Top 25 German Footballers of the 2000s – Ranked

July 3, 2025 Oliver Obel

From World Cup glory to club dominance across Europe, Germany has produced some of the finest footballers of the 21st century. This list celebrates the top 25 German players of the 2000s, ranked for their influence, achievements, and brilliance on the pitch. Let’s begin from number 25 and count our way up to the very best.

25. Mario Götze

Götze became a national hero after scoring the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina. Though his career never fully hit the heights predicted, his technical brilliance and knack for big moments make him unforgettable.

24. Robert Huth

Known for his strength and no-nonsense style, Huth enjoyed a highly successful career in England. He was a key figure in Leicester City's fairytale Premier League title win in 2016.

23. Oliver Kahn

While his prime came in the late '90s, Kahn remained elite into the 2000s. His heroic performances at the 2002 World Cup, where he was awarded the Golden Ball, underline his legendary status.

22. Kevin Kurányi

Kurányi was a consistent scorer for Schalke and the German national team during the mid-2000s. He combined physical presence with a good eye for goal.

21. Christoph Metzelder

A composed and intelligent defender, Metzelder was part of Germany's 2002 World Cup squad that reached the final. Injuries limited his career, but he was highly respected when fit.

20. Sami Khedira

Khedira’s career spanned successful spells at Stuttgart, Real Madrid, and Juventus. A box-to-box midfielder, he was vital to Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph.

19. Mario Gómez

A natural goalscorer, Gómez was lethal in the box and enjoyed prolific spells at Stuttgart and Bayern Munich. He also played key roles for the national team in major tournaments.

18. Torsten Frings

Frings was a combative midfielder with a powerful shot and a tireless work ethic. He was a key figure in Germany’s midfield during the 2006 World Cup.

17. Bernd Schneider

Dubbed the “White Brazilian,” Schneider brought flair and consistency to the German midfield. He played a central role during Bayer Leverkusen’s peak years in the early 2000s.

16. Arne Friedrich

Friedrich was a reliable defender who rarely made mistakes and often went under the radar. He represented Germany in multiple tournaments and captained Hertha Berlin.

15. Timo Hildebrand

Hildebrand helped Stuttgart win the Bundesliga in 2007 and was one of Germany’s top keepers in the mid-2000s. His shot-stopping and reflexes earned him international recognition.

14. Ilkay Gündogan

Ilkay Gundogan — Oleksandr Osipov / Shutterstock.com

Known for his intelligence and passing ability, Gündogan has shone at Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. He’s been a central piece in Pep Guardiola’s midfield success.

13. Marco Reus

Reus dazzled with his pace, technique, and creativity, becoming a fan favorite at Borussia Dortmund. Though injuries haunted his career, his peak performances were electric.

12. Jerome Boateng

A physical and composed centre-back, Boateng was crucial in Bayern Munich’s treble-winning side and Germany’s World Cup-winning team in 2014. He also excelled as a modern ball-playing defender.

11. Lukas Podolski

Blessed with a thunderous left foot, Podolski was a mainstay in Germany’s attack for over a decade. His charisma and goalscoring flair made him a fan favorite worldwide.

10. Jens Lehmann

Lehmann starred for Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ and was Germany’s first-choice keeper during the 2006 World Cup. His eccentric style masked a razor-sharp goalkeeping mind.

9. Per Mertesacker

Towering and tactically sound, Mertesacker anchored the German defense for years. He was part of the 2014 World Cup-winning squad and earned praise for his leadership.

8. Mesut Özil

A master playmaker, Özil’s vision and technique were unmatched in his prime. He shined for Germany in 2010 and 2014 and was a key figure at Real Madrid and Arsenal.

7. Michael Ballack

Ballack was a dominant midfielder and leader, reaching the 2002 World Cup final and starring in the Bundesliga and Premier League. His knack for scoring in big games defined his era.

6. Thomas Müller

Müller’s unorthodox style, intelligence, and incredible output made him one of Germany’s most effective players. He won the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup and has remained vital ever since.

5. Toni Kroos

Effortlessly elegant, Kroos orchestrated midfields with sublime passing and tactical discipline. A five-time Champions League winner and World Cup champion, he’s one of the best of his generation.

4. Bastian Schweinsteiger

Schweinsteiger was the beating heart of Bayern and Germany’s midfield, combining passion with tactical intelligence. He helped lead Germany to World Cup glory in 2014 and won the treble with Bayern in 2013.

3. Miroslav Klose

Klose is the all-time top scorer in World Cup history, known for his clinical finishing and sportsmanship. He was a constant presence in Germany’s attack from 2002 to 2014.

2. Manuel Neuer

Neuer changed goalkeeping with his sweeper-keeper style. A World Cup winner and multiple-time Champions League champion, he redefined what it means to guard the net.

1. Philipp Lahm

Lahm was the perfect modern full-back—versatile, intelligent, and a leader on and off the field. He captained Germany to the 2014 World Cup and was a key figure in Bayern’s most successful era.