Best Eintracht Frankfurt Players of All Time: A Comprehensive List
Eintracht Frankfurt is a German football club that has been a staple of the Bundesliga since its inception in 1963. Over the years, the club has produced some of the finest footballers to grace the German game. From legends of the past to modern icons, Eintracht Frankfurt has seen it all. In this article, we will take a look at the best Eintracht Frankfurt players of all time.
Legends of the Past: Eintracht Frankfurt has a rich history, and some of the club’s greatest players played during the 1960s and 1970s. The likes of Bernd Hölzenbein, Willi Neuberger, and Jürgen Grabowski were instrumental in the club’s success during this period. These players helped Eintracht Frankfurt win their first and only Bundesliga title in the 1990-91 season.
Modern Icons: In recent years, Eintracht Frankfurt has produced some of the best players in the Bundesliga. Players like Kevin Trapp, Filip Kostić, and André Silva have been instrumental in the club’s recent success. These players have helped Eintracht Frankfurt reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals in the 2018-19 season and finish in the top four of the Bundesliga in the 2022-23 season.
Key Takeaways
- Eintracht Frankfurt has produced some of the finest footballers in the German game.
- Legends of the past like Bernd Hölzenbein, Willi Neuberger, and Jürgen Grabowski helped Eintracht Frankfurt win their first and only Bundesliga title in the 1990-91 season.
- Modern icons like Kevin Trapp, Filip Kostić, and André Silva have been instrumental in Eintracht Frankfurt’s recent success.
Legends of the Past
Eintracht Frankfurt has a rich history of legendary players who have contributed to the club’s success and glory. In this section, we will take a look at some of the most notable players who have left a lasting impact on the club and its fans.
Alfred Pfaff
Alfred Pfaff was a German footballer who played as a striker for Eintracht Frankfurt from 1952 to 1960. He was a prolific goal scorer and played a key role in helping the team win the DFB-Pokal in 1959. Pfaff scored a total of 142 goals in 215 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt, making him one of the club’s all-time top goal scorers. He was known for his speed, agility, and excellent finishing skills, which made him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
Jürgen Grabowski
Jürgen Grabowski was a German midfielder who played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 1965 to 1980. He was a versatile player who could play in multiple positions, including as a winger, attacking midfielder, and forward. Grabowski was known for his excellent dribbling skills, vision, and creativity, which made him a key player for Eintracht Frankfurt during his time at the club. He helped the team win the DFB-Pokal in 1974 and was also a member of the German national team that won the 1974 FIFA World Cup.
Bernd Hölzenbein
Bernd Hölzenbein was a German forward who played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 1967 to 1981. He was a prolific goal scorer and played a key role in helping the team win the DFB-Pokal in 1974 and the UEFA Cup in 1980. Hölzenbein scored a total of 160 goals in 420 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt, making him the club’s all-time top goal scorer in the Bundesliga. He was known for his excellent finishing skills, speed, and agility, which made him a fan favorite and a legend of the club.
These three players are just a few examples of the many legendary players who have played for Eintracht Frankfurt over the years. Their contributions to the club’s success and their impact on the fans will never be forgotten, and they will always hold a special place in the club’s history.
Modern Icons
Eintracht Frankfurt has had many great players throughout its history, but some of the most iconic ones have played in recent times. Here are some of the “Modern Icons” of Eintracht Frankfurt.
Alexander Meier
Alexander Meier, also known as “The Fußballgott” (the Football God), is one of the most beloved Eintracht Frankfurt players of all time. The German forward played for the club from 2004 to 2018, scoring a total of 137 goals in 379 appearances. Meier was the top scorer of the Bundesliga in the 2014-2015 season, with 19 goals, and helped Eintracht Frankfurt win the DFB-Pokal in 2018.
Jay-Jay Okocha
Jay-Jay Okocha is a Nigerian legend who played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 1992 to 1996. Although he only spent four seasons with the club, he left an indelible mark on Eintracht Frankfurt’s history. Okocha was a skillful and creative midfielder who could dribble past defenders with ease. He scored 20 goals in 90 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt and helped the club reach the UEFA Cup Final in 1995.
Kevin Trapp
Kevin Trapp is a German goalkeeper who played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 2012 to 2015 and then again from 2018 to 2021. Trapp was a key player for Eintracht Frankfurt during his time at the club, helping them win the DFB-Pokal in 2018 and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2019. He made a total of 159 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt and was known for his excellent reflexes and shot-stopping abilities.
