The German team is known as the "Tanks" because of their powerful attacking force. In other words, Germany is always prepared to dismantle any defense in any tournament they compete in. In their history, the German team has produced many stars with outstanding goal-scoring ability. They have contributed a significant number of goals while representing the national team. In today's article, Wintips admin will take a look at "Top 12 Germany all time top scorers".
Germany all time top scorers - Top 12
1. Miroslav Klose - 71 goals
Miroslav Klose tops the list of Germany's all time top scorers. Klose played for Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich, and Lazio. Throughout his club career, he scored 213 goals in 529 appearances. He made his debut for the German national team in 2001. He holds the record as the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history, netting 16 goals over four tournaments (2002–2014).
In his 13 years with the German national team, Klose made 137 appearances and scored 71 goals, averaging 0.52 goals per game. He ranks second in the Top 10 most-capped players for the German national team and is the all-time leading goal scorer for Die Mannschaft. Born in 1978, Klose won the World Cup with Germany in 2014. However, before that, he was a runner-up in the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008 alongside his teammates.
2. Gerd Müller - 68 goals
Gerd Müller, nicknamed the "Bombardier King," earned this title due to the incredible number of goals he scored throughout his career. Throughout his playing days, the striker, who was born in 1945, played for three clubs: 1861 Nördlingen, Bayern Munich, and Fort Lauderdale Strikers. No matter which club he played for, this forward always showcased his talent.
During his 15-year career with Bayern Munich, Gerd Müller scored 398 goals in 453 matches. Moreover, Müller recorded an astonishing 487 goals in 555 appearances throughout his career. For the German national team, the goal-scoring prowess of Der Bomber was even more impressive. The Bayern Munich and Germany legend won UEFA Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup.
3. Lukas Podolski - 49 goals
Throughout his playing career, Lukas Podolski competed in various leagues. He played in the Bundesliga, Premier League, and Serie A, and also had a stint with Vissel Kobe in Japan. Podolski was also a key player for the German national team for many years.
Lukas Podolski represented the German national team for 13 years, from 2004 to 2017. During this period, he played 130 matches and scored 49 goals, averaging 0.38 goals per game. Lukas Podolski was part of the German squad that won the 2014 World Cup after defeating Argentina.
4. Rudi Voller - 47 goals
Werder Bremen, Roma, Marseille, and Bayer Leverkusen were among the renowned clubs where Rudi Völler played. During his playing career, this German striker scored 257 goals in 542 appearances for his clubs. Rudi Völler debuted for the German national team in 1982 and earned his last cap in 1994.
During his 12-year international career, Rudi Völler scored 47 goals in 90 matches, averaging 0.52 goals per game. Rudi Völler was a member of the German national team that won the 1990 World Cup and also finished as runner-up in the 1986 World Cup and UEFA Euro 1992.
5. Jurgen Klinsmann - 47 goals
The next name on Germany's all-time top scorers list is Jürgen Klinsmann. Bayern Munich, Tottenham, VfB Stuttgart, Inter Milan, and Monaco were among the clubs that Jürgen Klinsmann played for during his career. During his time with these clubs, Jürgen Klinsmann scored 232 goals in 514 appearances and won numerous titles at club level.
In his 11 years with the national team, he made 108 appearances, scoring 47 goals, averaging 0.44 goals per game. Klinsmann was part of the German national team that won the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996. He was also a member of Die Mannschaft, which reached the final of Euro 1992. In the Top 12 list of all-time leading goal scorers for the German national team, Klinsmann shares the tally of 47 goals with Rudi Völler.
6. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge - 45 goals
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is also one of Bayern Munich's legends. During his time with the Bavarian Giants from 1974 to 1984, he scored 162 goals in 310 matches. For the German national team, the player born in 1955 made his debut in 1976 and played his final match in 1986.
