Best 10 Players In The History Of Borussia Dortmund
Founded in 1909 by a group of eighteen football enthusiasts from Dortmund, Borussia Dortmund is a German professional sports club with a vivid history. The club has won eight league championships, five DFB-Pokals, one UEFA Champions League, one Intercontinental Cup, and one UEFA Cup Winners Cup. Some of Germany’s and indeed the world’s greatest players have graced their grounds.
With over 189,000 members, it’s the fifth-largest sports club globally. You are sure to raise your eyebrows in awe, captivated to read more about their extraordinary abilities, surprised by their lightning pace, and moved by their resolve to succeed at any cost. It’s not just a list of players, it’s an expedition through the Best Dortmund footballers of all time in the history of the club.
1: Matthias Sammer
Matthias Sammer is considered one of the most outstanding players in German history. He is one of the best Dortmund players of all time. He joined the club from Inter Milan in 1993. Sammer was an all-around player who dominated both midfield and defence with his deadly shots. He was famous for his unwavering effort on the pitch and superior technical abilities. He was a key player in the club’s triumph in the mid-90’s.
| Games | 364 |
| Goals | 95 |
| Assists | 38 |
Sammer was awarded the esteemed Ballon d’Or prize in 1996 for his exceptional performances, becoming the first German player to do so since 1990. After retiring from football due to injury he became Dortmund’s manager in 2000. The player will go down as the greatest player in the history of Dortmund and a pure German gem.
2: Jurgen Kohler
In 1995 Kohler signed for Dortmund and remained in the club till he retired in 2002. He was an outstanding centre-back, he was capped by his country 105 times. Although he was 30 years old when he came back to Germany, he was hungry for more and miles away from thoughts of retirement. Kohler won the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund in the 1994-1995 season.
| Games | 250 |
| Goals | 18 |
In 1997 Dortmund defeated his former club Juventus to become European Champions for the first time. As a result of his success, he was named Footballer of the Year in Germany in 1997. His excellent defence strategy has contributed to many club’s triumphs. Kohler also lifted the DFB-Pokal (German Cup), with Dortmund during the 1988-1989 season.
It is impossible to talk about the history of Dortmund and not bring Kohler into the conversation.
3: Michael Zorc
Michael Zorc joined the club at the young age of 10. Today his game play has established him as one of the best footballers in the history of the club. His commitment and dedication to Dortmund was visible throughout his time in the club. He was a very versatile player who could play both in midfield and attack. He had a vision for the game, stunning passes of the ball which took him to new heights.
| Games | 572 |
| Goals | 159 |
| Assists | 31 |
During his time with the team, Dortmund won multiple Bundesliga titles including in the 1994-1995, 1995-1996, and 2001-2002 seasons. Zorc played a significant role in Borussia Dortmund’s European campaigns, including their victory in the UEFA Champions League in the 1996-1997 season. After retiring from the sport in 1998, Zorc transitioned into a leadership role in the club’s management.
4: Lars Ricken
In the pages of Borussia Dortmund, Lars Ricken’s name shines brighter than any other name. A German footballer with an excellent career of more than a decade. Ricken joined Dortmund’s youth academy at the tender age of 12. He is often remembered as a technical wizard on the pitch who could score from anywhere. His ability to score from long range and confuse opponent players with his football skills made him a people’s favourite.
| Games | 457 |
| Goals | 83 |
| Assists | 77 |
His 1997 UEFA Champions League goal is still unforgettable. Just 16 seconds into the game he scored a jaw-dropping long-range goal, levelling the scores against Juventus. Dortmund went on to win the game 3-1, securing their first European Cup title in the process. He represented Germany in both the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championships, cementing his place among the country’s footballing elite.
5: Robert Lewandowski
The captain of the Polish National Team, widely regarded as one of the finest centre-forwards of modern football, Robert Lewandowski is a prolific striker with a career marked by extraordinary records and titles. He graced Dortmund with his presence from 2010 to 2014.
| Games | 187 |
| Goals | 103 |
| Assists | 42 |
Lewandowski played a crucial role in Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga triumphs during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons. He also played a major role in helping Dortmund win the German Cup in the 2011-2012 season against Bayern Munich, scoring a memorable hat-trick.