These three players are just a few examples of the modern icons of Eintracht Frankfurt. They have all left their mark on the club’s history and will always be remembered as some of the greatest players to have ever worn the Eintracht Frankfurt shirt.
Defensive Greats
Eintracht Frankfurt has had some of the best defenders in the history of German football. These players have been instrumental in the club’s success over the years. Here are some of the defensive greats who have played for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Charly Körbel
Charly Körbel is the most capped player in the history of the Bundesliga. He played as a defender for Eintracht Frankfurt for 19 years, making over 600 appearances for the club. Körbel was known for his tough tackling and excellent reading of the game. He won the DFB-Pokal with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1974 and 1975 and was also part of the team that reached the UEFA Cup final in 1980.
Willi Neuberger
Willi Neuberger played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 1950 to 1965. He was a versatile defender who could play in any position across the backline. Neuberger was known for his physicality and aerial ability. He won the DFB-Pokal with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1959 and 1960 and was also part of the team that won the German championship in 1959.
Bruno Pezzey
Bruno Pezzey is regarded as one of Austria’s greatest defenders of all time. He played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 1978 to 1984 and was part of the team that reached the UEFA Cup final in 1980. Pezzey was known for his leadership skills and his ability to organize the defense. He won the DFB-Pokal with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1981 and was also part of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 1980.
These three defenders were instrumental in Eintracht Frankfurt’s success over the years. They were tough, physical, and had excellent defensive skills. They were also leaders on the pitch and played an important role in the development of the club.
Midfield Maestros
Eintracht Frankfurt has been home to some of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga history. These players have displayed exceptional skills, vision, and creativity on the pitch, making them legends of the game. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the midfield maestros who have made Eintracht Frankfurt proud over the years.
Uwe Bein
Uwe Bein is one of the greatest midfielders to have ever played for Eintracht Frankfurt. He was a creative force on the pitch, with incredible vision and passing ability. Bein played for Frankfurt from 1980 to 1994, and during his time at the club, he won the DFB-Pokal twice and the UEFA Cup once. He was also a key member of the West Germany team that won the 1990 World Cup.
Stefan Lehmann
Stefan Lehmann was another midfield maestro who made a significant impact during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt. He played for the club from 1995 to 2001 and was known for his excellent work rate and tackling ability. Lehmann was a vital player for the team during his time at the club, helping them to secure a top-five finish in the Bundesliga in the 1998-99 season.
Pirmin Schwegler
Pirmin Schwegler is a Swiss midfielder who played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 2013 to 2016. He was known for his tenacity and work rate in midfield, and he was a key member of the team that reached the final of the DFB-Pokal in the 2016-17 season. Schwegler was also a fan favorite during his time at the club, and his performances on the pitch earned him a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.
These midfield maestros have left an indelible mark on Eintracht Frankfurt’s history, and their contributions to the club will never be forgotten. They are a testament to the fact that Eintracht Frankfurt has always been a breeding ground for some of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.
Attacking Talents
Eintracht Frankfurt has had many talented attacking players throughout their history. Here are a few notable players who have made significant contributions to the club’s success.
Bernd Nickel
Bernd Nickel was a prolific striker for Eintracht Frankfurt during the 1970s. He scored 91 goals in 179 appearances for the club, making him the fourth-highest scorer in Eintracht’s history. Nickel was known for his speed, agility, and clinical finishing ability. He helped Eintracht win the DFB-Pokal in 1974 and reach the UEFA Cup final in 1980.
Tony Yeboah
Tony Yeboah is one of the most famous players to have played for Eintracht Frankfurt. The Ghanaian striker scored 68 goals in 123 appearances for the club between 1990 and 1995. Yeboah was known for his powerful left foot and spectacular goals. He won the Bundesliga top scorer award in both the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons. Yeboah helped Eintracht reach the UEFA Cup final in 1992 and the DFB-Pokal final in 1994.
Luka Jovic
Luka Jovic is a Serbian striker who played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 2017 to 2019. He scored 27 goals in 48 appearances for the club, including 10 goals in the Europa League during the 2018-19 season. Jovic was known for his intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and ability to score with both feet and his head. He helped Eintracht reach the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2019.
