepp Maier

Legendary goalkeeper Sepp Maier

Sepp Maier, a legendary goalkeeper, is considered one of the best shot-stoppers in the history of German football. He played a vital role in helping Germany win the 1974 World Cup.

  • Games: 95
  • Goals conceded: 73
  • Clean sheets: 43
  • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Club: Bayern Munich
  • Awards: German Footballer of the Year (4), Germany’s goalkeeper of the Century, FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
  • Trophies: World Cup (1), European Championship (1), Intercontinental Cup winner (2), Bundesliga (4), German Cup (4), Champions League (3)

6. Fritz Walter

Enthusiastic supporters carried Fritz Walter

Fritz Walter, an attacking midfielder/forward, led Germany to its first World Cup triumph in 1954. He played the majority of his career at Kaiserslautern before the formation of the Bundesliga.

  • Games: 61
  • Goals: 33
  • Position: Attacking midfielder/forward
  • Clubs: Kaiserslautern, TSG Diedenhofen, TSG Saargemünd
  • Awards: UEFA German Golden Player
  • Trophies: FIFA World Cup, German football championship (2), FIFA Order of Merit

5. Miroslav Klose

German's Miroslav Klose

Miroslav Klose, the all-time leading goal scorer for Germany, is renowned for his incredible goal-scoring ability. He holds the record for the most World Cup goals in history and has achieved remarkable success throughout his career.

  • Games: 137
  • Goals: 71
  • Position: Striker
  • Clubs: FC 08 Homburg, FC Kaiserslautern II, Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich, Lazio
  • Awards: FIFA World Cup Golden Shoe (2006), Germany Footballer of the Year, Bundesliga Player of the Season, Bundesliga top goalscorer, DFB-Pokal top goalscorer
  • Trophies: DFL-Ligapokal (2), Bundesliga (2), DFB-Pokal (2), DFL-Supercup, Coppa Italia, World Cup

4. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a talented centre-forward, is known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability. He is among the few German footballers to win the Ballon d’Or and has enjoyed immense success throughout his career.

  • Games: 95
  • Goals: 45
  • Position: Centre-forward
  • Clubs: Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Servette
  • Awards: Bundesliga Top Goalscorer (3), Ballon d’Or (2), European Cup Top Goalscorer, Golden Foot, Onze d’Or (2), Bravo Otto (5)
  • Trophies: UEFA European Championship, Bundesliga (2), DFB-Pokal (2), European Cup (2), Intercontinental Cup
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3. Lothar Matthaus

Lothar Matthaus

Lothar Matthaus, a charismatic midfielder, holds the record for the most appearances in the history of German football. He is widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders of all time.

  • Games: 150
  • Goals: 23
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Clubs: FC Herzogenaurach, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, New York MetroStars
  • Awards: Ballon d’Or, IFFHS World’s Best Player, Onze d’Or, German Footballer of the Year (2), Golden Foot legends award
  • Trophies: Bundesliga (6), DFB-Pokal (2), DFB-Supercup, DFB UEFA Cup, Serie A, UEFA Cup, FIFA World Cup

2. Gerd Muller

Gerd Muller

Gerd Muller, an exceptional striker, is regarded as the best goal scorer in the history of German football. He holds the record for the most goals scored in the Bundesliga and is renowned for his goal-scoring prowess.

  • Games: 62
  • Goals: 68
  • Position: Centre-forward
  • Awards: Ballon d’Or, German Footballer of the Year (2), Bundesliga Top Scorer (7), Onze de Onze, European Cup Top Scorer, FIFA World Cup Golden Boot
  • Trophies: Champions League (3), FIFA World Cup, Bundesliga (4), European Cup, German Cup (4), Intercontinental Cup (2)

1. Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer, a versatile central midfielder, tops the list as the greatest German footballer of all time. He revolutionized the role of a sweeper in football and achieved immense success both as a player and a manager.

  • Games: 103
  • Goals: 14
  • Position: Central defender
  • Awards: European Footballer of the Year (2), Ballon d’Or (2), German Footballer of the Year (4), Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Laureus World Sports Awards lifetime achievement, FIFA Presidential Award, IFFHS Genius of World Football award
  • Trophies: FIFA World Cup, European Championship, European Champions’ Cup (3), Intercontinental Cup, DFB German Cup (4)
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Who is the Best Striker in Germany?

Undoubtedly, Gerd Muller stands out as the most outstanding striker in the history of Die Nationalmannschaft. His exceptional goal-scoring ability and precise finishes set him apart from other legendary players. Muller’s performance in the 1970 World Cup, where he scored ten goals, remains unforgettable.

Who are the Best Germans to Play in the EPL?

Since the inception of the Premier League in 1992, several German players have made their mark in English football. Jurgen Klinsmann, Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, and Leroy Sane are just a few examples. The current generation also features talented German players such as Ilkay Gundogan and Kai Havertz.

The best German footballers have inspired countless young talents, leaving behind remarkable records that may stand the test of time. Their contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

FAQs

Q: Who is the greatest German footballer of all time?
A: Franz Beckenbauer is widely regarded as the best German footballer in history.

Q: Who is the top goal scorer in German football history?
A: Gerd Muller holds the record for the most goals scored in the Bundesliga and is considered the best goal scorer in German football history.

Q: Which German players have excelled in the Premier League?
A: Jurgen Klinsmann, Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, and Leroy Sane are among the German players who have made their mark in the English Premier League.

Q: What are the notable achievements of German footballers?
A: German footballers have achieved numerous accolades, including World Cup titles, European Championships, Ballon d’Or awards, and Bundesliga championships.

Conclusion

The top 10 best German footballers of all time have left an indelible mark on the sport. These legends have showcased unwavering skill, determination, and excellence throughout their illustrious careers. Their achievements and contributions have solidified Germany’s position as one of the powerhouses of international football.

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