Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

The Greatest Players in the History of Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund, also known as the “Yellow and Black’s,” has a rich history in German soccer. Since its establishment in 1909, the club has won five Bundesliga titles and the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 1997. Naturally, a club of this caliber has been home to numerous exceptional players over the years. In this article, we will explore the top 15 players in Borussia Dortmund’s history.

Erling Haaland – Striker

Erling Haaland

Our list begins with the newest legend of Borussia Dortmund, Erling Haaland. Hailing from Norway, Haaland joined Dortmund in 2020 and quickly made a name for himself. In just two years, he scored a remarkable 86 goals in 89 appearances, earning him a reputation as one of the most prolific strikers in the game. Haaland’s most memorable moment came during his debut match, where he scored a breathtaking hat-trick in just 23 minutes. His incredible performances earned him a move to Manchester City.

Mats Hummels – Centre-Back

Mats Hummels

Mats Hummels, the dependable German defender, is considered one of the finest center-backs of his generation. Having played for both Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Hummels established himself as a key player at both clubs. He initially joined Dortmund on loan from Bayern in 2007 before making a permanent move. Hummels played a vital role in Dortmund’s success, winning three Bundesliga titles. In 2019, he returned to Dortmund for a second spell, where he remains an integral part of the team.

Stéphane Chapuisat – Striker

Stéphane Chapuisat

Stéphane Chapuisat is widely regarded as the greatest player in Switzerland’s history and had a memorable spell with Dortmund from 1991 to 1999. In his eight years with the club, Chapuisat scored an impressive 102 goals in 283 appearances. He played a crucial role in Dortmund’s Bundesliga victory in the 1995-1996 season and their UEFA Champions League triumph in 1997. Chapuisat’s contribution to the team’s success is highly cherished by fans.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Striker

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabonese hero, became a fan favorite during his time at Dortmund. After joining the club in 2013, Aubameyang quickly established himself as one of their top scorers. He scored an impressive 98 goals in 144 appearances, narrowly missing out on the century mark. Aubameyang’s electrifying speed and goal-scoring ability made him a key figure in Dortmund’s attack. In 2018, he left the club for Arsenal in search of a new challenge.

Mario Götze – Attacking Midfield

Mario Götze, a product of Dortmund’s youth academy, is regarded as one of the most skillful attacking midfielders of his generation. He made his debut for Dortmund under the guidance of the legendary Jürgen Klopp. Götze played a significant role in the club’s success, making 83 appearances and scoring 22 goals during his first spell. He later joined Bayern Munich in 2013 but returned to Dortmund in 2016. Götze’s loyalty and contributions to the team’s success earned him a place on this list.

Lars Ricken – Attacking Midfield

Lars Ricken

Lars Ricken, a true Dortmund local, spent his entire 15-year career with the club. Despite facing numerous injuries throughout his playing days, Ricken remains a Dortmund legend. His most memorable moment came in the 1997 UEFA Champions League final, where he scored a goal just 16 seconds after coming on as a substitute. Ricken’s loyalty and dedication to his hometown club make him a beloved figure among fans.

Robert Lewandowski – Striker

Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers to have ever played for both Dortmund and Bayern Munich. During his four seasons with Dortmund, Lewandowski scored an impressive 74 goals in 131 appearances, making him the 12th highest scorer in the team’s history. His prolific goal-scoring ability caught the attention of Bayern Munich, where he went on to score 238 goals in 253 appearances. Lewandowski’s time at Dortmund helped establish the team as a formidable force in European football.

Stefan Reuter – Right Midfield

Stefan Reuter, a versatile player capable of playing in defense or midfield, had a remarkable career with Dortmund. He spent the majority of his playing days at the club, making 307 appearances. Reuter joined Dortmund from Juventus in 1992 after being part of the West German team that won the 1990 World Cup. Throughout his career, Reuter scored 11 goals for Dortmund before retiring in 2004. Currently, he serves as the general manager of FC Augsburg.

