Famous 21st Century German Football Players

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Find out more about the greatest 21st Century German Football Players, including Jürgen Klopp, Gerd Müller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Manuel Neuer and Miroslav Klose.
Vote for Your Favourite 21st Century German Football Players
 1 
Franz Beckenbauer
(One of the Greatest Football Players in the History of the Sport)
Franz Beckenbauer
16
Birthdate: September 11, 1945
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Munich, Germany
German former footballer Franz Beckenbauer spent most of his career with Bayern Munich, winning championships such as the European Cup. He won the World Cup for West Germany twice, first as a player in 1974 and then as a manager in 1990. He was also a Sky Germany analyst.
 2 
Oliver Kahn
(Footballer)
Oliver Kahn
14
Birthdate: June 15, 1969
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Karlsruhe, Germany
 3 
Miroslav Klose
(German Former Football Player Who Played as a Striker)
Miroslav Klose
7
Birthdate: June 9, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Opole, Poland
Born to a footballer father and a handball player mother, Polish-born German striker Miroslav Klose soared to fame with clubs such as Bayern Munich and Lazio. Germany has won all games in which Klose has scored. Germany’s all-time top goal-scorer, Klose scored 5 goals in his first World Cup itself.
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 4 
Mesut Ozil
(German Professional Football Player Who Plays as Midfielder)
Mesut Ozil
49
Birthdate: October 15, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
German footballer Mesut Özil, who now plays for the Premier League club Arsenal, has won Germany the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He also earned a record five German Player of the Year awards. However, he later retired from the German team, citing discrimination due to his Turkish descent.
 5 
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
(Forward)
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
7
Birthdate: September 25, 1955
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lippstadt, Germany
 6 
Bastian Schweinsteiger
(German Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Central Midfielder)
Bastian Schweinsteiger
22
Birthdate: August 1, 1984
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Kolbermoor, Germany

Bastian Schweinsteiger is a German former football player. Considered one of the greatest midfielders ever, Schweinsteiger was renowned for his tackling ability. Schweinsteiger represented Germany in three World Cups, playing a major role in his team's victory in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. One of the greatest German footballers of all time, Schweinsteiger is the fourth most-capped player for Germany.

 7 
Timo Werner
(German Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Timo Werner
34
Birthdate: March 6, 1996
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany

Timo Werner is a German football player who plays for the German national team and Chelsea Football Club. A prolific goalscorer, Werner was the second-highest goalscorer in the Bundesliga in the 2019–20 season. An intelligent player, Timo Werner is also known for his pace and determination. He represented his national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

 8 
Jérôme Boateng
(German Football Defender Known for His Association with 'Bayern Munich')
Jérôme Boateng
18
Birthdate: September 3, 1988
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany

Starting his career with the club Tennis Borussia Berlin, German footballer Jérôme Boateng later had a decade-long association with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga 9 times and the UEFA Champions League twice with Bayern. The talented center-back was also part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning German squad.

 9 
Lothar Matthäus
(One of the Greatest Midfielders of All Time)
Lothar Matthäus
7
Birthdate: March 21, 1961
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Erlangen, Germany
German football coach and former player Lothar Matthäus, one of the world’s greatest midfielders, became the European Footballer of the Year after captaining the side to their 1990 FIFA World Cup win. He also led Germany to win the UEFA Euro 1980. He spent most of his senior career with Bayern Munich
 10 
Mario Gómez
(German Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Striker)
Mario Gómez
8
Birthdate: July 10, 1985
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Riedlingen, Germany

Mario Gómez is a German former footballer who played for the Germany national football team between 2007 and 2018, during which he represented Germany in two FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships. He was also an important member of the popular club Bayern Munich as he helped the team secure several trophies, such as the UEFA Champions League.

 11 
Sami Khedira
(Former footballer central midfielder position)
Sami Khedira
11
Birthdate: April 4, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany
 12 
Mats Hummels
(Association football player)
Mats Hummels
5
Birthdate: December 16, 1988
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bergisch Gladbach
 13 
Philipp Lahm
(Former German Footballer Who Played as a Defender)
Philipp Lahm
6
Birthdate: November 11, 1983
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Munich, Germany
 14 
Marc-André ter Stegen
(Football player)
Marc-André ter Stegen
11
Birthdate: April 30, 1992
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Mönchengladbach, Germany
 15 
Thomas Müller
(German Professional Football Player Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder)
Thomas Müller
44
Birthdate: September 13, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Weilheim in Oberbayern, Germany

Thomas Müller, who is a prominent member of the Germany national football team, is a versatile footballer; he can play at various positions, such as centre forward, left wing, and right wing. He played key roles in Germany's performance in the 2010 World Cup, Euro Cup 2012, 2014 World Cup, and 2018 World Cup.

