10 Greatest Soccer Players in Germany

Germany has produced some of the greatest soccer players in Germany – a who’s who of world football legends. From World Cup-winning captains to Bundesliga greats, these German football legends have left a lasting mark on the sport. In this article, we count down the 10 best greatest soccer players in Germany, highlighting their stats, club and national team achievements. Whether you’re a fan of the Germany national team icons or the Bundesliga greats, each profile below offers deep insight into their storied careers. For related reading, check out our German football legends page for more on these stars.

Table of Contents

1. Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer – nicknamed “Der Kaiser” – is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. A versatile sweeper who essentially invented the libero role, Beckenbauer captained West Germany to victory at the 1974 FIFA World Cup and lifted the UEFA European Championship in 1972. He earned 103 caps (14 goals) for West Germany, and is one of only three men to have won the World Cup both as a player and as a manager. At club level with Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer won four consecutive Bundesliga titles (1972–74, 1974–76) and three straight European Cups (1974–76). He also led Bayern to the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1967 and later served as Bayern’s club president. Individually, Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or twice (1972 and 1976) and was FIFA’s Manager of the Year in 1990.

World Cup & Europe – 1974 World Cup champion (captain), 1972 European Championship winner.
Club Titles (Bayern) – 5× Bundesliga champion (including 1972–74, 1973–74, 1975–76), 4× DFB-Pokal, 3× European Cup (1974, 1975, 1976).
Individual – 2× Ballon d’Or (1972, 1976); FIFA World Cup Best Young Player 1966; FIFA Order of Merit.
Caps/Goals – West Germany: 103 caps, 14 goals.

Franz Beckenbauer’s elegant playing style and leadership made him a German football legend. As the first captain to win the World Cup, the European Championship and the European Cup, he set the standard for future Germany national team icons.

2. Gerd Müller

Gerd “Der Bomber” Müller is one of the most prolific goalscorers in football history. His uncanny knack for poaching goals made him a Bundesliga great and a German icon. Müller scored 68 goals in 62 matches for West Germany – an astounding record – and remains one of only nine players to have won the World Cup, the European Cup and the Ballon d’Or. He won the 1970 Ballon d’Or (European Footballer of the Year) after a season in which he scored 85 goals for Bayern Munich. That same year he netted 10 goals to earn the 1970 World Cup Golden Boot, leading West Germany to a third-place finish and claiming the Bronze Medal. Müller was a key player on West Germany’s Euro 1972 winning team, scoring twice in the final against the Soviet Union, and scored 4 goals (including the winner) in the 1974 World Cup final, which Germany won on home soil.

International Goals – 68 goals in 62 caps for West Germany (averaging over a goal per game). All-time top scorer for Germany.
World Cups – 1974 World Cup champion; 1970 World Cup Golden Boot (10 goals, Bronze medal); 1972 Euro champion (top scorer in final).
Club (Bayern Munich) – 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches (all-time Bundesliga scoring record). 2× European Cup winner (1974, 1975). 13× Top scorer in all competitions for Bayern.
Individual – 1970 Ballon d’Or; 2× European Golden Shoe (1970, 1972); German Footballer of the Year (1970, 1977).

Müller’s incredible goal-scoring feats have made him a true German football legend. Even decades later, he remains a top German footballer icon – the second-highest World Cup scorer of all time, and forever known for his marksmanship in big games.

3. Lothar Matthäus

Lothar Matthäus – the only outfield player to compete in five World Cups – was the epitome of versatility and longevity. He led West Germany as captain to the 1990 World Cup title, becoming just the third man ever to win the World Cup as both player and manager (Beckenbauer and Deschamps). Matthäus also won the UEFA European Championship in 1980 with West Germany, establishing himself early on as a midfield force. Over a 17-year international career, he earned 150 caps (still a German record) and scored 23 goals. Jürgen Klinsmann called him “one of the best midfielders” of all time – Matthäus was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991 and European Footballer of the Year in 1990.

