20 Greatest Players in Bayern Munich History [Ranked]

Simply put, when it comes to footballing giants, few clubs can rival Bayern Munich. The Bavarian powerhouse has dominated both domestically and on the European stage for decades, cementing its place among the sport’s elite.

To maintain their supremacy in German football—and fuel their quest for further continental glory—Bayern consistently targets the world's best players. Given their stature, few can resist the allure of a move to the Allianz Arena, making the club a home to some of the greatest talents in football history.

Compiling a list of Bayern’s 20 greatest players is no easy task. Legends like Ze Roberto, Uli Hoeness, and Franz Roth narrowly miss out—but without further ado, here’s a look at the finest to ever wear the famous red shirt.

10. Manuel Neuer

2011–Present

Bayern Munich has an illustrious history of world-class goalkeepers. From the legendary Sepp Maier to the iconic Oliver Kahn, their lineage of shot-stoppers is as extensive as it is impressive.

Then there's Manuel Neuer—a modern-day benchmark for goalkeeping excellence. Year after year, he has been a rock between the sticks for Bayern, redefining the role of a goalkeeper. While keepers often go underappreciated, Neuer is an exception, earning widespread recognition as one of the greatest in football history. He didn’t just embrace the sweeper-keeper role—he revolutionized it, leaving an indelible mark on the game. A true pioneer.

9. Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck

1966–1981

Happy Birthday To Bayern Munich Legend & 1974 West Germany World Cup Winner Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck 76 Today pic.twitter.com/K3vz7hkRMA

— SUPERB FOOTY PICS (@SuperbFootyPics) April 3, 2024

There’s a reason Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck is one of the select few inducted into Bayern’s Hall of Fame. Every great team needs a player like him—someone willing to stay out of the spotlight while doing the heavy lifting.

The Munich-born centre-back, a key figure in Germany’s 1974 World Cup-winning squad, had a remarkable career defined by reliability and selflessness. Fittingly, he made his Bayern debut in a cup final against Hamburg. Reflecting on that moment, he once admitted, “It went well for me, but I honestly can’t remember any of the details—I’ve just played too many finals.”

Franz Beckenbauer may have taken the plaudits, but Schwarzenbeck’s contributions will never be forgotten.

8. Paul Breitner

1970–1974 and 1978–1983

Happy 68th birthday, Paul #Breitner! #DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/vHPVv4iB8d

— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) September 5, 2019

Paul Breitner’s career was nothing short of remarkable. After beginning his journey at Bayern, he spent three years with Real Madrid before returning to Germany, where he truly made his mark. A 48-cap Germany international, Breitner remains one of the highest-scoring defenders in football history, netting an impressive 113 goals.

A fierce competitor blessed with natural talent, Breitner was once described as a “maverick and a great pretender.” His signature afro and sideburns made him an unmistakable figure, but don’t let his striking appearance overshadow his brilliance on the pitch—he was a truly exceptional footballer.

7. Stefan Effenberg

1990–1992 and 1998–2002

Stefan Effenberg may not have been the flashiest player to don the Bayern Munich jersey, but his impact was undeniable. A midfield enforcer with a flair for the extraordinary, he was equally adept at doing the dirty work as he was at producing moments of brilliance.

A natural leader, Effenberg’s 234 appearances may pale in comparison to some club legends, but his influence on the pitch was immense. He never shied away from a challenge, embodying Bayern’s fighting spirit and leading them to a trio of Bundesliga titles and a cherished Champions League triumph.

6. Philipp Lahm

2002–2017

Philipp Lahm wasn’t just the consummate professional—his pristine disciplinary record, never receiving a red card throughout his illustrious career, speaks volumes. But beyond his impeccable conduct, Lahm was a supremely gifted footballer, a tactical mastermind who epitomized versatility.

Dubbed a Swiss Army knife for his adaptability, he was deceptively strong, defensively astute, and exuded intelligence in every aspect of his game. Whether deployed at right-back or as a deep-lying midfielder, Lahm dictated play with precision and poise. Calling him a utility man would be an understatement—he was a generational talent.

5. Lothar Matthaus

1984–1988 and 1992–2000

Lothar Matthäus’ legacy speaks for itself—150 caps for Germany before retiring in 2000 is a testament to his sheer brilliance. Initially a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder during his first stint with Bayern (1984-1988), he later reinvented himself as a sweeper in his second spell—a transition that showcased his tactical intelligence and adaptability.

It was in this deeper role that Matthäus truly thrived. A complete footballer, he could break up opposition attacks with ease while also launching Bayern forward with pinpoint passing. While his crowning moment came on the international stage, his warrior-like presence at club level made him an icon at the Allianz Arena.

4. Thomas Muller

2009–​​​​​​​Present

Bayern Munich’s all-time appearance leader, Thomas Müller, has long been the club’s tactical mastermind—and as his career enters its twilight, he’s now serving as a mentor to Jamal Musiala. Widely regarded as one of the most versatile players in football history, Müller has consistently adapted his game to remain indispensable.

Unbelievably selfless, the attacking midfielder has been the perfect provider for Bayern’s endless list of elite strikers. A creative force at his peak, Müller’s remarkable longevity is something to be admired—he has been among Europe’s finest for well over a decade and continues to age like a fine wine.

3. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

1974–1984

Robert Lewandowski dominated Bayern’s frontline from 2014 to 2022, while Harry Kane now carries the club’s goalscoring mantle. But from 1974 to 1984, it was Karl-Heinz Rummenigge who bore the brunt of the attacking responsibility—and he did so with elegance and efficiency.

Far from a traditional centre-forward, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner was often compared to Diego Maradona for his seamless blend of technique and flair. Despite his brilliance, Rummenigge never quite received the recognition he truly deserved—but his importance to one of Bayern’s golden eras cannot be overstated.

2. Franz Beckenbauer

1964–1977

The late—and undeniably great—Franz Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders the game has ever seen. Nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser,’ he was a revolutionary presence in German football, with many considering him among the greatest players of all time.

Positionally, it’s hard to argue otherwise. A Munich native, Beckenbauer embodied Bayern’s ethos from the very start. He broke into the first team at just 18 years old and never looked back, redefining the role of the libero and making it his own.

1. Gerd Muller

1964–1979

A goal-scoring phenomenon of the highest order, Gerd Müller made finding the back of the net look effortless—his staggering tally of 570 goals in 613 appearances for Die Roten speaks for itself. To put his brilliance into perspective, he claimed the Bundesliga Golden Boot seven times.

Regardless of the quality of service, Müller had an uncanny ability to capitalize on any opportunity or, at the very least, create one for himself. What makes his legacy even more remarkable is that Bayern were far from the dominant force they are today when he spearheaded their attack between 1964 and 1979.