The 20 Greatest Players in Bayern Munich History – Ranked
Bayern Munich has long been a symbol of dominance in European football, with decades of silverware and a legacy built on elite talent. From fearless defenders to record-breaking strikers, the Bavarian giants have housed some of the sport’s most influential figures. This article ranks the 20 greatest players in the club’s illustrious history, starting from number 20 and building up to the ultimate Bayern legend.
20. Bixente Lizarazu
A consistent force at left-back, Lizarazu was known for his tireless work ethic and reliability. He played 273 games for Bayern, contributing with 8 goals and 21 assists while winning multiple domestic and European trophies.
19. Arjen Robben
Robben brought flair, pace, and cutting precision to Bayern’s right wing. With 144 goals and 100 assists in just 309 appearances, his iconic left-footed strikes became a hallmark of the club's attacking identity.
18. Lúcio
The Brazilian defender was a rock at the back, combining physicality with strong positional awareness. His 218 appearances included 12 goals and 11 assists—impressive numbers for a centre-back.
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17. Franck Ribéry
Ribéry dazzled fans with his dribbling and creativity over 425 games, scoring 124 goals and assisting 182. Alongside Robben, he formed one of Europe’s deadliest wing duos for years.
16. Mehmet Scholl
A technically gifted playmaker, Scholl was a fan favorite throughout his long Bayern career. He notched 117 goals and 106 assists across 469 appearances, often delivering in clutch moments.
15. Oliver Kahn
One of football’s fiercest goalkeepers, Kahn’s passion and leadership defined an era. With 632 appearances and countless iconic saves, he epitomized Bayern’s never-say-die mentality.
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14. Klaus Augenthaler
Augenthaler spent his entire professional career at Bayern, where he became a defensive stalwart. Known for his long-range shooting, he scored 74 goals and assisted 22 in 551 matches.
13. Sepp Maier
A legendary figure between the posts, Maier was the backbone of Bayern’s 1970s dominance. His 709 appearances remain a club record for a goalkeeper.
12. Bastian Schweinsteiger
A symbol of versatility and determination, Schweinsteiger excelled in midfield with 68 goals and 98 assists in 500 appearances. He played a vital role during the club’s transition into a modern powerhouse.
11. Robert Lewandowski
Arguably one of the most clinical strikers of his generation, Lewandowski netted an astounding 344 goals in 375 games. His time at Bayern redefined consistent goalscoring at the highest level.
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10. Manuel Neuer
Revolutionizing the sweeper-keeper role, Neuer has been a modern-day marvel for Bayern since 2011. With 554 appearances, 453 goals conceded, and 262 clean sheets, he’s one of the most influential goalkeepers ever.
9. Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck
A quiet but crucial defender, Schwarzenbeck often let others take the spotlight while he did the hard work. He amassed 554 appearances and won everything there was to win in club football.
8. Paul Breitner
Breitner was both flamboyant and ferociously effective, scoring 110 goals as a defender across 352 appearances. His attacking instincts and bold personality made him a Bayern icon.
7. Stefan Effenberg
Effenberg brought fire and steel to Bayern’s midfield, leading by example and never shying from a challenge. In just 234 games, he managed 48 goals and 54 assists, while guiding Bayern to Champions League glory.
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6. Philipp Lahm
A model of professionalism, Lahm was a versatile genius who never received a red card in his career. Over 517 appearances, he contributed 70 assists and 16 goals, anchoring both defense and midfield.
5. Lothar Matthäus
A dynamic midfielder and later a sweeper, Matthäus had two successful spells at Bayern. With 100 goals and 51 assists in 410 games, he remains one of Germany’s greatest ever players.
4. Thomas Müller
The king of unorthodox brilliance, Müller is Bayern’s all-time appearance maker with 742 matches. With 247 goals and 273 assists, his selfless style has kept him essential across eras.
3. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Known for his elegance and goalscoring finesse, Rummenigge scored 217 times in 422 games. A two-time Ballon d'Or winner, his talent made him one of Europe’s finest forwards in the 1980s.
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2. Franz Beckenbauer
‘Der Kaiser’ redefined defending with his Libero role and elegance on the ball. Beckenbauer made 584 appearances, scored 75 goals, and is the greatest defender in Bayern history.
1. Gerd Müller
The ultimate poacher, Gerd Müller’s record of 570 goals in 613 games is simply legendary. His predatory instincts and consistent brilliance made him not just Bayern’s best, but one of football’s all-time greats.
