The Top 12 Greatest German Football Players of All Time [Ranked]

9. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Caps: 95, Goals: 45

Following in the footsteps of Germany's legendary strikers is no easy feat—just ask Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who faced immense pressure upon his introduction to the international scene. However, the 95-cap German, now on the board at Bayern Munich, thrived under this pressure and became one of the country’s most prolific goalscorers.

Rummenigge possessed an innate eye for goal, scoring 45 times for his nation. While his tally has been surpassed, there was something uniquely elegant and poised about his play. Across three World Cup campaigns, he scored nine goals, including a hat-trick in 1982. Despite his remarkable achievements, like Seeler, Rummenigge never managed to taste World Cup glory, a distinction that separates him from many others on this list.

8. Toni Kroos

Caps: 108, Goals: 17

The World Cup-winning Real Madrid Galactico, Toni Kroos, had the unbridled talent to match his status as one of the best players on the planet, yet he carried none of the swagger. By his own estimation, Kroos was the only Madrid player to clean his own boots every day—in fairness, his pair needed extra care after defying his sponsors to keep the same white set throughout the final 11 seasons of his playing career.

Johan Cruyff, an infamously tough character to impress, hailed Kroos as "nearly perfect." The former Bayern Munich midfielder always played the game at his own pace and fittingly announced his retirement when it suited him, leaving the wider footballing world shocked.

7. ​​​​Manuel Neuer

Caps: 117, Clean Sheets: 48

An incredible shot-stopper and highly competent with the ball at his feet, Manuel Neuer is still going strong in his late 30s—and, remarkably, showing no signs of slowing down. While goalkeepers typically enjoy longer careers, it takes a special breed of talent to maintain such high standards for so long.

At the peak of his powers, no one came close to matching his exploits, particularly in the sweeper-keeper role. Neuer wasn't the inventor of this style, but he mastered it and became a trailblazer. As football's highest-earning goalkeeper, his influence on the game has been profound, setting new standards for future generations.

6. Fritz Walter

Caps: 61, Goals: 33

Fritz Walter holds the World Cup following the 'Miracle of Bern' (1954) pic.twitter.com/81lcfsXaMt

— The Football History Boys (@TFHBs) January 8, 2023

Fritz Walter's leadership on the field was instrumental in spearheading (West) Germany to their first World Cup triumph in 1954, a feat that solidifies his status as one of the country's greatest footballers. Operating behind the target man, Walter showcased his attacking prowess, notching an impressive 33 goals in 61 international appearances.

Hailing from Kaiserslautern, Walter remained loyal to his boyhood and hometown club throughout his career, where he amassed an extraordinary record of 357 goals in just 364 appearances. Such remarkable achievements led to the establishment of an award in his honor, recognizing the finest youth footballers across Germany.

5. Sepp Maier

Caps: 95, Clean Sheets: 43

Sepp Maier, often referred to simply as "The Cat," was the pioneering figure of German goalkeeping excellence, setting the standard for future luminaries like Manuel Neuer and Oliver Kahn. Spending his entire 18-year career with Bayern Munich, Maier earned widespread acclaim, clinching the German Footballer of the Year award on three occasions.

His crowning achievement came in 1974 when he played a pivotal role in West Germany's World Cup triumph, keeping four clean sheets throughout the tournament. Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Maier's legacy continues to resonate in the annals of German football history.

4. Philipp Lahm

Caps: 113, Goals: 5

Philipp Lahm epitomized loyalty in an era where money often overshadowed commitment. Despite his relatively small stature, Lahm possessed the heart of a lion, elevating his career to extraordinary heights. Renowned for his dependability as a full-back, Lahm seamlessly transitioned to midfield under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.

Moreover, Lahm's versatility knew no bounds, as he demonstrated the ability to excel in any position on the field when called upon. With 113 appearances for Germany and an impressive tally of 652 domestic outings split between Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart, Lahm's enduring impact transcends mere statistics, symbolizing the essence of loyalty and professionalism in football.

3. Lothar Matthaus

Caps: 150, Goals: 23

Lothar Matthaus, despite retiring back in 2000, still holds the record for the most appearances for the German national team, with an impressive 150 caps. Hailing from Erlangen, Matthaus was a midfield stalwart renowned for his box-to-box style of play, which contributed to his tally of over 200 career goals.

His illustrious career included winning the Ballon d'Or in 1990, lifting the World Cup in the same year, and securing numerous trophies with Bayern Munich. Regarded as one of the premier central midfielders in modern football history, Matthaus earned his place as a mainstay in Bayern's midfield for many years, delivering consistent success and earning well-deserved accolades.

2. Gerd Muller

Caps: 62, Goals: 68

Gerd Muller, hailed as the World Cup's greatest goalscorer, embodied lethal precision on the field. His unparalleled ability to find the back of the net set him apart from his peers, with a staggering record of 68 goals in just 62 international appearances. Yet, it was his prolific scoring in domestic competitions that truly cemented his legacy as a statistical marvel.

From 1964 to 1979, Muller amassed an astounding 563 goals, establishing himself as Bayern Munich's all-time leading goalscorer. His nickname, 'Der Bomber,' reflected his uncanny knack for terrorizing opposition defenses with his combination of strength, power, and speed. Muller's unparalleled scoring prowess solidifies his status as the greatest goalscorer in German football history.

1. Franz Beckenbauer

Caps: 103, Goals: 14

Franz Beckenbauer, affectionately dubbed 'Der Kaiser,' stands as the undisputed pinnacle of German football. Revered for his defensive prowess, Beckenbauer revolutionized the game with his mastery of the 'libero' position, seamlessly bridging the gap between defense and goalkeeper.

His unprecedented achievements include clinching the World Cup both as a player and as a manager—a rare feat in football history. Beckenbauer's illustrious career saw him hoist the Ballon d'Or trophy on two occasions, in 1972 and 1976. His tenure with Bayern Munich further solidified his legendary status, contributing to the club's three Champions League triumphs. A true titan of the sport, Beckenbauer remains an enduring icon of footballing greatness.