The Bundesliga has seen many legendary central midfielders who have shaped German football with their skills, leadership, and success. From creative playmakers to defensive anchors, these players have left an unforgettable mark on the league. Here is our ranking of the 15 greatest central midfielders in Bundesliga history.
15. Josuha Kimmich
Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com
Kimmich has been the heart of Bayern Munich’s midfield in recent years, winning eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2020. His passing, vision, and tactical intelligence make him one of the best deep-lying playmakers of his generation. With his leadership and consistency, he is on track to become an all-time great.
14. Uli Hoeneß
Photo: Fingerhut / Shutterstock.com
Before becoming Bayern Munich’s influential club executive, Hoeneß was a dynamic and versatile midfielder. He played a key role in Bayern’s three consecutive Bundesliga titles from 1972 to 1974 and helped the club win the European Cup in 1974. His speed, work rate, and attacking instinct made him an essential part of Bayern’s golden era.
Von 9EkieraM1 – Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92447401
A creative and technically gifted playmaker, Häßler was one of Germany’s best midfielders in the late 1980s and 1990s. He played for clubs like 1. FC Köln, Borussia Dortmund, and 1860 Munich, winning the German Footballer of the Year award twice. His passing, dribbling, and set-piece ability made him a fan favorite.
Hamann was a disciplined and intelligent defensive midfielder known for his composure and tactical awareness. He played for Bayern Munich in the 1990s, winning two Bundesliga titles before moving to the Premier League. His ability to control the tempo and break up opposition attacks made him an underrated yet crucial player.
11. Bernd Schuster
Maxisport / Shutterstock.com
Although he spent most of his career abroad, Schuster made a lasting impact at 1. FC Köln before moving to Spain. A deep-lying playmaker with exceptional vision and passing, he was one of the most talented German midfielders of his generation. His ability to dictate play and deliver pinpoint passes set him apart.
10. Toni Kroos
Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com
Kroos developed at Bayern Munich, winning three Bundesliga titles before moving to Real Madrid. A master of passing and ball control, he played a crucial role in Bayern’s 2013 treble-winning campaign. His intelligence, composure, and vision make him one of the most consistent midfielders in modern football.
9. Andreas Möller
By Olaf Kosinsky – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75432658
A technically gifted attacking midfielder, Möller was instrumental in Borussia Dortmund’s rise to prominence in the 1990s. He won two Bundesliga titles with Dortmund and helped them secure the Champions League in 1997. His dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring ability made him one of the league’s top playmakers.
Sammer was a versatile midfielder who later transitioned into a sweeper role, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1996. He played a key role in Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga and Champions League triumphs in the 1990s. His leadership, defensive awareness, and ability to push forward made him a unique midfield presence.
7. Stefan Effenberg
Photo: Fcbayern.com/
Effenberg was a fierce competitor and midfield general, leading Bayern Munich to three Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2001. Known for his aggression, passing, and leadership, he was one of the most influential midfielders of his era. His ability to control games and inspire his team was invaluable.
6. Wolfgang Overath
Markus Wissmann / Shutterstock.com
Overath was a world-class playmaker and midfield orchestrator who spent his entire Bundesliga career with 1. FC Köln. He won the Bundesliga title in 1964 and was a key part of West Germany’s 1974 World Cup-winning squad. His passing, vision, and technical ability made him one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
5. Günter Netzer
360b / Shutterstock.com
A stylish and intelligent playmaker, Netzer was Borussia Mönchengladbach’s midfield engine during their rise in the 1970s. He won two Bundesliga titles and was named German Footballer of the Year twice. His long-range passing, dribbling, and ability to control games made him a legendary figure in German football.
By Christophe95 – , CC BY-SA 3.0, Via wikicommons https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26956066
Breitner was a dynamic and versatile midfielder who could play both defensively and offensively. He won five Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich and played a crucial role in their European Cup triumphs. A goal-scoring midfielder with a powerful shot, he was also one of the few players to score in two World Cup finals.
3. Michael Ballack
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Ballack was a dominant box-to-box midfielder known for his physical presence, leadership, and goal-scoring ability. He won four Bundesliga titles with Kaiserslautern and Bayern Munich and was named German Footballer of the Year three times. His aerial ability and knack for scoring crucial goals made him one of Germany’s best midfielders.
2. Bastian Schweinsteiger
Celso Pupo / Shutterstock.com
Schweinsteiger was the heart of Bayern Munich’s midfield for over a decade, winning eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2013. His intelligence, passing, and ability to control games made him an elite midfielder. His leadership and consistency cemented his place as one of the greatest in Bundesliga history.
1. Markus Wissmann / Shutterstock.com, Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com, ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com
Matthäus is the greatest central midfielder in Bundesliga history, winning seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich. A complete player who excelled both defensively and offensively, he won the Ballon d’Or in 1990 and captained West Germany to World Cup glory the same year. His versatility, leadership, and technical excellence make him the ultimate Bundesliga midfield legend.
