German Soccer Legends: Germany has given us some of the best football legends ever and players who have left an indelible mark in football. World class strikers, exceptional goalkeepers, versatile midfielders, and such have been these legends to bring success to German national team.
German Soccer Legends
Here we honor the 10 German soccer legends who played a central role in Germany’s World Cup wins and advancements on the global stage, appreciated for their acumen and performances on the pitch and their influence and respect on the field.
1. Franz Beckenbauer
- Date of Birth: September 11, 1945
- Position: Defender/Sweeper
The Kaiser, Franz Beckenbauer is one of Germany’s greatest soccer legends. A very famous and brilliant defender for his skill and leadership. He took Germany to win the 1974 FIFA World Cup and then the 1972 UEFA European Championship.
Besides, he also took the team to the finals of the 1966 World Cup and the 1976 Euros. For a defender, he scored 14 goals in 103 matches for Germany. His creative style as a sweeper revolutionized the art of defending and secured Germany as one of the great European powers of the 1970s.
2. Gerd Müller
- Date of Birth: November 3, 1945
- Position: Striker
Gerd Müller, “Der Bomber,” is one of the best strikers in football history. In drawing the final with the Netherlands at the 1974 World Cup, he was vital to Germany’s success.
In 1970, with two goals to his name, Müller was also top scorer at the World Cup and Germany won the European Championship 1972. He scored an incredible 68 goals in just 62 matches for Germany and that record remained for many years.
3. Lothar Matthäus
- Date of Birth: March 21, 1961
- Position: Midfielder
Third on the list of German Soccer legends is Lothar Matthäus with the record for most FIFA World Cup appearances (25). He’s regarded as one of the best midfielders in the history of football.
A standout player Matthäus led Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup. At the 1980 UEFA European Championship, he was a tournament winner, and was also runner up in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. He won 23 goals in 150 appearances during his international career and was respected for his ability to excel at both ends.
4. Manuel Neuer
- Date of Birth: March 27, 1986
- Position: Goalkeeper
One of the best goalkeepers ever, a pioneer of the so called ‘sweeper keeper’, Manuel Neuer, ranks fourth in the company of German soccer legends.
In Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup win, he played a key role making key saves and playing pivotal role to their possession game. The Golden Glove was awarded to Neuer as best goalkeeper in the tournament.
And for Germany, where he has over 100 matches under his belt, he has brought with him excellent reflexes, control of the penalty area and accurate passing.
5. Toni Kroos
- Date of Birth: January 4, 1990
- Position: Midfielder
Toni Kroos is considered as one of the best midfielders of his time and was ranked fifth on a list of all German soccer legends. In Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph he scored twice, including a goal in the famous 7–1 semi-final defeat of Brazil.
Kroos is one of those players people admire the most from out there because he has such outstanding vision, passing, and a calmness on the ball. In 106 matches for Germany, he scored 17 times and helped on many occasions more.
6. Philipp Lahm
- Date of Birth: November 11, 1983
- Position: Full-back/Defensive Midfielder
Ranked sixth on the list of German soccer legends, Philipp Lahm was a brilliant example of consistency and of versatility; as a fullback or as a defensive midfielder, there was no one in the German game who could match him.
Finally, he won the trophy — after losing it to Italy at the 2006 World Cup finals and to Spain at Euro 2008 — when he captained Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup.
Lahm was known for his perfect positioning and tactical awareness. His role in Germany’s success in international tournaments is now cemented among the best defenders ever in football.
7. Bastian Schweinsteiger
- Date of Birth: August 1, 1984
- Position: Midfielder
The heart of that Germany midfield in 2014 — when they won the World Cup — was Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was seventh amongst Germany’s soccer legends.
Even his tough and determined performance in his final against Argentina was proof that he was committed. He scored 24 goals and provided for a lot of great assists over 121 matches, where he effectively controlled the game from midfield.
Schweinsteiger also played vital roles in Germany’s third places at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. His leadership and commitment also made fans love him.
8. Thomas Müller
- Date of Birth: September 13, 1989
- Position: Forward/Attacking Midfielder
German soccer legend Thomas Müller (eighth best German soccer legend) is famous for his way of playing and for being able to score in decisive situations. In the 2010 World Cup he had a big impact, winning the Golden Boot (5 goals, 3 assists).
In 2014 Müller continued to shine with 5 goals that led Germany to winning the World Cup title. He has over 120 caps, and more than 44 goals, and is one of Germany’s most reliable attacking players.
9. Oliver Kahn
- Date of Birth: June 15, 1969
- Position: Goalkeeper
Ranked ninth on a list of German soccer legends, Oliver Kahn is remembered as one of the game’s greatest goalkeepers ever. In 2002, he was Germany’s key player at the World Cup and won the Golden Ball, the first goalkeeper to do so.
Despite Germany’s runners up showing, Kahn’s performances were awesome. At one point he earned 86 caps and became a tough and inspiring figure in goal, with many future goalkeepers inspired by him.
10. Miroslav Klose
- Date of Birth: June 9, 1978
- Position: Striker
Miroslav Klose, ranked tenth among German soccer legends, is the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history, with 16 goals across four tournaments. He played a key role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win, scoring important goals and offering valuable experience.
Klose scored 71 goals in 137 appearances for Germany, making him the national team’s all-time leading scorer. His ability in the air and sharp finishing made him one of the most dangerous strikers of his time.