These three players are just a few examples of the many talented attacking players who have represented Eintracht Frankfurt throughout their history. Their contributions to the club’s success will always be remembered by the fans.
Goalkeeping Legends
Eintracht Frankfurt has had some outstanding goalkeepers over the years. In this section, we will discuss some of the most notable ones.
Egon Loy
Egon Loy is one of the greatest goalkeepers in Eintracht Frankfurt history. He played for the club from 1950 to 1960 and was a key player in the team that won the German championship in 1959. Loy was known for his excellent reflexes and his ability to make crucial saves. He was also a great leader on the pitch and was respected by his teammates. Loy played a total of 263 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt and is remembered as a true legend of the club.
Oka Nikolov
Oka Nikolov is another Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper who is considered a legend of the club. He played for the team from 1991 to 2013 and was a key player in the team that won the German Cup in 2018. Nikolov was known for his excellent shot-stopping ability and his leadership on the pitch. He played a total of 415 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt and is remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the club’s history.
Andreas Köpke
Andreas Köpke is a former Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper who played for the team from 1986 to 1994. He was a key player in the team that won the German Cup in 1988. Köpke was known for his excellent reflexes and his ability to make crucial saves. He was also a great leader on the pitch and was respected by his teammates. Köpke played a total of 237 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt and is remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the club’s history.
These goalkeeping legends have left a lasting impression on Eintracht Frankfurt and their contributions to the club will never be forgotten.
Captains Through the Years
Eintracht Frankfurt has had many great captains throughout its history. Here are a few of the most notable ones:
Karl-Heinz Körbel
Karl-Heinz Körbel is a true Eintracht Frankfurt legend. He played for the club from 1972 to 1991, making a total of 602 appearances, which is still a club record. During his time at the club, he won the DFB-Pokal twice and helped the team reach the final of the UEFA Cup in 1980. Körbel was known for his leadership skills and was named captain of the team in 1977. He held the armband for many years and was a key figure in the team’s success.
Alexander Schur
Alexander Schur was another great captain for Eintracht Frankfurt. He played for the club from 1994 to 2000 and was named captain in 1997. Schur was a versatile player who could play in defense or midfield. He was known for his work ethic and leadership skills, and he helped the team win the DFB-Pokal in 1998. Schur was a fan favorite and is still remembered fondly by Eintracht Frankfurt supporters.
David Abraham
David Abraham was the captain of Eintracht Frankfurt from 2018 to 2021. He joined the club in 2015 and quickly became a key player in the team. Abraham was a tough-tackling defender who was known for his leadership skills and his ability to organize the defense. He helped the team reach the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2019 and was named the club’s Player of the Season. Abraham retired from professional football in 2021, but he will always be remembered as a great captain for Eintracht Frankfurt.
These are just a few of the great captains that Eintracht Frankfurt has had over the years. Each of them played an important role in the team’s success and helped to define what it means to wear the Eintracht Frankfurt armband.
Influential Foreign Imports
Eintracht Frankfurt has a long history of signing foreign players who have made a significant impact on the team’s success. Here are some of the most influential foreign imports in the club’s history.
Cha Bum-Kun
One of the most iconic players in Eintracht Frankfurt’s history, Cha Bum-Kun was a South Korean forward who played for the team from 1978 to 1989. He was the first Asian player to play in the Bundesliga and became one of the league’s most prolific scorers. In his 10 seasons with Eintracht Frankfurt, he scored 98 goals in 308 appearances. He helped the team win the DFB-Pokal in 1981 and reach the UEFA Cup final in 1980. Cha’s success with Eintracht Frankfurt helped pave the way for other Asian players to play in Europe.
Yeboah Anthony
Yeboah Anthony was a Ghanaian striker who played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 1990 to 1995. He was known for his powerful left foot and his ability to score spectacular goals. In his five seasons with the team, he scored 68 goals in 123 appearances. He helped the team win the DFB-Pokal in 1992 and reach the final of the UEFA Cup in 1992 and 1993. Yeboah was named the Bundesliga’s top scorer in the 1992-1993 and 1993-1994 seasons.
Makoto Hasebe
Makoto Hasebe is a Japanese midfielder who has played for Eintracht Frankfurt since 2014. He is known for his versatility and ability to play in multiple positions. He has played as a center-back, defensive midfielder, and right-back for the team. He was the captain of the Japan national team and has won multiple titles with Eintracht Frankfurt, including the DFB-Pokal in 2018 and the UEFA Europa League in 2022. Hasebe is a fan favorite and has become one of the team’s most important players in recent years.
