Get ready to take a walk down memory lane as we celebrate the rich history of Borussia Dortmund and the incredible talent that has graced their iconic yellow and black jersey over the years. From legendary goal scorers to defensive titans, this list of the top 15 players in Borussia Dortmund’s history is sure to ignite your passion for the beautiful game. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we pay homage to the stars who have left an indelible mark on this storied club.
Borussia Dortmund Legends
Klaus Fischer
Klaus Fischer is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Borussia Dortmund’s history. Born in 1949, Fischer began his football journey at a young age and quickly showed promise as a forward.
Aki Schmidt
Aki Schmidt, born in 1935, is a true legend of Borussia Dortmund. His career spanned from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, and his contributions to the club cannot be overstated.
Sigfried Held
Sigfried Held, born in 1942, is another iconic figure in Borussia Dortmund’s history. He made his debut for the team in 1965 and went on to have a successful and fruitful career.
Michael Zorc
Michael Zorc is a name that is synonymous with Borussia Dortmund. Born in 1962, Zorc’s love for football began at an early age, and he joined the club’s youth academy as a teenager.
Jürgen Kohler
Jürgen Kohler, born in 1965, is widely regarded as one of the best defenders to have ever played for Borussia Dortmund. His towering presence, strong tackles, and excellent reading of the game made him a nightmare for opposing attackers.
Andreas Möller
Andreas Möller, born in 1967, is a true legend of Borussia Dortmund. Throughout his career, Möller showcased immense technical skills, tactical awareness, and an eye for goal that made him an integral part of the team.
Karl-Heinz Riedle
Karl-Heinz Riedle, born in 1965, is considered one of the finest forwards in the history of Borussia Dortmund. Riedle’s career was marked by his ability to score goals with ease and his exceptional understanding of the game.
Matthias Sammer
Matthias Sammer, born in 1967, is a name that will forever be etched in Borussia Dortmund’s history. Sammer’s playing career was defined by his versatility, intelligence, and leadership qualities on the pitch.
Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski, born in 1988, is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers to ever don the Borussia Dortmund jersey. His sheer goal-scoring prowess, technical ability, and all-round game make him a true legend of the club.
Marco Reus
Marco Reus, born in 1989, is a true hometown hero for Borussia Dortmund. Rising through the youth ranks, Reus quickly made a name for himself with his explosive pace, dribbling prowess, and lethal finishing.
Klaus Fischer
Early Career
Klaus Fischer began his professional football career at TSV 1860 Munich in 1968. His immense talent and goal-scoring ability quickly attracted the attention of top clubs, including Borussia Dortmund.
Impact at Borussia Dortmund
Fischer joined Borussia Dortmund in 1976, and his arrival would prove to be a turning point for the club. His goal-scoring ability was simply unmatched, and he played a vital role in helping Dortmund win the Bundesliga title in the 1985-86 season.
Achievements and Honors
During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Klaus Fischer achieved numerous honors and accolades. He was the Bundesliga’s top goal scorer for two consecutive seasons and was named German Footballer of the Year in 1982.
Aki Schmidt
Early Career
Aki Schmidt began his football journey at Borussia Dortmund in 1959. He quickly established himself as a reliable and versatile player who could contribute in both defense and midfield.
Contribution to Borussia Dortmund
Schmidt’s contributions to Borussia Dortmund cannot be overstated. He played a central role in helping the team win two Bundesliga titles and reach the European Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1966, where they narrowly lost to Liverpool.
Post-playing Career
After retiring from professional football, Aki Schmidt remained closely connected to Borussia Dortmund. He served as a coach and later as a scout for the club, contributing to the development of future talents.
Sigfried Held
Early Career
Sigfried Held began his football journey at Rot-Weiss Essen before joining Borussia Dortmund in 1965. He quickly established himself as a skilled midfielder and became an integral part of the team.
Success at Borussia Dortmund
Held’s time at Borussia Dortmund was marked by success. He played a crucial role in helping the team win the Bundesliga title in 1966 and the DFB-Pokal in 1965.
National Team Career
Held’s performances at Borussia Dortmund earned him a call-up to the German national team. He represented Germany in major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in helping the team win the title in 1974.
Michael Zorc
Early Life and Career
Michael Zorc’s love for football began at an early age. He joined Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the brightest talents in German football.
Impact as a Midfielder
Zorc’s impact as a midfielder for Borussia Dortmund cannot be understated. He was known for his exceptional technical skills, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game.
Transition to Management
After retiring as a player, Zorc transitioned into a managerial role at Borussia Dortmund. He currently serves as the club’s sporting director and has played a crucial role in shaping the team’s success in recent years.
Jürgen Kohler
Early Career
Jürgen Kohler began his football career at SG Oberhausen in 1983. His impressive performances caught the attention of top clubs, and he eventually joined Borussia Dortmund in 1986.
Dominance in Defense
Kohler’s dominance in defense was unparalleled. His strength, aerial ability, and excellent reading of the game made him one of the most formidable defenders in the world during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
World Cup Success
Kohler’s performances for Borussia Dortmund earned him a call-up to the German national team. He played a vital role in the team’s success at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where Germany emerged as champions.
Andreas Möller
Early Life and Career
Andreas Möller’s journey in football began at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he quickly caught the attention of top clubs. He joined Borussia Dortmund in 1988 and became an instant fan favorite.
Contributions to Borussia Dortmund
Möller’s contributions to Borussia Dortmund were immense. He played a crucial role in helping the team win two Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1997.
International Success
Möller’s success at Borussia Dortmund earned him a place in the German national team. He represented Germany in major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.
Karl-Heinz Riedle
Early Career
Karl-Heinz Riedle began his professional career at SV Darmstadt 98 before joining Borussia Dortmund in 1988. He quickly established himself as a prolific goal scorer and a force to be reckoned with.
Impact at Borussia Dortmund
Riedle’s impact at Borussia Dortmund was immense. His ability to score important goals in crucial moments made him a key player for the team during his time at the club.
UEFA Champions League Triumph
Riedle’s crowning moment at Borussia Dortmund came in the 1996-97 season when the team won the UEFA Champions League. Riedle’s crucial goals played a pivotal role in securing the historic triumph.
Matthias Sammer
Early Life and Playing Career
Matthias Sammer’s football journey began at Dynamo Dresden, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in German football. He joined Borussia Dortmund in 1993.
Managerial Success at Borussia Dortmund
After retiring as a player, Sammer transitioned into a managerial role. He became the head coach of Borussia Dortmund in 2000 and led the team to success, winning two Bundesliga titles and reaching the UEFA Cup final.
Individual Accolades
Sammer’s contributions to Borussia Dortmund did not go unnoticed. He was named German Footballer of the Year twice and was the recipient of the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1996.
Marco Reus
Rising through the Ranks
Marco Reus’s journey at Borussia Dortmund began at a young age. He rose through the ranks of the club’s youth academy and quickly established himself as one of the brightest talents in German football.
Impact on Borussia Dortmund
Reus’s impact on Borussia Dortmund has been immense. He is known for his explosive pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and clinical finishing, which make him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
International Career
Reus’s performances for Borussia Dortmund earned him a spot in the German national team. He has represented Germany in major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.
In conclusion, Borussia Dortmund has been blessed with some truly legendary players throughout its history. From goal-scoring machines like Klaus Fischer to solid defenders like Jürgen Kohler, each player has left an indelible mark on the club. The legacy of these legends will forever be cherished by Borussia Dortmund fans around the world.