During his 10-year tenure with Die Mannschaft, Rummenigge scored 45 goals in 95 appearances, averaging 0.47 goals per game. Rummenigge was a key member of the German national team that won Euro 1980. However, he also endured bitter disappointment, as he helped Die Mannschaft finish as runners-up in both the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
7. Uwe Seeler - 43 goals
When discussing the generation of German players from the 1960s to 1970s, one cannot overlook Uwe Seeler. Born in 1936, Seeler is a legendary figure in German football and an icon of Hamburger SV. Between 1953 and 1972, he netted 404 goals in 476 matches—an extraordinary feat for any player.
After 16 years of dedication to the national team from 1954 to 1970, Uwe Seeler scored 43 goals in 72 matches, averaging 0.60 goals per game. However, Uwe Seeler failed to win any titles with the German national team. He and his teammates finished as runners-up in the 1966 World Cup and secured a third-place finish in the 1970 World Cup.
8. Michael Ballack - 42 goals
Former Chelsea star Michael Ballack is also honored to be included in Germany's all-time top scorers list. Ballack was one of the most iconic central midfielders in German football during the 2000s. Despite playing in midfield, Ballack's goal-scoring ability was remarkable. With powerful long-range shots of high accuracy and strong aerial ability due to his tall and robust physique, Ballack was one of the best central midfielders of his era.
He made his debut for the German national team in 1999 and, over 11 years, earned 98 caps, scoring 42 goals. This midfielder was known as the "King of Runners-up," a title that brought him little satisfaction. Ballack failed to secure a major title with the German national team. He was a runner-up in the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008 and also finished third in the 2006 World Cup.
9. Thomas Muller - 39 goals
Thomas Müller has been a cornerstone of Bayern Munich for years, netting 187 goals in 502 appearances for the Bavarians. Born in 1989, the forward has accumulated numerous domestic and international titles with the club.
For the German national team, Thomas Müller made his debut in 2010. Since then, he has earned 100 caps and scored 38 goals, averaging 0.38 goals per game. Müller was part of the German national team that won the 2014 World Cup and secured a third-place finish in the 2010 World Cup.
10. Oliver Bierhoff - 37 goals
During his career, Oliver Bierhoff played for nine clubs, including Udinese, AC Milan, and Monaco. Born in 1968, Bierhoff scored 188 goals in 433 club appearances. Oliver Bierhoff made his debut for the German national team in 1996. His final appearance for the Nationalmannschaft came in 2002.
Over six years with the German national team, Oliver Bierhoff earned 70 caps and scored 37 goals, averaging 0.53 goals per game. Bierhoff was part of the German national team that won Euro 1996 and finished as runners-up in the 2002 World Cup.
11. Mario Gomez - 31 goals
It would be remiss not to include Mario Gomez in Germany's all-time top scorers rankings. Gomez, often referred to as the "Golden Boy of Germany," had a successful and impressive football career. He was widely recognized for his talent and exceptional goal-scoring abilities.
His time at Bayern Munich was highly impressive, as he won numerous major titles with the team. The pinnacle of his career came when he won the Golden Boot at Euro 2012, showcasing his incredible goal-scoring ability. Although he has retired, Gomez remains a revered figure in football.
12. Ernst Lehner - 31 goals
Ernst Lehner was one of the finest forwards in the history of the German national team, making a lasting impact on football. Born in 1912, Lehner started his career at TSV Schwaben Augsburg before moving to SpVgg Greuther Fürth. With his talent and creativity, he played a key role in Fürth's success during the late 1920s and 1930s, helping them become one of Germany’s top clubs.
Lehner was also a part of the German national team, contributing significantly to their campaign in the 1934 World Cup. He was known for his sharp attacking skills and accurate finishing ability. Lehner's career is not only a source of pride for Germany but also an integral part of world football history.
Conclusion
Thus, the "Top 12 Germany all time top scorers" gave an overview of legends and prominent figures in the country's football history. With their talent, dedication, and unforgettable historical moments, these strikers have captivated fans around the world. Do not forget that our website bookmaker review - Wintips will always be a reliable address for football followers around the world.
See also: List of top La Liga scorers all time