 16 
Jamal Musiala
(German Professional Footballer Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder or Winger)
Jamal Musiala
4
Birthdate: February 26, 2003
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany
 17 
Toni Kroos
(German Professional Football Player Who Played as a Midfielder)
Toni Kroos
19
Birthdate: January 4, 1990
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Greifswald, Germany

German midfielder Toni Kroos has won two La Ligas and three UEFA Champions Leagues with his current team Real Madrid. He has previously helped Bayern Munich win three Bundesliga titles and one FIFA Cup World Cup. He also led Germany to a FIFA World Cup win in 2014.

 18 
Manuel Neuer
(German Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Manuel Neuer
18
Birthdate: March 27, 1986
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Manuel Neuer is a German football player. He is the captain of German national team as well as his club Bayern Munich. Described as a sweeper-keeper due to his unique playing style, Neuer was part of the German team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the decade from 2011 to 2020 by IFFHS.

 19 
Michael Ballack
(Football player)
Michael Ballack
4
Birthdate: September 26, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Görlitz, Germany
 20 
Leon Goretzka
(Association football player)
Leon Goretzka
7
Birthdate: February 6, 1995
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bochum
 21 
Serge Gnabry
(German Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Winger)
Serge Gnabry
20
Birthdate: July 14, 1995
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany

German footballer Serge Gnabry was scouted by VfB at age 12. Though he also excelled in track and field, too, he later chose football. At the 2016 Olympics, he helped Germany win the silver and was also the joint top-scorer. He is part of the philanthropic initiative Common Goal.

 22 
Marco Reus
(German Professional Football Player Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder / Forward)
Marco Reus
6
Birthdate: May 31, 1989
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Dortmund, Germany

Marco Reus is a German football player who plays for the Germany national team and the popular Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. Known for his speed, versatility, technical skills, and shooting ability, Reus was named the Footballer of the Year (Germany) in 2012. In 2013, 2014, and 2019, Marco Reus helped Borussia Dortmund win the prestigious DFL-Supercup.

 23 
Joël Matip
(Football Centre-back player)
Joël Matip
6
Birthdate: August 8, 1991
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Bochum, Germany
 24 
Bernd Leno
(Football player)
Bernd Leno
6
Birthdate: March 4, 1992
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany
 25 
Leroy Sané
(German Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Winger)
Leroy Sané
15
Birthdate: January 11, 1996
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Essen, Germany

Leroy Sané is a German professional football player who played a prominent role in helping Manchester City win the EFL Cup and the Premier League for which he was named PFA Young Player of the Year for the 2017–18 season. Also an important member of the German national team, Sané can also represent France as he also holds French citizenship.

 26 
Mario Götze
(German Professional Football Player Who Plays As Attacking Midfielder / Forward)
Mario Götze
7
Birthdate: June 3, 1992
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Memmingen, Germany
Midfielder Mario Götze led Germany to their World Cup win in 2014, scoring the winning goal. He began his career at 9, with Borussia Dortmund. He was awarded the 2011 Golden Boy Award. His move to Bayern Munich for €37 million made him the second-most expensive German player in history.
 27 
Sead Kolašinac
(Footballer)
Sead Kolašinac
4
Birthdate: June 20, 1993
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Karlsruhe, Germany
 28 
İlkay Gündoğan
(German Football Midfielder)
İlkay Gündoğan
4
Birthdate: October 24, 1990
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Known as an energetic midfielder, German footballer İlkay Gündoğan began his youth career with teams such as Schalke 04. He has had a successful stint with Borussia Dortmund, winning a Bundesliga with them, and now plays for Manchester City, with which he has won 4 Premier Leagues and 4 EFL Cups.

 29 
Cédric Soares
(Portuguese Footballer Who Plays as a Defender)
Cédric Soares
5
Birthdate: August 31, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Singen (Hohentwiel), Germany

Cédric Soares is a Portuguese football player who plays as a defender for the Portugal national team. He was part of the team that won the 2016 UEFA European Football Championship and also represented Portugal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Apart from his national team, Cédric Soares is also currently a part of the Arsenal Football Club.

