Best Borussia Dortmund Players of All Time: A Definitive List

Borussia Dortmund is one of the most successful football clubs in Germany, with a rich history of talented players who have graced the club’s famous yellow and black jersey over the years. From legendary strikers to iconic midfielders, dominant defenders to influential goalkeepers, the club has produced some of the finest talents in the game. In this article, we take a look at the best Borussia Dortmund players of all time.

The list of Borussia Dortmund’s greatest players is a long and illustrious one, with many legends having made their mark at the club. From the likes of Alfred Preißler, who dominated the field with his incredible skill and passion for the game, to the prolific goal-scoring machine that was Robert Lewandowski, the club has seen some truly incredible players over the years. Whether it’s the leadership qualities of Matthias Sammer or the flair and creativity of Marco Reus, there’s no shortage of talent to choose from when it comes to compiling a list of the best Borussia Dortmund players of all time.

As we delve into the history of the club, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most influential players to have ever worn the famous yellow and black jersey. From homegrown talents to impactful transfers, we’ll explore what makes each player stand out and why they deserve a place on the list of Borussia Dortmund’s greatest ever players. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the best Borussia Dortmund players of all time.

Key Takeaways

• Borussia Dortmund has a rich history of talented players who have graced the club’s famous yellow and black jersey over the years.
• The list of Borussia Dortmund’s greatest players is a long and illustrious one, with many legends having made their mark at the club.
• From legendary strikers to iconic midfielders, dominant defenders to influential goalkeepers, the club has produced some of the finest talents in the game.

Legendary Strikers

Borussia Dortmund has been home to some of the most prolific strikers in the history of football. Here are some of the legendary strikers who have made significant contributions to the club’s success.

Alfred Preissler

Alfred Preissler was one of Borussia Dortmund’s all-time legends. He dominated the field with his incredible skill and passion for the game. This forward was a force to be reckoned with in post-war Germany, making his mark as a goal-scoring machine and helping to shape the club into what it is today. Preissler played for Borussia Dortmund between 1947 and 1959, scoring an impressive 168 goals in 321 appearances. He was a crucial player in the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title win in 1956.

Stephan Chapuisat

Stephan Chapuisat was a Swiss striker who played for Borussia Dortmund between 1991 and 1999. He was a key player in the club’s success during the 1990s, helping them win two Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1997. Chapuisat scored a total of 106 goals in 238 appearances for the club, making him one of the most successful strikers in Borussia Dortmund’s history.

Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski is one of the most prolific strikers in the world of football today. He played for Borussia Dortmund between 2010 and 2014, scoring an incredible 103 goals in 187 appearances. Lewandowski was instrumental in helping the club win two Bundesliga titles and reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2013. His incredible goal-scoring ability and work rate made him a fan favorite at Borussia Dortmund, and he is still remembered fondly by the club’s supporters.

These legendary strikers have left an indelible mark on Borussia Dortmund’s history. Their contributions to the club’s success will never be forgotten, and they will always be remembered as some of the greatest players to have ever worn the famous black and yellow jersey.

Iconic Midfielders

Borussia Dortmund has a rich history of producing some of the best midfielders in the world. This section highlights some of the most iconic midfielders who have played for the club.

Michael Zorc

Michael Zorc is a true legend of Borussia Dortmund. He is a one-club man who spent his entire career playing for the club. Zorc made over 500 appearances for Dortmund and is the record holder for the most appearances in the club’s history. He was a key player in the team that won the Bundesliga in 1995 and 1996. Zorc was known for his excellent passing ability and his leadership qualities on the pitch.

Matthias Sammer

Matthias Sammer is another iconic midfielder who played for Borussia Dortmund. He played for the club from 1993 to 1998 and was a key player in the team that won the Champions League in 1997. Sammer was known for his versatility and ability to play in both midfield and defense. He was also a great leader on the pitch and was named the German Footballer of the Year in 1995 and 1996.

Marco Reus

Marco Reus is one of the most talented midfielders to have ever played for Borussia Dortmund. He has been a key player for the club since joining in 2012 and has helped the team win the DFB-Pokal and reach the Champions League final. Reus is known for his excellent dribbling skills, his eye for goal, and his ability to create chances for his teammates. He has also been named the German Footballer of the Year on two occasions.

These three midfielders are just a few examples of the many talented players who have represented Borussia Dortmund over the years. Their contributions to the club have helped establish Dortmund as one of the best teams in Germany and Europe.

Dominant Defenders

Borussia Dortmund has had some of the best defenders in the history of German football. These players have been instrumental in helping the team win numerous titles over the years. In this section, we will discuss some of the most dominant defenders to have ever played for Borussia Dortmund.

Jürgen Kohler

Jürgen Kohler is one of the greatest defenders to have ever played for Borussia Dortmund. He was a part of the team that won the Bundesliga title in 1995 and the UEFA Champions League in 1997. Kohler was known for his excellent tackling skills and his ability to read the game. He was also a threat in the opposition box, scoring several crucial goals for the team.

