The Best Bayern Munich Players Of All Time, Ranked

Ranker Soccer
Updated July 15, 2024 24 items
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11.4K votes
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Vote up the top players ever to take the pitch for Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich is renowned for its rich history of footballing prowess, consistently producing some of the most talented and iconic players the sport has ever seen. As with any great football club, deciding on the best Bayern Munich players of all time is a challenging endeavor. This comprehensive selection offers an insight into the top athletes who have donned the iconic red and white jersey, each leaving a lasting impression on the club's history and fans alike. 

Each athlete in this esteemed selection embodies the essence of Bayern Munich's footballing excellence, showcasing a unique blend of skill, leadership, and dedication. These elite athletes have shaped the legacy of Bayern Munich, contributing to the team's numerous victories, and defining what it means to be the best player for Bayern Munich in their respective eras. 

Among these illustrious names are legends such as Gerd Müller, whose incredible goal-scoring prowess earned him the nickname "Der Bomber." Müller cemented his place among Bayern Munich's best players by becoming the all-time leading scorer in Bundesliga history. Robert Lewandowski, another striking sensation, continues to shatter records with his phenomenal goal-scoring ability, making him one of the greatest modern footballers and a strong contender for the best Bayern Munich player of all time. And, of course, no discussion about Bayern Munich would be complete without mentioning Franz Beckenbauer, "Der Kaiser," who revolutionized the sweeper role and led the team to multiple domestic and international triumphs. These players, along with many others, embody the true spirit of Bayern Munich's unparalleled success. 

Throughout its storied history, Bayern Munich has been home to a plethora of exceptional talents, each leaving an indelible mark on the club. The players mentioned above are a testament to the caliber of athletes who have graced the pitch for this revered team. As new generations of footballers emerge, the legacy of these and other iconic players will continue to inspire and shape the future success of Germany's most beloved football club. May the best Bayern Munich players of all time forever be cherished and celebrated for their immense contributions to the beautiful game.

  • Gerd Müller
    1

    Gerd Müller

    Age: 78
    547 votes
    • Birthplace: Nördlingen, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Forward

    Bayern Munich career: 1964-1979

  • Franz Beckenbauer
    2

    Franz Beckenbauer

    Age: 78
    507 votes
    • Birthplace: Munich, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: Hamburger SV
    • Position: Defender, Sweeper

    Bayern Munich career: 1963-1977

  • Thomas Müller
    3

    Thomas Müller

    Age: 34
    528 votes
    • Birthplace: Weilheim in Oberbayern, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Forward, Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 2008-Present

  • Robert Lewandowski
    4

    Robert Lewandowski

    Age: 35
    698 votes
    • Birthplace: Warsaw, Poland
    • Nationality: Poland
    • Team: FC Barcelona
    • Position: Forward

    Bayern Munich career: 2014-Present

  • Manuel Neuer
    5

    Manuel Neuer

    Age: 38
    514 votes
    • Birthplace: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: Bayern Munich
    • Position: Goalkeeper

    Bayern Munich career: 2011-Present

  • Oliver Kahn
    6

    Oliver Kahn

    Age: 55
    359 votes
    • Birthplace: Karlsruhe, Germany
    • Nationality: West Germany, Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Goalkeeper

    Bayern Munich career: 1994-2008

  • Franck Ribéry
    7

    Franck Ribéry

    Age: 41
    345 votes
    • Birthplace: Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
    • Nationality: France
    • Team: Salernitana
    • Position: Forward

    Bayern Munich career: 2007-2019

  • Philipp Lahm
    8

    Philipp Lahm

    Age: 40
    442 votes
    • Birthplace: Munich, Germany
    • Nationality: West Germany, Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Defender

    Bayern Munich career: 2002-2017

  • Arjen Robben
    9

    Arjen Robben

    Age: 40
    432 votes
    • Birthplace: Bedum, Netherlands
    • Nationality: Netherlands
    • Team: Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands national football team
    • Position: Winger

    Bayern Munich career: 2009-2019

  • Lothar Matthäus
    10

    Lothar Matthäus

    Age: 63
    354 votes
    • Birthplace: Erlangen, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: New York Red Bulls
    • Position: Defender

    Bayern Munich career: 1984-1988, 1992-2000

  • Bastian Schweinsteiger
    11

    Bastian Schweinsteiger

    Age: 39
    334 votes
    • Birthplace: Kolbermoor, Germany
    • Nationality: West Germany, Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Playmaker, Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 2002-2015

  • Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
    12

    Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

    Age: 68
    240 votes
    • Birthplace: Lippstadt, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: Servette FC
    • Position: Forward

    Bayern Munich career: 1974-1984

  • Michael Ballack
    13

    Michael Ballack

    Age: 47
    228 votes
    • Birthplace: Görlitz, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: 1. FC Kaiserslautern
    • Position: Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 2002-2006

  • Miroslav Klose
    14

    Miroslav Klose

    Age: 46
    232 votes
    • Birthplace: Opole, Poland
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: 1. FC Kaiserslautern
    • Position: Forward

    Bayern Munich career: 2007-2011

  • Sepp Maier
    15

    Sepp Maier

    Age: 80
    191 votes
    • Birthplace: Metten, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Goalkeeper

    Bayern Munich career: 1962-1980

  • Toni Kroos
    16

    Toni Kroos

    Age: 34
    195 votes
    • Birthplace: Greifswald, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: Real Madrid
    • Position: Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 2007-2014

  • Paul Breitner
    17

    Paul Breitner

    Age: 72
    172 votes
    • Birthplace: Kolbermoor, Germany
    • Nationality: West Germany, Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Defender, Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 1970-1974, 1978-1983

  • David Alaba
    18

    David Alaba

    Age: 32
    240 votes
    • Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
    • Nationality: Austria
    • Team: Real Madrid
    • Position: Defender, Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 2010-Present

  • Bixente Lizarazu
    19

    Bixente Lizarazu

    Age: 54
    105 votes
    • Birthplace: Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
    • Nationality: France
    • Position: Defender

    Bayern Munich career: 1997-2004, 2005-2006

  • Stefan Effenberg
    20

    Stefan Effenberg

    Age: 55
    146 votes
    • Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany
    • Nationality: West Germany, Germany
    • Team: Borussia Mönchengladbach
    • Position: Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 1990-1992, 1998-2002

  • Klaus Augenthaler
    21

    Klaus Augenthaler

    Age: 66
    112 votes
    • Birthplace: Fürstenzell, Germany
    • Nationality: West Germany, Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Defender, Sweeper

    Bayern Munich career: 1976-1991

  • Uli Hoeneß
    22

    Uli Hoeneß

    Age: 72
    135 votes
    • Birthplace: Ulm, Germany
    • Nationality: West Germany, Germany
    • Team: 1. FC Nuremberg
    • Position: Forward, Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 1970-1979

  • Mehmet Scholl
    23

    Mehmet Scholl

    Age: 53
    117 votes
    • Birthplace: Karlsruhe, Germany
    • Nationality: Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 1992-2007

  • Hamit Altıntop
    24

    Hamit Altıntop

    Age: 41
    46 votes
    • Birthplace: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
    • Nationality: Turkey, West Germany, Germany
    • Team: FC Bayern Munich
    • Position: Midfielder

    Bayern Munich career: 2007-2011