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Roman Weidenfeller – Goalkeeper

Roman Weidenfeller

Roman Weidenfeller, Dortmund’s greatest ever goalkeeper, played for the club from 2002 to 2018. In his impressive career, he made 349 appearances and kept 148 clean sheets. Weidenfeller was a reliable presence between the posts, earning the respect of fans and peers alike. His longevity and contributions to the team’s success made him an iconic figure at Dortmund.

Michael Zorc – Defensive Midfield

Michael Zorc

Michael Zorc, the all-time appearance leader for Dortmund, had an illustrious career with the club. He played for Dortmund from 1981 to 1998, making a staggering 572 appearances and scoring 131 goals. Zorc, known for his dedication and loyalty, bridged generations with his immense contributions. After retiring, he continued serving the club as the Sporting Director, overseeing three Bundesliga titles.

Karl-Heinz Riedle – Striker

Karl-Heinz Riedle

Karl-Heinz Riedle played a pivotal role in Dortmund’s success during the 1997 UEFA Champions League campaign. From 1993 to 1997, he made 112 appearances for the club, scoring 36 goals. Riedle’s aerial prowess earned him the nickname “Air Riedle” due to his ability to score impressive headers. He later played for Liverpool and Fulham in the English Premier League, leaving a lasting impact on Dortmund fans.

Alfred Preissler – Striker

Alfred Preissler

Alfred Preissler is Dortmund’s all-time leading goal scorer. Despite scoring most of his goals before the establishment of the German Bundesliga, his contribution to the club cannot be overlooked. Preissler scored 174 goals in 271 appearances for Dortmund across two spells, leading the team to win the German championships in 1956 and 1957. Despite limited success with the national team, Preissler’s prolific scoring ability is etched in Dortmund’s history.

Jürgen Kohler – Centre-Back

Jürgen Kohler

Jürgen Kohler, a center-back known for his defensive prowess, is considered the finest defender to have ever played for Dortmund. Despite not being the tallest defender, Kohler established himself as one of the most reliable players in the team. His arrival at Dortmund in 1995 came after scoring against the club for Juventus in the UEFA Cup Semi-Final. Kohler played a crucial role in Dortmund’s success, winning four major trophies before retiring in 2002.

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Manfred Burgsmüller – Striker

Manfred Burgsmüller

Manfred Burgsmüller, a lethal goal scorer, spent seven seasons at Dortmund and is the club’s top scorer in the Bundesliga. He amassed an impressive 135 goals in 224 appearances. After leaving Dortmund in 1983, Burgsmüller continued his soccer career until 1990 when he retired. He later transitioned to American Football, playing as a kicker for NFL Europe team Rhein Fire, winning two World Bowls.

Matthias Sammer – Sweeper

Matthias Sammer

Matthias Sammer, a defensive midfielder, tops our list as the greatest Borussia Dortmund player of all time. Sammer played during Dortmund’s “Golden Years,” winning three Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League. In 1996, he was named the European Player of the Year, a prestigious award in football. Following his playing career, Sammer returned to Dortmund as a manager in 2002, leading the team to another Bundesliga title in the same year.

Conclusion

These 15 players have left an indelible mark on Borussia Dortmund’s history, contributing to the club’s success and captivating fans worldwide. Their skill, dedication, and passion for the game have made them legends in the eyes of Dortmund supporters. With a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come, these players have solidified their place as the greatest in Borussia Dortmund’s illustrious history.

FAQs

Q: Who is the greatest player in Borussia Dortmund’s history?
A: Matthias Sammer is widely regarded as the greatest player in Borussia Dortmund’s history. His contributions to the team’s success, combined with individual accolades, solidify his place at the top.

Q: How many Bundesliga titles has Borussia Dortmund won?
A: Borussia Dortmund has won five Bundesliga titles throughout its history.

Q: What is the UEFA Champions League?
A: The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It features the top clubs from European leagues competing to be crowned the champions of Europe.