The 20 Greatest German Footballers of All Time
Germany has long been one of football’s true powerhouses, with a legacy defined by World Cup triumphs, legendary clubs, and world-class talent across every generation. From dominant defenders to clinical finishers and brilliant midfield maestros, Die Mannschaft has produced some of the most iconic figures the game has ever seen.
In this feature, we’ve ranked the 20 greatest German footballers of all time – players who not only lifted trophies but helped shape the sport through their skill, leadership, and longevity. Starting from No. 20, we count down the legends who’ve left an indelible mark on German football history.
20. Joshua Kimmich
A modern-day leader and tactical chameleon, Kimmich has excelled both as a right-back and central midfielder. His intelligence, consistency, and influence at club level have made him a cornerstone of German football in the 2010s and 2020s.
19. Rudi Völler
A clinical striker with a knack for turning up in big moments, Völler played a pivotal role in Germany’s 1990 World Cup triumph. Beloved for his passion and work rate, he later contributed to the national team as a manager.
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18. Michael Ballack
Ballack was a dominant midfielder with a powerful shot and strong aerial presence. He carried the German national team through a transitional era and reached finals in both the World Cup and European Championship.
17. Bastian Schweinsteiger
Known for his grit and versatility, Schweinsteiger was a midfield warrior who played a crucial role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win. His leadership and 670 career club appearances highlight his longevity and influence.
16. Uwe Seeler
A goal machine in the 1960s, Seeler was a three-time German Footballer of the Year and a symbol of loyalty with Hamburg. He scored over 400 goals in his career and captained West Germany to the 1966 World Cup final.
15. Günter Netzer
Netzer was the creative heartbeat of Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 1970s and brought flair and elegance to the midfield. His passing vision and style drew comparisons to Johan Cruyff during that era.
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14. Mesut Özil
One of the finest playmakers of his generation, Özil dazzled with his technique and vision. A World Cup winner in 2014, he was the creative spark for Germany through much of the 2010s.
13. Matthias Sammer
A commanding presence in both defense and midfield, Sammer won the Ballon d’Or in 1996 after guiding Germany to the European Championship. He was a cerebral player who embodied tactical excellence.
12. Thomas Müller
The ultimate Raumdeuter, Müller has made a career of finding space and producing in big moments. His performances in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups were instrumental in Germany’s success.
11. Miroslav Klose
Klose is the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, and he netted 71 times for Germany overall. Renowned for his efficiency, he was a dependable finisher on the sport’s biggest stage.
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10. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
An elegant and prolific forward, Rummenigge was a two-time Ballon d’Or winner who starred in three World Cups. His intelligence and poise made him one of Germany’s finest attackers.
9. Oliver Kahn
“Der Titan” was known for his commanding presence and fierce mentality. With 204 Bundesliga clean sheets and a World Cup Golden Ball in 2002, Kahn was a cornerstone of German goalkeeping excellence.
8. Toni Kroos
Kroos combined calmness with precision, dominating midfields for over a decade with club and country. A World Cup and five-time Champions League winner, he’s one of the most complete midfielders of the modern era.
7. Manuel Neuer
Neuer redefined the goalkeeper role with his sweeping style and world-class reflexes. A World Cup champion and multiple-time Bundesliga winner, he is widely considered one of the greatest keepers ever.
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6. Fritz Walter
Captain of West Germany’s first World Cup-winning team in 1954, Walter was an inspirational leader and prolific midfielder. His loyalty to Kaiserslautern and 33 international goals cemented his legacy.
5. Sepp Maier
The original German goalkeeping great, Maier won the 1974 World Cup and three European Cups with Bayern. Nicknamed “The Cat,” he was admired for his agility, longevity, and reflexes.
4. Philipp Lahm
One of the most intelligent and versatile players of his time, Lahm was a consistent leader for Germany and Bayern. From full-back to midfield, he executed every role with elegance and discipline.
3. Lothar Matthäus
With 150 caps, Matthäus remains Germany’s most-capped player. The 1990 Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner combined physicality and vision to dominate both ends of the pitch for over two decades.
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2. Gerd Müller
A true goal-scoring phenomenon, Müller netted 68 goals in 62 games for Germany and 563 goals at club level. “Der Bomber” was the ultimate poacher, with unmatched instincts inside the box.
1. Franz Beckenbauer
The greatest German footballer of all time, “Der Kaiser” revolutionized the libero role and led Germany to World Cup titles as both a player and a manager. A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, he defined elegance and leadership on the pitch.