Mats Hummels

Mats Hummels is another defender who has left a lasting impression on Borussia Dortmund fans. He was a part of the team that won the Bundesliga title in 2011 and 2012. Hummels was known for his calmness under pressure and his ability to distribute the ball from the back. He was also a threat from set-pieces, scoring several goals for the team.

Dede

Dede is one of the most beloved players to have ever played for Borussia Dortmund. He was a part of the team that won the Bundesliga title in 2002. Dede was known for his tireless work rate and his ability to get up and down the flank. He was also a threat going forward, providing several assists for the team.

In conclusion, Borussia Dortmund has had some of the best defenders in the history of German football. Jürgen Kohler, Mats Hummels, and Dede are just a few of the many players who have left a lasting impression on the team and its fans. Their contributions to the team’s success will never be forgotten.

Influential Goalkeepers

Borussia Dortmund has had some exceptional goalkeepers over the years. Here are two of the most influential goalkeepers in the club’s history.

Roman Weidenfeller

Roman Weidenfeller is arguably the best goalkeeper in Borussia Dortmund’s history. He joined the club in 2002 from Kaiserslautern and went on to make over 450 appearances for the club. Weidenfeller was a crucial part of the team that won the Bundesliga title in 2011 and reached the Champions League final in 2013.

Weidenfeller was known for his excellent reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and commanding presence in the penalty area. He was also a great leader and was named the captain of the team in 2015. Weidenfeller retired in 2018, and his legacy at the club will always be remembered.

Stefan Klos

Stefan Klos was another excellent goalkeeper who played for Borussia Dortmund from 1999 to 2006. He was an important part of the team that won the Bundesliga title in 2002 and reached the UEFA Cup final in 2002.

Klos was known for his excellent shot-stopping ability and his commanding presence in the penalty area. He was also a great leader and was named the captain of the team in 2004. Klos retired in 2006 and went on to become a goalkeeping coach. His contribution to the team’s success will always be remembered.

Captains and Leadership

Borussia Dortmund has had numerous captains over the years, each with their own unique leadership style. Two notable captains are Sebastian Kehl and Christian Wörns.

Sebastian Kehl

Sebastian Kehl was a vital part of Dortmund’s midfield for many years. He was known for his work rate and tenacity, qualities that made him an excellent captain. Kehl led by example on the pitch, always giving his all and pushing his teammates to do the same. He was a calming presence in the dressing room and was respected by all of his teammates.

Kehl’s leadership was particularly evident during Dortmund’s 2011-2012 season, when they won the Bundesliga title. He was instrumental in keeping the team focused and motivated throughout the season, ensuring that they never lost sight of their goal.

Christian Wörns

Christian Wörns was another excellent captain for Borussia Dortmund. He was a commanding presence at the back, and his leadership helped to make Dortmund’s defense one of the best in Europe during his time at the club.

Wörns was a vocal leader, always encouraging his teammates and pushing them to perform at their best. He was also an excellent reader of the game, able to anticipate opposition attacks and organize his defense accordingly.

Overall, Kehl and Wörns were two of the best captains in Borussia Dortmund’s history. They led by example on the pitch and were respected by their teammates for their hard work and dedication to the club.

Impactful Transfers

Borussia Dortmund has had several impactful transfers throughout its history. These transfers have helped shape the team into the powerhouse it is today. Here are two of the most notable transfers in the club’s history:

Andreas Möller

Andreas Möller was a German midfielder who played for Borussia Dortmund from 1994 to 2000. He was a key player in the team’s success during the 1990s, helping them win two Bundesliga titles, a UEFA Champions League trophy, and an Intercontinental Cup.

Möller was known for his incredible passing ability and his ability to score goals from midfield. He was also a great leader on the pitch, and his presence helped inspire his teammates to perform at their best.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a Gabonese striker who played for Borussia Dortmund from 2013 to 2018. He was one of the most prolific goalscorers in the team’s history, scoring 141 goals in 213 appearances.

Aubameyang was known for his incredible speed and his ability to score goals from almost any position on the pitch. He was also a great team player, and his unselfishness helped create many scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Overall, these two transfers had a huge impact on Borussia Dortmund’s success. They helped the team win several trophies and cemented their place in the club’s history.

Homegrown Talents

Borussia Dortmund is known for its ability to develop young talents into world-class football players. Over the years, the club has produced some of the best players in the world. In this section, we will take a look at two of the most notable homegrown talents that have played for Borussia Dortmund.

Lars Ricken

Lars Ricken is a former German footballer who spent his entire professional career with Borussia Dortmund. He joined the club’s youth academy at the age of 11 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a key player for the first team. Ricken was known for his technical skills, pace, and ability to score crucial goals.

