The Ultimate Bundesliga All-Time XI (With Bench)
The Bundesliga turned 60 in 2023, and with it came a moment of reflection on the league’s rich history. Since its foundation in 1963, Germany’s top flight has produced some of football’s greatest players, from elegant sweepers and clinical strikers to commanding goalkeepers and creative wingers. To celebrate the milestone, fans were given the chance to vote for their dream team, choosing the best players in every position from the past six decades. The result is not just a starting XI but a full 20-man matchday squad, packed with legendary figures who defined an era, shaped the league’s identity, and inspired millions around the world. This is the definitive Bundesliga all-time team.
Substitute: Oliver Kahn (Goalkeeper)
Oliver Kahn was one of the most commanding goalkeepers of all time, renowned for his intensity and leadership. He won eight Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich and was twice named the world’s best goalkeeper.
Substitute: Lucio (Defender)
Lucio was a rock in Bayern Munich’s defence, combining strength and timing with confidence on the ball. He won three Bundesliga titles and was key to Bayern’s domestic dominance.
Substitute: Matthias Sammer (Defender/Midfielder)
Matthias Sammer redefined the sweeper role, organizing the defence while contributing to attacks. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1996 and led Borussia Dortmund to league and European success.
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Substitute: Toni Kroos (Midfielder)
Toni Kroos controlled games with his passing precision and vision. He was central to Bayern’s 2013 treble-winning side before going on to shine at Real Madrid.
Substitute: Lothar Matthäus (Midfielder)
Lothar Matthäus was one of the greatest box-to-box midfielders in history, captaining Germany to the 1990 World Cup. He won seven Bundesliga titles and remains the country’s most-capped player.
Substitute: Marco Reus (Midfielder/Forward)
Marco Reus has been Borussia Dortmund’s talisman for more than a decade, creating and scoring crucial goals. Despite injury setbacks, his quality and loyalty have made him a club legend.
Substitute: Rudi Völler (Forward)
Rudi Völler was a natural goalscorer, netting 132 times in the Bundesliga. He was a World Cup winner in 1990 and a constant threat in the penalty area.
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Substitute: Erling Haaland (Forward)
Erling Haaland scored 62 goals in just 67 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund. His explosive power and clinical finishing made him one of the most feared strikers of his era.
Substitute: Claudio Pizarro (Forward)
Claudio Pizarro scored over 190 Bundesliga goals across his career with Bremen and Bayern. His consistency and longevity made him one of the league’s most beloved figures.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer revolutionised the goalkeeper position with his sweeper-keeper style. He has won 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles with Bayern and kept over 200 clean sheets in the league.
Defender: Philipp Lahm
Philipp Lahm was known for his intelligence and tactical awareness, excelling at both full-back positions. He won 21 titles with Bayern and captained Germany to World Cup glory in 2014.
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Defender: Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer, known as “Der Kaiser,” was the master of the libero role. He led Bayern Munich to three consecutive European Cups and captained Germany to a World Cup victory.
Defender: Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels has been one of the most composed centre-backs in Bundesliga history. He won titles with both Dortmund and Bayern and is closing in on 500 league appearances.
Defender: David Alaba
David Alaba was a key figure in Bayern’s dominance, winning 10 Bundesliga titles. His pace, versatility and technical skill made him one of the best left-backs of his generation.
Midfielder: Bastian Schweinsteiger
Bastian Schweinsteiger became Bayern’s heartbeat in midfield, playing 500 games for the club. He won eight Bundesliga titles and was pivotal in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph.
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Midfielder: Thomas Müller
Thomas Müller is the embodiment of Bayern Munich, holding the record for most Bundesliga wins. Known for his Raumdeuter role, he has contributed over 145 goals and 200 assists.
Midfielder: Franck Ribéry
Franck Ribéry dazzled on the left wing with his dribbling and creativity. He won nine Bundesliga titles and formed the legendary “Robbery” partnership with Arjen Robben.
Forward: Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben was one of the most exciting wingers in Bundesliga history, cutting inside from the right to score stunning goals. He netted 99 Bundesliga goals and delivered Bayern’s 2013 Champions League-winning strike.
Forward: Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski scored 312 Bundesliga goals, the most by a non-German. He won seven top-scorer awards and broke Gerd Müller’s single-season record with 41 goals in 2020/21.
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Forward: Gerd Müller
Gerd Müller remains the Bundesliga’s all-time leading scorer with 365 goals. He won four Bundesliga titles and three European Cups with Bayern and was named Ballon d’Or winner in 1970.