World Cups & Euros – 1990 World Cup champion (captain); 1980 European Championship winner; World Cup runner-up in 1986; 3rd place in 1994.
Club (Bayern Munich/Inter Milan) – 5× Bundesliga champion (1985, 1987, 1994, 1997, 1999); UEFA Cup winner 1996; 1× Serie A (Inter Milan, 1989) and 1× UEFA Cup (Inter, 1991). Also won 2× German Cup (DFB-Pokal) with Bayern.
Individual – 1990 European Footballer of the Year; 1991 FIFA World Player of the Year; 1990 Ballon d’Or winner; 150 international caps (record for Germany). Named in the World Cup All-Star team in 1982, 1990, 1994, and in UEFA Team of the Tournament (1990).
Style – A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Matthäus was known for his stamina, long-range shooting, and leadership. He’s widely regarded as one of Germany’s greatest national team icons.

Matthäus’s career bridged the 1980s and 90s. His World Cup triumph in 1990 cemented him among the German football legends. At club level, he thrived in both the Bundesliga (with Bayern) and Serie A (with Inter), consistently earning top honors.

4. Miroslav Klose

Miroslav Klose is Germany’s all-time leading scorer and the FIFA World Cup’s top marksman. He scored 71 goals in 137 games for the German national team, making him the country’s highest scorer ever. In four World Cups (2002–2014) Klose found the net 16 times, breaking Ronaldo’s record to become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer. Klose’s World Cup career was highlighted by winning the 2014 World Cup – he scored in the semifinal (the 7–1 win over Brazil) and the final, helping Germany triumph. He also won the 2006 World Cup Golden Boot (5 goals, including 2 against Costa Rica).

Germany’s Top Scorer – 71 goals (Germany national team) (record).
FIFA World Cup – All-time World Cup top scorer (16 goals). 2014 World Cup champion (scored Germany’s 2nd goal in semi-final vs Brazil); 2002 World Cup runner-up; 3rd place in 2006. Golden Boot 2006 (5 goals).
Club (Bayern Munich/Lazio) – 2× Bundesliga champion (2007–08, 2009–10); 2× DFB-Pokal (2007–08) with Bayern. After 2011 he played for Lazio, winning the Coppa Italia in 2013. Named German Footballer of the Year in 2006.
Individual – Voted into the FIFA World Cup Dream Team (2002–2014) and UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament (2012). Holds records for goals-per-game in World Cups and European competitions.

Klose was a consistent poacher and hard-worker. Even though he was born in Poland, he became a Germany national team icon – celebrated for his calm finishing and professionalism. As a late bloomer (his peak came in his late 20s), Klose exemplified that determination and skill.

5. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Karl-Heinz “Kalle” Rummenigge was a standout striker for Bayern Munich and West Germany in the late 1970s and 1980s. He was two-time Ballon d’Or winner (1980 and 1981), cementing his status among the top players of his generation. With Bayern he won 2 UEFA Cups (Intercontinental Cup 1976, European Cups 1975–76) and helped Germany win the 1980 European Championship. He scored 105 goals for West Germany in 95 caps and played in two World Cup finals (runner-up in 1982 and 1986). After retiring, Rummenigge became a long-time Bayern executive.

European Championship – 1980 Euro champion with West Germany. 1982 World Cup runner-up; 1986 runner-up (Germany lost in finals both times).
Club (Bayern Munich) – 2× European Cup winner (1975, 1976); 1× Intercontinental Cup (1976). 2× Bundesliga (1980, 1981); 2× DFB-Pokal (1982, 1984). 7× Bundesliga Top Scorer (1979–84) including 29 goals in 1980–81.
Individual – 2× Ballon d’Or (1980, 1981); German Footballer of the Year 1980; named in Pelé’s FIFA 100 list of greatest living players.

Rummenigge’s pace and skill made him a fan favorite. He is often cited as one of the best players of his generation. His success at Bayern and Europe, along with his individual honors, firmly place him among Germany’s football legends.

6. Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bastian Schweinsteiger was a midfield general for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. Over 17 seasons with Bayern he made 500 appearances and scored 68 goals. He won 8 Bundesliga titles and 7 DFB-Pokal cups with Bayern, including a treble in 2013 (Bundesliga, German Cup, and UEFA Champions League). Schweinsteiger also captained Germany to its 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil, playing a key defensive midfield role (notably marking Lionel Messi in the final). He earned 121 caps for Germany (fourth-most ever), making him one of the most capped midfielders in national team history.

