The 25 Greatest Borussia Dortmund Players of All Time – Ranked
Borussia Dortmund remain one of European football’s most fascinating clubs—full of history, identity, and an unmatched connection with their fans. Despite competing with financial giants like Bayern Munich, BVB have consistently punched above their weight, thanks to smart recruitment, youth development, and unwavering passion from the Yellow Wall.
From club legends to fleeting superstars, we’ve taken a look back and ranked the 25 greatest players to ever wear the black and yellow.
25. Sven Bender
A midfield warrior who embodied the intensity of Jürgen Klopp’s Dortmund, Sven Bender made over 150 Bundesliga appearances for the club. Tough, tireless, and tactically astute, Bender was an underrated yet vital presence during a golden era.
24. Sigfried Held
A versatile forward who featured in multiple attacking roles, Held played a key part in Dortmund’s success during the 1960s. He helped lead the club to its UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1966 and remains a cherished figure from the pre-modern era.
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23. Christian Wörns
Arriving in 1998 as one of Germany’s most dependable defenders, Wörns brought calm and consistency to Dortmund’s backline. He was a key part of the side that lifted the Bundesliga title in 2001/02.
22. Stefan Klos
Stefan Klos spent nearly a decade guarding the BVB goal, registering 114 clean sheets in over 300 matches. A Champions League winner in 1997, the Dortmund native was a crucial part of the club’s ’90s success.
21. Mario Götze
A homegrown prodigy turned national hero, Götze’s early years at Dortmund were filled with brilliance. Although his move to Bayern stained his legacy, his role in Klopp’s dominant 2010/11 team remains unforgettable.
20. Stéphane Chapuisat
The Swiss striker was a relentless scorer in the ’90s, netting over 100 goals for the club. Chapuisat led the line during one of BVB’s most successful periods and remains one of the Bundesliga’s most overlooked forwards.
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19. Alfred Schmidt
Known as “Aki,” Schmidt was Dortmund’s creative spark in the 1960s. A Cup Winners’ Cup champion and the club’s first player to captain the German national team, Schmidt was both visionary and inspirational.
18. Łukasz Piszczek
Signed on a free transfer, Piszczek developed into one of the world’s top right-backs. A model of consistency and commitment, he spent 11 seasons in Dortmund and won eight major honors.
17. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
With lightning speed and clinical finishing, Aubameyang was a goal machine during his five-year spell. He netted 98 Bundesliga goals and was named Dortmund’s Player of the Year in 2015/16.
16. Marcel Schmelzer
A one-club man and true professional, Schmelzer served BVB for 14 years. He was a defensive mainstay during Klopp’s glory days and captained the team with pride and quiet leadership.
15. Dieter Kurrat
The diminutive right-back was a fan favorite in the ’60s and helped the club win its first Bundesliga title. Known as “Hoppy,” Kurrat was revered for his heart, leadership, and consistency.
14. Sebastian Kehl
Kehl turned down Bayern Munich to join Dortmund, staying loyal for 14 years. A tough-tackling midfielder and respected leader, he captained BVB through two different golden generations.
13. Robert Lewandowski
One of the most complete strikers of his era, Lewandowski scored 103 goals in four seasons with BVB. His masterclass against Real Madrid in the 2013 UCL semifinal remains iconic—despite his later move to Bayern.
12. Karl-Heinz Riedle
Though not prolific in league play, Riedle secured his legacy with a Champions League final brace in 1997. His aerial prowess and clutch performance on Europe’s biggest stage made him a club legend.
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11. Roman Weidenfeller
Weidenfeller played over 450 games for Dortmund, filling the void left by Jens Lehmann. His longevity, dependability, and key saves helped lead BVB to five major titles and Champions League prominence.
10. Lars Ricken
A Dortmund native through and through, Ricken’s lobbed goal in the 1997 UCL final remains one of the club’s most iconic moments. He played over 400 matches for the club and stayed loyal for 14 seasons.
9. Stefan Reuter
An experienced full-back with a tireless engine, Reuter spent 12 seasons in black and yellow. He won three league titles and the 1997 Champions League, while also earning 69 caps for Germany.
8. Manfred Burgsmüller
One of the Bundesliga’s most reliable scorers, Burgsmüller netted 158 goals for Dortmund. Though he didn’t win silverware, his scoring consistency made him a club icon of the late ’70s and early ’80s.
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7. Mats Hummels
A defensive general, Hummels was a cornerstone of Dortmund’s modern success. Known for his intelligence and ball-playing ability, he made over 500 appearances across two spells and remains a key figure even into his mid-30s.
6. Andreas Möller
A playmaking genius, Möller starred during the club’s rise in the 1990s. With two feet, pace, and vision, he scored 61 goals and provided countless assists, helping deliver the Bundesliga and Champions League.
5. Alfred Preissler
The club’s all-time top scorer with 177 goals, Preissler led Dortmund to back-to-back titles in the 1950s. His finishing prowess laid the foundation for BVB’s early success and lasting legacy.
4. Michael Zorc
A symbol of loyalty and leadership, Zorc made a record 572 appearances for his boyhood club. As captain and later sporting director, he played a central role in shaping the club’s identity on and off the pitch.
3. Jürgen Kohler
A rock at the back, Kohler was among the world’s best center-backs in the ’90s. His man-marking, strength, and intelligence were instrumental in Dortmund’s 1997 Champions League triumph.
2. Marco Reus
Dortmund’s modern-day hero, Reus combined elegance, loyalty, and heartbreak in equal measure. Injuries may have limited his impact, but his bond with the Yellow Wall and his brilliance with the ball make him one of the club’s most beloved icons.
1. Matthias Sammer
The only Ballon d’Or winner in club history, Sammer redefined the sweeper role and led Dortmund to Bundesliga and Champions League glory. His five-year spell was short but unmatched in influence and individual excellence.
