Ranking the best midfielders in Bundesliga history: Bayern Munich’s angel wings, Germany’s greatest pride

While the German top flight has always kept its gates wide open for global talent to congregate and compete, this ranking of the 10 best midfielders in Bundesliga of all time by Nowgoalpro remains almost exclusively a German affair. 

For decades, German midfielders have carved out a distinct identity in the global game. They may not possess the flamboyant flair of the Brazilians or the airy elegance of the Italians; instead, Germany’s four World Cup triumphs were built on the shoulders of rugged, gritty, and mentally unbreakable men. 

These players do not always seek the limelight, yet their tactical discipline and combativeness make them impossible for any manager to ignore. Below, we explore the 10 names that defined this "teutonic" excellence.

Ranking 10 best midfielders in Bundesliga history

10. Andreas Möller

A native of Frankfurt, Möller was a "footballing magician" whose career spanned nearly 2 decades in the Bundesliga. Across 3 separate spells at Eintracht Frankfurt (1985-87, 1990-92, 2003-04), 2 stints at Borussia Dortmund (1988-90, 1994-2000), and a period at Schalke 04 (2000-03), Möller amassed 429 Bundesliga appearances and 110 goals. He was a cornerstone of the Dortmund side that won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 1995 and 1996. Beyond Germany, he tasted success with Juventus, winning the UEFA Cup in 1993. 

Möller also earned 85 caps for Germany, scoring 29 goals, and was part of the squads that won the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996. He retired at Eintracht Frankfurt in 2004 at the age of 36.

9. Günter Netzer

Netzer was the rebel genius of Borussia Mönchengladbach, leading them to their first 2 Bundesliga titles in 1970 and 1971. Known for his 230 appearances and 82 goals for Gladbach, his passing accuracy was considered peerless. Experts described his play as having an "unrivaled lightness." 

Netzer later became the first German to play for Real Madrid, winning 2 La Liga titles. For West Germany, he earned 37 caps and won Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup. He retired in 1977 at Grasshopper Zurich, aged 32.

8. Kevin Keegan

The only non-German on this list, "Mighty Mouse" arrived at Hamburger SV from Liverpool in 1977. In just 3 seasons (1977–1980), Keegan scored 32 goals in 90 league games, leading HSV to the 1978-79 Bundesliga title. His impact was so profound that he won consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979 while playing in Germany. 

Public opinion at the time marveled at his work rate and ability to transform a mid-table club into champions. He earned 63 caps for England and later played for Southampton and Newcastle United before retiring in 1984 at age 33.

7. Wolfgang Overath

A "one-club man" for 1. FC Köln, Overath made 409 Bundesliga appearances. He won the inaugural Bundesliga title in 1964. Overath was a midfield general with a "magic left foot," playing every minute of Germany’s 1974 World Cup-winning campaign. He earned 81 caps and scored 17 goals for the national team. He retired at Köln in 1977, aged 33, and remains the club's eternal president in the hearts of fans.

6. Michael Ballack

Ballack was the personification of the modern box-to-box midfielder. He rose to fame at Bayer Leverkusen (1999-2002), where he famously finished as runner-up in the Bundesliga, DFB Cup, and Champions League in 2002. He then moved to Bayern Munich, winning 3 doubles (Bundesliga and DFB Cup) in 2003, 2005, and 2006. With 77 goals in 267 Bundesliga matches, his aerial prowess was legendary. 

Ballack also starred for Chelsea, winning the Premier League. He earned 98 caps for Germany (42 goals), leading them to the 2002 World Cup final. 

5. Paul Breitner

Breitner was a revolutionary who played as both a defender and a midfielder. In 2 spells with Bayern (1970-74, 1978-83), he won 5 Bundesliga titles. He scored 93 goals in 285 league games. Breitner is one of only 5 players to score in 2 World Cup finals (1974, 1982). Pele named him among the 125 greatest living players in 2004. 

4. Arjen Robben

Robben redefined the winger role at Bayern Munich. He scored 99 goals in 201 Bundesliga appearances and won 8 league titles. His "trademark" move, cutting inside from the right onto his left foot, was unstoppable. His greatest moment was the winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final. 

3. Franck Ribéry

Ribéry spent 12 years at Bayern (2007-2019), winning a then-record 9 Bundesliga titles. With 86 goals and 120 assists in 273 matches, he was the heart of Bayern’s flair. In 2013, he was named UEFA Best Player in Europe.

2. Bastian Schweinsteiger

The "Fußballgott" of Bayern Munich, Schweinsteiger played 342 Bundesliga games, scored 45 goals and won 8 titles. He transitioned from a winger to a world-class holding midfielder. His blood-stained performance in the 2014 World Cup final remains a symbol of German grit. He retired at Chicago Fire in 2019, aged 35.

1. Lothar Matthäus

The ultimate midfielder. Matthäus played 464 Bundesliga games for Gladbach and Bayern, winning 7 titles. Diego Maradona called him "the best rival I ever had." He won the 1990 Ballon d’Or and the 1991 FIFA World Player of the Year. With 150 caps for Germany, he is their most decorated player. 

The 10 greatest Bundesliga midfielders of all time:  

Lothar Matthäus

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Franck Ribéry

Arjen Robben

Paul Breitner

Michael Ballack

Wolfgang Overath

Kevin Keegan

Günter Netzer

Andreas Möller

It is no surprise that most names on the list of best midfielders in Bundesliga by Nowgoalpro.net represented giants like Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. These clubs have long mastered the art of recruiting domestic icons. Which legend impressed you the most?

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