Club (Bayern Munich) – 8× Bundesliga champion; 7× DFB-Pokal winner (2005–2014). 2013 Champions League winner (scored in semi-final and came on as a sub in the final). Also won the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup.
Germany – 121 caps (4th all-time) and 24 goals. 2014 World Cup champion (captain); 2006 World Cup semi-finalist (3rd place); Euro 2008 runner-up. FIFA World Cup Silver Ball nominee (2014).
Individual – German Footballer of the Year (2013); included in UEFA Team of the Tournament (2012 Euro, 2014 World Cup); known for tenacity, leadership and late-career vision.

Schweinsteiger epitomized the warrior spirit of German football legends. He earned praise from coaches and peers alike – Joachim Löw called him one of the greatest players Germany ever produced. His work-rate and clutch performances (such as the 2014 World Cup final) make him a fan favorite and football icon.

7. Oliver Kahn

Oliver Kahn is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. He spent his entire prime at Bayern Munich, winning 8 Bundesliga titles and 6 DFB-Pokal cups. Kahn’s best years came around 2001–2002: he captained Bayern to the 2001 UEFA Champions League and Intercontinental Cup double. In international play, Kahn helped Germany win Euro 1996 (as backup keeper) and was Germany’s starting goalie for the 2002 World Cup. He earned the Golden Ball as tournament MVP in 2002 – the only goalkeeper ever to win the World Cup Golden Ball – after leading a valiant Germany team to the final.

Club (Bayern Munich) – 8× Bundesliga champion (1997–2001, 2003, 2005); 6× DFB-Pokal (1998–2000, 2003–04); 1× UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1996); 1× UEFA Champions League (2001) and 1× Intercontinental Cup (2001). 4× UEFA Best Goalkeeper (1999–2002).
Germany – 86 caps. UEFA European Championship winner 1996; FIFA World Cup runner-up 2002 (Golden Ball); third place in 2006 (on home soil). 2002 World Cup Golden Ball (first GK to achieve this).
Style – Known as “Der Titan,” Kahn was an imposing figure in goal with commanding presence. Renowned for his reflexes and confidence, he set a standard for all modern goalkeepers.

Oliver Kahn became a Bundesliga great through sheer consistency and passion. His magnetic performances in 2001–02 put him among the world’s elite keepers. Even today, Kahn remains a German football icon, famous for his leadership on and off the field.

Oliver Kahn, legendary German goalkeeper, in action.

8. Philipp Lahm

Philipp Lahm was the consummate leader and versatile defender of Bayern Munich and Germany. At Bayern he won eight Bundesliga titles and six DFB-Pokal cups – a tally matched only by a few (Oliver Kahn, Mehmet Scholl, Schweinsteiger) in club history. Lahm captained both Bayern and the national team to glory. Under his leadership, Germany won the 2014 World Cup; he lifted the trophy as Germany’s captain. A superb right-back (and later midfielder), Lahm was known for his intelligence, consistency and fair play. He was included in the FIFA World XI and UEFA Team of the Year multiple times, reflecting his status as one of the top German footballers of his era.

World Cup – 2014 World Cup champion (captain); FIFA World Cup All-Star team (2014). 3rd place at 2010 World Cup (Bronze Boot – 5 goals). UEFA Euro 2008 runner-up.
Club (Bayern Munich) – 8× Bundesliga champion, 6× DFB-Pokal winner; 2013 UEFA Champions League winner; 2013 FIFA Club World Cup champion; 2014 UEFA Super Cup; 3× German Supercup. Made 517 competitive appearances for Bayern.
Individual – Named in FIFA World XI (2006), UEFA Team of the Year (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014); World Cup Dream Team (2014). Germany’s Footballer of the Year (2013).

Lahm’s leadership style was widely praised – his Bayern profile calls him “Mr Reliable”. He was known for helping Bayern win its first Champions League in 2013. Lahm’s trophy cabinet and sportsmanship make him a model Germany national team icon and one of the all-time greats of German football.

Philipp Lahm and the German team celebrate lifting the 2014 FIFA World Cup trophy.

9. Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos is a midfield maestro famed for his passing accuracy and composure. He won virtually everything at club level. At Bayern Munich he earned 3 Bundesliga titles and the 2013 UEFA Champions League. Transferred to Real Madrid in 2014, Kroos added four La Liga titles and five UEFA Champions League trophies (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022) to his name. In total he has collected a staggering 34 major club trophies – making him (with Thomas Müller) one of the most decorated German players ever.