Fan Favorites
Eintracht Frankfurt has had many players who have captured the hearts of fans over the years. They have become legends not only for their skills on the pitch but also for their personalities and the way they represented the club. Here are a few of the most beloved Eintracht Frankfurt players of all time.
Fredi Bobic
Fredi Bobic is one of the most iconic players in Eintracht Frankfurt’s history. He played for the club from 1994 to 1999 and scored 72 goals in 164 appearances. Bobic was known for his clinical finishing, and he helped Eintracht Frankfurt win the DFB-Pokal in 1998. He was also instrumental in helping the club reach the final of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the same year.
Jan-Aage Fjörtoft
Jan-Aage Fjörtoft is another Eintracht Frankfurt legend who is still remembered fondly by fans. He played for the club from 1993 to 1995 and scored 34 goals in 66 appearances. Fjörtoft was known for his physicality and his ability to score important goals. He helped Eintracht Frankfurt win the DFB-Pokal in 1994 and reach the final of the UEFA Cup in 1995.
Sebastian Rode
Sebastian Rode is a more recent fan favorite who played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 2010 to 2014. He was a key player in the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2012 and helped them reach the final of the DFB-Pokal in 2014. Rode was known for his tireless work rate and his ability to break up opposition attacks. He was also a fan favorite for his passion and commitment to the club.
These players are just a few of the many Eintracht Frankfurt legends who have captured the hearts of fans over the years. They will always be remembered for their contributions to the club and the joy they brought to the fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered the greatest Eintracht Frankfurt player of all time?
The title of the greatest Eintracht Frankfurt player of all time is a topic of much debate among fans and experts alike. However, there are a few players who are often mentioned as the greatest. One of them is Bernd Hölzenbein, who is the club’s all-time top scorer with 160 goals. He was also a key player in the club’s historic 1980 UEFA Cup win. Other players who are often mentioned include Uwe Bein, who was a creative force in midfield and helped the club win the DFB-Pokal in 1988, and Jay-Jay Okocha, who was a skillful and entertaining player during his time at the club.
Which players have left the biggest impact on Eintracht Frankfurt’s history?
Eintracht Frankfurt has had many great players over the years, but there are a few who stand out for the impact they had on the club’s history. Bernd Hölzenbein is one such player, as he was the club’s all-time top scorer and played a key role in the club’s UEFA Cup win in 1980. Other players who left a big impact include Uwe Bein, who was a creative force in midfield and helped the club win the DFB-Pokal in 1988, and Jürgen Grabowski, who was a talented winger and played a key role in the club’s success in the 1970s.
How many Bundesliga titles has Eintracht Frankfurt won?
Eintracht Frankfurt has won one Bundesliga title in the club’s history. The title was won in the 1958-59 season, when the club finished top of the table ahead of Kaiserslautern and Schalke.
What are some of the most impressive records held by Eintracht Frankfurt players?
Eintracht Frankfurt has had many talented players over the years, and some of them have set impressive records. Bernd Hölzenbein, for example, is the club’s all-time top scorer with 160 goals. Jürgen Grabowski holds the record for the most appearances for the club, with 441. Alexander Meier holds the record for the most goals in a single Bundesliga season, with 19.
Who are the legendary figures in Eintracht Frankfurt’s rivalry with their main opponents?
Eintracht Frankfurt has had many fierce rivalries over the years, but the club’s biggest rivalry is with local rivals FSV Frankfurt. Other notable rivalries include those with 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Bayern Munich. Legendary figures in these rivalries include Bernd Hölzenbein, who scored the winning goal in the 1980 UEFA Cup final against Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Jay-Jay Okocha, who scored a memorable goal against Karlsruher SC in the 1992-93 season.
Which Eintracht Frankfurt players have had successful international careers?
Eintracht Frankfurt has produced many talented players who have gone on to have successful international careers. Some of the most notable include Bernd Hölzenbein, who was a key player for West Germany in the 1974 World Cup, and Jürgen Grabowski, who played for West Germany in the 1970 and 1974 World Cups. Other players who have had successful international careers include Jay-Jay Okocha, who played for Nigeria in three World Cups, and Alexander Meier, who played for the Australian national team.