Goalkeepers play a crucial role in a football team’s success. A brilliant ‘keeper can be the difference between victory and defeat, especially at major tournaments. Germany, known for its consistent footballing success, owes much of its glory to a line of world-class goalkeepers.
Germany’s national team, Die Mannschaft, has clinched four FIFA World Cup titles (one short of Brazil’s record) and three UEFA European Championships. The team has also finished runners-up and secured third place at World Cups four times each, with similar success at the Euros.
As with any dominant footballing nation, Germany has produced an impressive array of goalkeepers over the years. From Toni Turek in 1954 to Manuel Neuer in 2014, each generation has seen a guardian of the net rise to prominence. Though trophies are a key measure of a player’s success, some of Germany’s finest goalkeepers may not have had the luck of lifting the World Cup or European Championship. In this list, we rank the seven greatest German goalkeepers of all time, based on skill, impact, and achievements.
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Who Is the Best German Goalkeeper?
Sepp Maier stands out as the greatest goalkeeper in German football history. Known as “Die Katze von Anzing” (The Cat from Anzing), Maier had lightning-fast reflexes and was a key figure in Bayern Munich’s success during the 1970s. His list of accolades includes being the only German keeper to have won both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.
Maier played a record 709 matches for Bayern Munich over 17 seasons. His trophy haul includes four Bundesliga titles, three consecutive European Cups (the precursor to the Champions League), and four DFB-Pokals (German Cups), alongside an Intercontinental Cup win. He was named German Footballer of the Year three times (a record for goalkeepers) and was also voted Germany’s Goalkeeper of the Century.
His place in football history is further cemented by his inclusion in Bayern Munich’s all-time XI, the 1974 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team, and his induction into Germany’s Sports Hall of Fame.
The Seven Greatest German Goalkeepers of All Time
While Maier is regarded as the best, he is by no means the only legendary German goalkeeper. The country has been blessed with talent throughout the decades. From Bert Trautmann and Toni Turek to Oliver Kahn and Marc-André ter Stegen, Germany has consistently produced keepers who dominated both club and international football. Here’s a look at the top seven German goalkeepers.
1. Sepp Maier
Club/s: Bayern Munich
Major Honours: 15
A one-club legend, Sepp Maier spent his entire career at Bayern Munich, where he was the backbone of the team during their golden era. His incredible achievement of winning the Bundesliga, European Cup, and World Cup in 1974 is a testament to his skill. Maier’s trophy cabinet boasts every major title of his era, and though the modern game offers more tournaments and titles, his achievements stand tall.
2. Manuel Neuer
Club/s: Bayern Munich, Schalke 04
Major Honours: 24
Although Neuer has collected more trophies than Maier, including an astounding 17 domestic titles, 9 European and World Club titles, and a FIFA World Cup in 2014, he is ranked second due to Maier’s unique place in history. Neuer’s incredible shot-stopping ability and his pioneering role as a ‘sweeper-keeper’ have made him a modern legend. Should Germany win EURO 2024, Neuer could surpass Maier as the greatest ever.
3. Oliver Kahn
Club/s: Bayern Munich
Major Honours: 18
Oliver Kahn was a dominant force between the posts, earning the rare distinction of being the only goalkeeper to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player (2002). Kahn won the European Championship in 1996, 8 Bundesliga titles, and the 2000/01 Champions League. His leadership and aggression on the field made him one of the most feared goalkeepers of his era.
4. Marc-André ter Stegen
Club/s: Barcelona
Major Honours: 16
Ter Stegen has enjoyed immense success at Barcelona, winning multiple La Liga titles and international trophies. He has been unlucky to play in the same era as Neuer, but his technical ability and calmness make him one of the best in the world. Ter Stegen is still active and poised to continue adding to his already impressive trophy haul, which includes a Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
5. Harald ‘Toni’ Schumacher
Club/s: FC Köln, Borussia Dortmund
Major Honours: 7
Schumacher is remembered for his heroics at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, saving penalties at key moments, and for his role in Germany’s 1980 European Championship win. His aggressive style and shot-stopping prowess earned him the German Footballer of the Year award twice. Though controversial at times, Schumacher’s legacy as a top-class keeper remains intact.
6. Bodo Illgner
Club/s: FC Köln, Real Madrid
Major Honours: 6
Illgner succeeded Schumacher and was Germany’s goalkeeper when they won the 1990 World Cup. His international success continued at Real Madrid, where he won two Champions League titles. Despite not winning a domestic title in Germany, his consistency and ability on the biggest stages secured his place in football history.
7. Jens Lehmann
Club/s: Schalke 04, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal
Major Honours: 5
Jens Lehmann’s career was marked by highs and lows. Known for his part in Arsenal’s “Invincibles” season and his Champions League clean sheet record, Lehmann also faced setbacks, like his infamous red card in the 2006 Champions League final. He remains the only German keeper to win league titles in three different countries: Italy, Germany, and England.
FAQs
Who is the most successful German goalkeeper in terms of trophies?
Manuel Neuer holds the record for the most club and international titles, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Who are Germany’s upcoming goalkeepers?
Germany has promising goalkeepers coming up through the ranks, ensuring that their goalkeeping tradition continues well into the future.
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