Club (Real Madrid/Bayern Munich) – 5× UEFA Champions League winner; 4× Spanish La Liga champion; 3× German Bundesliga champion (2010, 2013 with Bayern); 5× FIFA Club World Cup; 4× UEFA Super Cup. Named to the Champions League Squad of the Season four times.
Germany – 114 caps (Germany’s 5th-highest all-time); 17 goals. 2014 World Cup champion (played every minute, top assist-maker). European Championship semi-finalist (2016). All-Star teams at 2014 World Cup and 2016 Euros.
Individual – UEFA Midfielder of the Year 2014; IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker 2014; German Footballer of the Year (2018, 2024). Known for surgical passing and game control, Kroos is considered one of the best midfielders of his generation.

Kroos’s role in Real Madrid’s Champions League dynasty and Germany’s 2014 World Cup win puts him among the elite. As one of the top German footballers playing in the 2010s, he perfectly blends technical skill with clutch performances on the world stage.

10. Thomas Müller

Thomas Müller is the attacking force of modern German football. A Bayern Munich youth product, he broke into the first team in 2009 and never looked back. With Bayern he has won a record 13 Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokal cups, two UEFA Champions Leagues (2013, 2020) and two FIFA Club World Cups. Müller is also one of only three players to have recorded 100 goals and 100 assists in the Bundesliga. Internationally, he scored 5 goals in the 2010 World Cup (earning the Golden Boot of the tournament). Most notably, he was part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning team, contributing key goals and assists.

Club (Bayern Munich) – 13× Bundesliga champion, 6× DFB-Pokal winner; 2× UEFA Champions League (2013, 2020); 2× FIFA Club World Cup (2013, 2020). Bayern’s all-time record appearances holder (~750 games) with 248 goals (as of 2025).
Germany – 131 caps, 45 goals. 2014 World Cup winner; 3rd place 2010 World Cup (Golden Boot – 5 goals, Best Young Player); Euro 2012 semi-finalist. Dream Team selection at the 2010 World Cup.
Individual – Voted Bayern’s Player of the Season multiple times; included in FIFA FIFPro World XI and UEFA Team of the Year. Known for his intelligent positioning (“Raumdeuter”) and consistency.

Müller’s knack for being in the right place at the right time (and delivering in big matches) makes him a modern legend. He’s one of the most decorated Bundesliga greats ever, and his exploits for both club and country solidify his status as one of the greatest soccer players in Germany.

Conclusion

Each of these greatest soccer players in Germany has a unique legacy – from world championships to record-breaking club careers. They are German football legends and national team icons who shaped Germany’s football history. Whether it’s Beckenbauer’s sweep of trophies, Klose’s World Cup goals, or Lahm’s captaincy, the impact of these players endures in every corner of the football world. Which German soccer legend do you rank #1? Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this post with fellow fans of top German footballers!

FAQ

Q: Who is considered the greatest soccer player in Germany?
A: This is subjective, but many experts cite Franz Beckenbauer as the greatest due to his World Cup/Euro titles and Ballon d’Or wins. Others may point to Gerd Müller for goal-scoring, or Lothar Matthäus for his longevity.

Q: What achievements are common among these players?
A: Nearly all of the players above have won major international honors (World Cup or European Championship) and multiple Bundesliga titles. They also often have personal awards like the Ballon d’Or (e.g., Beckenbauer, Rummenigge) or Golden Boot (Müller, Klose).

Q: How many World Cups have these players won?
A: Among the list, Germany’s World Cup victories include 1974 (Beckenbauer, Müller), 1990 (Matthäus), 2014 (Kroos, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Klose, Müller), and 2014 as captain for Lahm and Schweinsteiger. Together they account for all four German World Cup titles.

Q: Are there any active players from this list?
A: As of 2025, Thomas Müller is still active for Bayern Munich, and Toni Kroos is active for Real Madrid (though he announced retirement in 2024). Both continue to add to their trophy haul. The others have retired but remain legendary figures.

Q: Why is Germany so successful in developing top footballers?
A: Germany’s strong youth development systems (like Bayern’s academy), emphasis on team play, and the competitive Bundesliga greats environment have helped produce world-class talent. The German Football Association’s programs and a winning national league give players experience at high levels early on.