 30 
Per Mertesacker
(Center back who became a longtime fixture of Germany's national team after debuting in 2004)
Per Mertesacker
5
Birthdate: September 29, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hanover, Germany
 31 
Hakan Çalhanoğlu
(Football Attacking Midfielder)
Hakan Çalhanoğlu
2
Birthdate: February 8, 1994
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Mannheim, Germany
 32 
Robert Huth
(Association football player)
Robert Huth
5
Birthdate: August 18, 1984
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Biesdorf
 33 
Uwe Seeler
(Association football player)
Uwe Seeler
4
Birthdate: November 5, 1936
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Hamburg
 34 
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
(Footballer forward position)
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
3
Birthdate: March 23, 1989
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany
 35 
Julian Draxler
(Football player)
Julian Draxler
10
Birthdate: September 20, 1993
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Gladbeck, Germany
 36 
Jens Lehmann
(German Football player-Goalkeeper)
Jens Lehmann
3
Birthdate: November 10, 1969
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Essen, Germany
 37 
Thomas Tuchel
(German Football Coach, Manager and Former Player)
Thomas Tuchel
4
Birthdate: August 29, 1973
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Krumbach

After a short-lived playing career, which ended with a knee injury, German former footballer Thomas Tuchel joined a business administration course and also worked as a waiter in a bar. However, his love for football made him take up coaching, and he ended up managing teams such as Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

 38 
Shkodran Mustafi
(Footballer)
Shkodran Mustafi
5
Birthdate: April 17, 1992
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Bad Hersfeld, Hesse, Germany
 39 
Loris Karius
(German Football Goalkeeper)
Loris Karius
6
Birthdate: June 22, 1993
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Biberach, Germany

German footballer Loris Karius was initially encouraged to become a motocross rider by his father, but he chose football instead. A promising goalkeeper, he has played for Liverpool, and was part of the club squad that managed to reach the runner-up spot at the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League.

 40 
Ralf Rangnick
(Association football player, Association football manager)
Ralf Rangnick
4
Birthdate: June 29, 1958
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Backnang
 41 
Sepp Maier
(Football player)
Sepp Maier
3
Birthdate: February 28, 1944
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Metten, Germany
 42 
Antonio Rüdiger
(German Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Antonio Rüdiger
4
Birthdate: March 3, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
 43 
Lukas Podolski
(German Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Forward)
Lukas Podolski
7
Birthdate: June 4, 1985
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Gliwice, Poland

Lukas Podolski is a German football player renowned for his powerful and accurate kicks, technique, and explosive style of play. The third most-capped player in the history of German football, Podolski helped the German national team win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He is also the third-highest goalscorer in the history of German soccer.

 44 
Cenk Tosun
(Football player)
Cenk Tosun
5
Birthdate: June 7, 1991
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Wetzlar, Germany
 45 
Emre Can
(Footballer central midfielder, defender position)
Emre Can
5
Birthdate: January 12, 1994
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Frankfurt, Germany
 46 
Jürgen Klinsmann
(German Professional Football Manager and Former Player Who Played as Striker)
Jürgen Klinsmann
11
Birthdate: July 30, 1964
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Göppingen, Germany

Jürgen Klinsmann is a German football manager who guided the German national team throughout the 2006 FIFA World Cup, helping them finish third. A former player, Klinsmann helped the West German team win the 1990 World Cup. One of Germany's main strikers during the 1990s, Jürgen Klinsmann was named in Pele's FIFA 100 list in 2004.

 47 
Jürgen Klopp
(Former German Professional Football Player and One of the Best Football Managers in the World)
Jürgen Klopp
16
Birthdate: June 16, 1967
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany

Jürgen Klopp is a German football manager and former player. He is the manager of the Liverpool football club and is considered as one of the best managers in the world. He has also been the manager of Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool won their first FIFA Club World Cup and first Premier League title under him. He is famous for his enthusiastic celebrations.

 48 
Jupp Heynckes
(German Retired Professional Footballer and Manager)
Jupp Heynckes
4
Birthdate: May 9, 1945
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Mönchengladbach, Germany

Retired Borussia footballer and manager Jupp Heynckes is known as the man who turned Bayern Munich’s fortunes around, with his combination of discipline and tactics, winning four Bundesliga titles with them as a coach. He has also won two UEFA Champion Leagues, one with Bayern and another with Real Madrid.

 49 
Kevin Trapp
(Football player)
Kevin Trapp
4
Birthdate: July 8, 1990
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Merzig, Germany
 50 
Niklas Sule
(Football player)
Niklas Sule
2
Birthdate: September 3, 1995
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Frankfurt, Germany