Lothar Matthaus, Toni Kroos, Michael Ballack

The 20 Greatest German Players in Football History – Ranked

August 27, 2025 Oliver Obel

Germany has produced some of the finest footballers the sport has ever seen, blending skill, power, and consistency across generations. From legendary goalscorers to defensive icons and world-class goalkeepers, these players have written history on both the domestic and international stage. Here is a ranked look at the 20 greatest German players of all time.

20. Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich has become the modern version of Philipp Lahm with his versatility and tactical intelligence. Capable of excelling as both a midfielder and right-back, he has been a consistent leader for Bayern Munich and Germany.

19. Rudi Völler

Rudi voller — Af Schwarzwälder, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31854870

Rudi Völler was a prolific striker who combined natural finishing ability with a relentless work rate. He scored crucial goals for club and country, cementing himself as one of Germany’s most reliable forwards.

18. Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack was a dominant midfielder known for his aerial ability, vision, and knack for scoring decisive goals. A natural leader, he captained Germany through several international tournaments and starred for top European clubs.

17. Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bastian Schweinsteiger was a tireless engine in midfield, known for his leadership and determination. He was instrumental in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph and became a Bayern Munich legend during his long career.

16. Uwe Seeler

Uwe Seeler was one of Germany’s first true superstars, leading the line for Hamburg with consistency and class. Renowned for his loyalty and humility, he was three-time German Footballer of the Year.

15. Günter Netzer

Günter Netzer was a gifted playmaker who brought flair and creativity to German football. A Bundesliga icon with Borussia Mönchengladbach, he also enjoyed success at Real Madrid, embodying elegance on the ball.

14. Mesut Özil

Mesut Özil was a magician with the ball, known for his vision, technique, and ability to unlock defenses. His role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning side and his success at Real Madrid and Arsenal highlighted his brilliance.

13. Matthias Sammer

Matthias Sammer was a versatile defender and midfielder, best remembered for his role in Germany’s Euro 1996 triumph. He won the Ballon d’Or the same year, underlining his influence and defensive mastery.

12. Thomas Müller

Thomas Müller has been one of the most intelligent players of his generation, famous for his unique “Raumdeuter” role. A serial winner with Bayern Munich, his adaptability and consistency have kept him at the top for over a decade.

11. Miroslav Klose

Miroslav Klose is Germany’s all-time top goalscorer and the record holder for most goals in World Cup history. His professionalism and poacher’s instinct made him a legend at both club and international level.

10. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was a graceful striker who combined elegance with deadly finishing. A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, he scored freely for Germany and Bayern Munich, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

9. Oliver Kahn

Oliver Kahn, nicknamed “Der Titan,” was a commanding goalkeeper who instilled fear in strikers. With Bayern Munich, he won countless domestic titles and a Champions League, while also leading Germany to the 2002 World Cup final.

8. Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos controlled games with his pinpoint passing and composure, becoming one of the greatest midfielders of his era. Winning multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid and the 2014 World Cup, his career was packed with silverware.

7. Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer redefined goalkeeping with his sweeper-keeper style, blending exceptional shot-stopping with superb footwork. A World Cup winner in 2014, he is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.

6. Fritz Walter

Fritz Walter captained West Germany to their first-ever World Cup in 1954, becoming a national hero. A one-club man with Kaiserslautern, he scored goals prolifically and inspired future generations of German talent.

5. Sepp Maier

Sepp Maier, known as “The Cat,” was Germany’s first iconic goalkeeper and a Bayern Munich great. He won the 1974 World Cup and set the tone for the legendary keepers who followed in his footsteps.

4. Philipp Lahm

Philipp Lahm was admired for his intelligence, versatility, and leadership both at full-back and in midfield. Captaining Germany to World Cup glory in 2014, he is considered one of the best utility players of all time.

3. Lothar Matthäus

Lothar Matthäus remains Germany’s most-capped player with 150 appearances, embodying consistency and excellence. A Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, he is often ranked among the greatest midfielders in history.

2. Gerd Müller

Gerd Müller was a ruthless striker whose goalscoring record remains unmatched, with 68 goals in 62 games for Germany. A Bayern Munich legend, his nickname “Der Bomber” reflects his devastating finishing ability.

1. Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer, “Der Kaiser,” pioneered the sweeper role and redefined defensive play with elegance and authority. Winning the World Cup as both player and manager, he stands as the ultimate German football icon.