Bundesliga’s Greatest Goalscorers: Ranking the Top 20
The Bundesliga has seen legendary strikers light up German football for decades, leaving behind records and unforgettable moments. From classic poachers to modern all-around forwards, these players represent the very best goalscorers the league has ever produced. Here’s a countdown from number 20 to number 1.
25. Rudolf Brunnenmeier
Rudolf Brunnenmeier was a prolific forward for 1860 Munich during the 1960s, scoring 66 goals in just 119 Bundesliga games. His 0.55 goals-per-game ratio highlights his efficiency in front of goal despite a relatively short top-flight career.
24. Franz Brungs
Franz Brungs struck 97 times in 235 Bundesliga matches, becoming a key figure for Nürnberg. He was a steady scorer who consistently delivered during the late 1960s.
23. Bernd Rupp
Bernd Rupp scored 119 goals across 274 Bundesliga appearances, showing impressive consistency throughout his career. His ability to find the net made him a reliable attacking threat.
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22. Ronald Worm
Ronald Worm was a versatile striker who netted 119 times in 380 appearances. Though not as efficient as others on the list, he was valued for his movement and ability to contribute over many seasons.
21. Klaus Toppmöller
Before making his name as a coach, Klaus Toppmöller was a dangerous Bundesliga forward. He recorded 108 goals in 204 matches, boasting a strong 0.53 goals-per-game ratio that placed him among the elite scorers of his era.
20. Klaus Allofs
Klaus Allofs enjoyed a long and consistent Bundesliga career, playing over 400 matches and scoring 177 goals. His ability to find space and convert chances made him a reliable striker for both club and country.
19. Rudi Völler
Rudi Völler was a lethal forward who combined work rate with clinical finishing. With 132 goals in just 232 Bundesliga matches, he maintained an impressive 0.57 goals-per-game ratio.
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18. Andrej Kramarić
Still active, Andrej Kramarić has carved out a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s most skilled forwards. His 127 goals and 54 assists showcase his ability not only to score but also to create for teammates.
17. Uwe Seeler
A Hamburg legend, Uwe Seeler was admired for his loyalty and leadership on the pitch. His 137 goals in 239 appearances underline his natural goalscoring instincts.
16. Thomas Allofs
Thomas Allofs contributed 148 goals across a career spanning nearly 400 Bundesliga games. Known for his consistency, he was an ever-present threat in attack during the 1980s and early 1990s.
15. Claudio Pizarro
The Peruvian forward became a Bundesliga icon through his longevity and finishing touch. Scoring 197 goals, Pizarro remains one of the most respected foreign players in German football history.
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14. Lothar Emmerich
With 115 goals in just 183 appearances, Lothar Emmerich had one of the best strike rates in Bundesliga history. His powerful left foot made him a nightmare for defenders in the 1960s.
13. Horst Hrubesch
Nicknamed “the Header Beast,” Horst Hrubesch was famed for his aerial dominance. He scored 136 goals in 224 matches, proving a vital figure for Hamburg during their successful years.
12. Frank Neubarth
Frank Neubarth may not have been as prolific as others on this list, but his 97 goals came at crucial moments. A reliable striker, he offered steady performances throughout his Bundesliga career.
11. Ulf Kirsten
Ulf Kirsten is best remembered as a Bayer Leverkusen legend, scoring 182 goals for the club. His ability to deliver season after season cemented his status as one of the league’s most dependable scorers.
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10. Fritz Walter
Fritz Walter played over 300 Bundesliga matches and scored 157 goals. His creativity and scoring instincts made him a versatile forward capable of influencing games in multiple ways.
9. Dieter Müller
Dieter Müller was one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent finishers during the 1970s. With 177 goals in 303 matches, his goals-per-game ratio stands out as one of the best in history.
8. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was not only a Bayern Munich star but also a global icon. His 162 goals in 310 appearances highlight both his scoring ability and his role as a complete forward.
7. Harry Kane
Harry Kane’s arrival in the Bundesliga brought instant impact, with a stunning 72 goals in just 68 matches. His world-class finishing and playmaking ability quickly established him as a record-breaking star.
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6. Jupp Heynckes
Long before his success as a coach, Jupp Heynckes was a feared striker. With 220 goals, he remains one of the league’s top marksmen, remembered for his consistency and professionalism.
5. Manfred Burgsmüller
A versatile forward, Manfred Burgsmüller netted 213 Bundesliga goals. Known for his intelligent positioning, he played with both flair and efficiency across multiple clubs.
4. Klaus Fischer
Klaus Fischer scored 268 goals, making him one of the most prolific in league history. His acrobatic goals and longevity made him a Bundesliga icon throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
3. Mario Gómez
Mario Gómez was a traditional striker with a remarkable eye for goal. His 170 Bundesliga strikes showcased his strength, heading ability, and clinical finishing in the box.
2. Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski redefined what it means to be a modern striker in Germany’s top flight. With 312 goals in 384 matches, his dominance at Bayern Munich made him one of the greatest in Bundesliga history.
1. Gerd Müller
At the very top stands Gerd Müller, the legendary “Der Bomber.” Scoring 365 goals in 427 games, he set records that may never be broken, cementing his legacy as the Bundesliga’s ultimate goalscorer.
