Top 10 Best German Football Players

Germany is home to some of the most talented and celebrated football players in the world. With a rich history of success in both domestic and international competitions, German footballers have consistently showcased their exceptional skills, determination, and passion for the game.

From legendary players who have made significant contributions to the sport's history, to rising talents who continue to make a name for themselves on the global stage, German football is brimming with extraordinary athletes. These players have not only made their country proud, but they have also inspired future generations of footballers to push the boundaries of what's possible on the field.

As you explore this list, you'll find a diverse range of talent, including goalkeepers with cat-like reflexes, defenders who act as impenetrable walls, midfielders with the vision and precision to control the game, and forwards who leave spectators in awe with their goal-scoring abilities. Each of these players has their own unique strengths, making it all the more difficult to choose who should rise to the top of the list.
The Top Ten
Franz Beckenbauer Franz Anton Beckenbauer (born 11 September 1945, died 7 January 2024) was a German professional footballer and manager. Early in his playing career, he was nicknamed "Der Kaiser" because of his elegant style, dominance, and leadership on the field. His first name "Franz" is reminiscent of the Austrian... read more

I love Gerd Müller and every other German player, but Der Kaiser is indeed the best.

Kaiser Franz is without a doubt one of the best players of all time.

Did you see his long passes? Those put world-class playmaking legends to shame.

Gerd Müller

One of the greatest scorers in football history. The Bomber netted 1,461 goals in his career (more than Pelé in fewer games) and won all the trophies, both team and personal, in every tournament he participated in, with Bayern Munich and the national team. As far as I know, he is the only one who managed to achieve this.

Gerd Müller scored 14 goals, and I believe he is an amazing dribbler.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Oliver Kahn Oliver Rolf Kahn is a German former football goalkeeper. He started his career in the Karlsruher SC Junior team in 1975. Twelve years later, Kahn made his debut match in the professional squad.
Manuel Neuer Manuel Peter Neuer is a German professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team.
Miroslav Klose Miroslav Josef Klose is a German professional footballer who last played as a striker for Serie A club Lazio.

Miroslav Klose is simply the best player that Germany has ever seen. During his debut in 2002, he scored a hat trick in the most professional and talented way. He will always be my absolute favorite footballer and the reason I am a fan of Die Mannschaft!

The best. Just the best. Full stop.

Lothar Matthäus
Bastian Schweinsteiger Bastian Schweinsteiger is a retired German professional footballer who usually played as a central midfielder.
Mesut Özil Mesut Özil is a German professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe. Nicknamed "The Assist King", Özil is known for his technical skills, creativity, agility, and finesse.

Özil is the only player who has come close to filling Zidane's shoes. By the end of his career, he will become one of the greatest footballers ever.

It's a shame he was forced out of the team by a couple of people who had no understanding of his caliber and no respect for his personal background.

He is a talented player and pushed Germany forward a lot.

Michael Ballack

The Newcomers

? Jamal Musiala
? Matthias Sammer
The Contenders
Marco Reus Marco Reus (born 31 May 1989) is a German professional footballer who plays for German national team and captains German Bundesliga team Borussia Dortmund.

Best individual German player of all time!

Thomas Müller Thomas Müller is a German professional footballer who plays for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team.

I think Thomas Müller is the world's most underrated footballer ever. He is also one of the best German footballers ever.

Thomas Müller is the most underrated footballer of all time. To date, he has 104 goals for Bayern Munich and 38 goals for Germany.

Toni Kroos Toni Kroos is a German professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Spanish club Real Madrid and the German national team. He plays mainly as a central midfielder, but has also been deployed as a deep-lying playmaker in his career. Known for his vision, passing, creativity, crossing and set-piece... read more

Amazing, obviously the best. You can see it when you watch the game. He just stands out!

Jürgen Klinsmann
Uwe Seeler

The second greatest scorer in German football. A great player from the 1950s-60s.

Lukas Podolski
Fritz Walter

Where is Fritz Walter on this list? Hopefully, this is an oversight.

Selected by FIFA as the best German player of the 20th century, excluding Beckenbauer, who was on the selection committee.

Philipp Lahm

Best today! He can play in midfield and defense. He's great at crossing, getting 18 assists from it this season. The best!

Helmut Rahn
Rudi Völler
Leroy Sane
Sepp Maier

One of the five best goalkeepers of the 20th century.

Paul Breitner
Jerome Boateng
Adolf Jäger

Adolf Jäger was a German amateur striker. He played football between 1907 and 1932. According to German sources, he netted a total of at least 2,000 goals in about 700 matches.

He was the first German football icon with international recognition, earning 18 caps for the German national team (all amateur at the time) and scoring 11 goals.

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