One of Ricken’s most memorable moments came in the 1997 UEFA Champions League final against Juventus. He came on as a substitute in the 70th minute and scored a stunning goal just 16 seconds later, helping Dortmund win the match 3-1. Ricken’s goal is still remembered as one of the greatest moments in the club’s history.

Nuri Sahin

Nuri Sahin is a Turkish footballer who started his career at Borussia Dortmund. He joined the club’s youth academy at the age of 12 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young players in Germany. Sahin was known for his passing ability, vision, and technical skills.

Sahin made his debut for the first team at the age of 16 and quickly became a regular starter. In the 2010-11 season, he played a key role in helping Dortmund win the Bundesliga title, providing 9 assists and scoring 6 goals. Sahin’s performances earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Year award that season.

In conclusion, Borussia Dortmund has a rich history of developing young talents into world-class football players. Lars Ricken and Nuri Sahin are just two examples of the many homegrown talents that have played for the club over the years. Their contributions to the club will always be remembered by the fans.

European Success Stories

Borussia Dortmund has a rich history of success in European competitions, with numerous players contributing to their triumphs over the years. In this section, we will take a closer look at two of the most significant European success stories in the history of Borussia Dortmund: Karl-Heinz Riedle and Shinji Kagawa.

Karl-Heinz Riedle

Karl-Heinz Riedle is one of Borussia Dortmund’s greatest players of all time, and he played an instrumental role in their 1997 UEFA Champions League triumph. Riedle was a prolific striker who scored 35 goals in 87 appearances for the club during his two-year stint from 1993 to 1997. In the 1997 Champions League final against Juventus, Riedle scored two goals to help Dortmund secure a 3-1 victory and their first-ever European Cup.

Shinji Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa is a fan favorite at Borussia Dortmund, and he played a crucial role in their run to the 2013 UEFA Champions League final. Kagawa joined Dortmund from Japanese side Cerezo Osaka in 2010 and quickly established himself as a key player under Jurgen Klopp. In the 2012-13 season, Kagawa scored six goals in 12 Champions League appearances, including a hat-trick against Anderlecht. Although Dortmund ultimately lost the final to Bayern Munich, Kagawa’s performances throughout the competition were outstanding and helped cement his status as one of the club’s all-time greats.

Borussia Dortmund has had many other standout performers in European competitions over the years, but the contributions of Karl-Heinz Riedle and Shinji Kagawa stand out as two of the most memorable. Their performances helped Dortmund achieve some of their greatest successes in European football, and they will always be remembered as legends of the club.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are considered the legendary defenders in Borussia Dortmund’s history?

Borussia Dortmund has had many great defenders throughout its history. However, some of the most legendary defenders include Mats Hummels, Stefan Reuter, and Jürgen Kohler. Mats Hummels, in particular, is considered one of the best center-backs in the world. He played for Dortmund from 2008 to 2016 before moving to Bayern Munich. During his time at Dortmund, he won two Bundesliga titles and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2013.

Which strikers are iconic figures in Borussia Dortmund’s past?

Borussia Dortmund has had many iconic strikers throughout its history. Some of the most notable ones include Robert Lewandowski, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Karl-Heinz Riedle. Robert Lewandowski is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. He played for Dortmund from 2010 to 2014 and scored 103 goals in 187 appearances. During his time at Dortmund, he won two Bundesliga titles and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2013.

Can you list top players who were transferred from Borussia Dortmund to other clubs?

Borussia Dortmund has produced many great players who have been transferred to other clubs. Some of the most notable ones include Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, and Mario Götze. Robert Lewandowski left Dortmund for Bayern Munich in 2014 and has since become one of the best strikers in the world. Mats Hummels also left Dortmund for Bayern Munich in 2016 and has been a key player for them ever since. Mario Götze left Dortmund for Bayern Munich in 2013 before returning to Dortmund in 2016.

Who are some notable former Borussia Dortmund players who are still active in football?

There are many former Borussia Dortmund players who are still active in football. Some of the most notable ones include Mario Götze, Shinji Kagawa, and Nuri Sahin. Mario Götze is currently playing for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, while Shinji Kagawa is playing for Greek club PAOK. Nuri Sahin is currently playing for Turkish club Antalyaspor.

What are the standout performances of current Borussia Dortmund players?

Borussia Dortmund has many talented players on its current roster. Some of the standout performances in recent years include Erling Haaland’s hat-trick against Sevilla in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League round of 16 and Marco Reus’s two goals against Real Madrid in the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Jadon Sancho has also had many standout performances, including his hat-trick against Paderborn in the Bundesliga in 2020.

Who holds the record for the most goals scored in Borussia Dortmund’s history?

The record for the most goals scored in Borussia Dortmund’s history is held by Manfred Burgsmüller. He scored 213 goals in 237 appearances for Dortmund between 1976 and 1983. Burgsmüller was a prolific striker who also played for other German clubs such as Werder Bremen and FC Nürnberg.