6: Stefan Reuter
Stefan Reuter, a former German professional footballer who played for Borussia Dortmund from 1992 to 2004, is revered for his unmatched versatility and dependability. He’s widely regarded as one of the best players in the club’s history.
| Games | 721 |
| Goals | 40 |
| Assists | 50 |
Reuter started his career at 1860 Munich and won several titles, even reaching a final with Bayern Munich. In 1992, he joined Dortmund and quickly became an essential part of their midfield, helping them clinch two Bundesliga titles. Reuter’s contributions also helped Dortmund win the UEFA Champions League in 1997.
What made Reuter a valuable player for Dortmund was his ability to play in multiple positions, making him an integral part of the team. He was a key figure in the dressing room, thanks to his leadership qualities. Fans and teammates adored him for his tireless work rate, stamina, and tactical intelligence.
After retiring from playing, Reuter served as a sporting director for FC Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund. He played a crucial role in developing the team’s strategies and identifying new talent. Reuter’s legacy, as both a player and director, has cemented his position among the Best Dortmund players of all time.
7: Marco Reus
Marco Reus, a dynamic German footballer, can play any position you name it. Forward, winger, or attacking midfielder he has a skill set for all. He joined the club in 2012, where he became an irreplaceable part of the team. A versatile player with a quick speed and remarkable dribbling skills. His shooting skills have earned him the reputation of the most attacking player.
| Games | 581 |
| Goals | 230 |
| Assists | 152 |
Reus has played an important role in securing one Bundesliga title and two DFB-Pokals at Dortmund. He has been the recipient of the club’s Player of the Year award on more than three occasions. He has unparalleled talent, love, and dedication to the sport have made him one of the Best Dortmund players of all time to grace the field.
Marco Reus is also the most loyal player of this generation as he got great offers from big clubs but he never left Dortmund and worked hard to always create a competitive and strong team.
8: Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland quickly became a household name in the football world, especially during his time at Borussia Dortmund. He joined the club in January 2020 and quickly made a big impact establishing himself as one of the best forwards in Europe. Aside from his gameplay, he has also become a fan-favourite due to his personality and hunger to win. The fact that he scored 86 goals in just 89 appearances sets him apart from the rest.
| Games | 89 |
| Goals | 86 |
| Assists | 23 |
Haaland’s ability to score from different ranges and accuracy on the field is astonishing. He secured his first title with the club in the 2021 DFB-Pokal final. Currently, he plays as a striker for Manchester City and the Norwegian national team.
9: Andreas Moller
He is known as the playmaker who had two spells with Borussia Dortmund. Another member of the “Golden Generation” of the ’90s. Möller was known for his creativity on the field. He first joined the club in 1994 from Juventus and spent four successful seasons with the club. His experience and vision were a special asset to the club.
| Games | 228 |
| Goals | 45 |
| Assists | 61 |
Moller was a skilled midfielder who could play both in defence and offence. His significant time with the club included winning the Bundesliga title in the 1994-1995 season and the UEFA Champions League in the 1996-1997 season. He was also part of the German team that won the 1990 World Cup and the 1996 European Championship.
10: Mario Gotze
Mario Gotze, the German professional footballer, joined the club’s youth academy in 2001. His exceptional football skills and quick speed impressed the coaches, and he quickly rose through the ranks to the senior team.
| Games | 219 |
| Goals | 45 |
| Assists | 61 |
Gotze was at the heart of Dortmund’s attacking midfield, he had incredible vision of play and excellent dribbling skills. Gotze’s time at Borussia Dortmund was marked by significant success, including two Bundesliga titles in the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons and reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2013 with Dortmund. In 2013 he left the club which left the fans in splits but he soon returned in 2016 after a series of injuries and inconsistent performance in Bayern Munich.
While his second time with the club does not outshine his first time, he remains a fan favourite beloved player.
