8 Borussia Dortmund best players of all time

Borussia Dortmund is one of the most prestigious clubs in Germany and Europe, known for its fiery attacking style of play and enthusiasm on the pitch. Over more than a century of history, Dortmund has produced many football legends, stars who have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and world football. Below, Premiumsoccertips.net shares a list of 8 Borussia Dortmund best players ever, contributing to the growth and reputation of the yellow-black team.

Top 8 Borussia Dortmund best players ever

Below is a list of 8 Best Borussia Dortmund players of all time, players who not only brought glory to the yellow-black shirt, but also left an indelible mark in the hearts of fans.

Top 8: Mats Hummels

Mats Hummels stands among Borussia Dortmund’s greatest-ever centre-backs, known for his calm composure, exceptional reading of the game, and pinpoint long passes. After joining Dortmund from Bayern Munich in 2008, he swiftly became a defensive mainstay under Jürgen Klopp. Hummels played a key role in Dortmund’s domestic double during the 2011–12 season and their run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2013. With leadership qualities and elite defensive prowess, Hummels became a symbol of Dortmund’s defensive resurgence during a golden era for the club.

Mats Hummels - Steel center back with more than 500 matches, Dortmund's defense leader during a golden decade — Mats Hummels – Steel center back with more than 500 matches, Dortmund’s defense leader during a golden decade

Following a brief return to Bayern Munich (2016–2019), Hummels rejoined Dortmund and continued to display consistency and experience, guiding younger players while anchoring the backline. By the end of the 2023–24 season, he had played over 500 matches for the club, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty, intelligence, and modern defending. For bettors analyzing defensive impact and player influence, Hummels’ presence was always a key factor in Dortmund’s match outcomes.

Top 7: Shinji Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa ranks as one of Dortmund’s smartest acquisitions. Signed for just €350,000 from Cerezo Osaka in 2010, Kagawa quickly rose to prominence in the Bundesliga thanks to his technical finesse, intelligent movement, and creative spark. He was a vital figure in Klopp’s side that secured back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010–11 and 2011–12, with a standout performance in the 2012 DFB-Pokal final where he scored the opening goal in a 5-2 win over Bayern Munich.

Shinji Kagawa - The talented Asian conductor who inspired Klopp's brilliant era — Shinji Kagawa – The talented Asian conductor who inspired Klopp’s brilliant era

Though his stint at Manchester United was less successful, Kagawa returned to Dortmund in 2014 and reclaimed his role as a midfield orchestrator. While his form didn’t quite match his first spell, his professionalism and influence remained. Scoring 60 goals in 216 appearances, Kagawa is regarded as one of the most successful Asian players in European football history a factor that often influenced betting trends involving Dortmund’s attacking creativity during his tenure.

Top 6: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was one of the most explosive strikers to ever wear the Dortmund shirt. After arriving from Saint-Étienne in 2013, his blistering pace, sharp positioning, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. Aubameyang scored 141 goals in 213 matches a remarkable strike rate. His most prolific season came in 2016–17 when he won the Bundesliga Golden Boot with 31 goals, outperforming Robert Lewandowski.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Lightning speed goal machine, Bundesliga top scorer with 141 goals for Dortmund — Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Lightning speed goal machine, Bundesliga top scorer with 141 goals for Dortmund

Beyond the goals, Aubameyang was a fan favorite thanks to his flashy celebrations and vibrant personality. He helped Dortmund lift the DFB-Pokal in 2016–17 and two German Super Cups. Though he left for Arsenal in 2018, his impact remained strong, establishing him as one of Dortmund’s top scorers post-Lewandowski. Bettors frequently leaned on his form as a key variable when assessing Dortmund’s attacking odds.

Top 5: Jürgen Kohler

Jürgen Kohler is widely recognized as one of Germany’s finest defenders and was a cornerstone of Dortmund’s backline in the late 1990s. Joining from Juventus in 1995, Kohler brought immense defensive solidity, experience, and an uncompromising style. He helped lead Dortmund to back-to-back Bundesliga titles (1995–96, 1996–97) and played a crucial role in their historic UEFA Champions League triumph in 1997, shutting down Juventus’ attack in the final.

Jürgen Kohler - The rock in defense, the leader who brought Dortmund to the top of Europe in 1997 — Jürgen Kohler – The rock in defense, the leader who brought Dortmund to the top of Europe in 1997

Though not known for goal-scoring, Kohler’s influence as a defensive leader was immeasurable. He was often the player organizing the defense, bringing calmness and control. Playing over 190 games before retiring in 2002, Kohler left a lasting image as a model captain and relentless defender. From a betting standpoint, his presence often dictated the stability and clean-sheet potential in Dortmund’s fixtures.

Top 4: Michael Zorc

Michael Zorc epitomizes loyalty in modern football. He spent his entire 17-year playing career at Borussia Dortmund, featuring in a record 572 matches. As a central midfielder, Zorc controlled the tempo of the game and consistently contributed goals, especially from the penalty spot. He played a pivotal role in Dortmund’s Bundesliga titles in 1994–95 and 1995–96, and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Champions League in 1997.

After retiring, Zorc transitioned seamlessly into the role of Sporting Director (1998–2022), overseeing the club’s strategic revival and talent recruitment. He was instrumental in bringing in stars like Kagawa, Lewandowski, Hummels, and Reus. His lifelong commitment to Dortmund elevated him beyond the status of a player or executive he became the backbone of the club’s success, both on the pitch and in the boardroom. Bettors familiar with long-term club stability would often consider Zorc’s strategic influence when analyzing Dortmund’s consistency.

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Top 3: Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski joined Dortmund in 2010 from Lech Poznań and quickly became a lethal finisher. His intelligent movement, versatile finishing skills, and presence in dangerous areas turned him into Klopp’s main attacking weapon. Lewandowski led the line during Dortmund’s double-winning campaigns in 2010–11 and 2011–12, and famously scored four goals against Real Madrid in the 2013 Champions League semi-finals a performance that remains iconic.

Robert Lewandowski - The penalty box killer who once spread terror across Europe in the yellow-black shirt — Robert Lewandowski – The penalty box killer who once spread terror across Europe in the yellow-black shirt

During his time at Dortmund, he scored 103 goals in 187 appearances and won the Bundesliga Golden Boot in 2013–14 before moving to Bayern Munich. Although he later starred for a direct rival, his Dortmund years laid the foundation for his global stardom. His consistent goal output made him a top betting pick for anytime scorer markets and helped elevate Dortmund’s European stature.

Top 2: Marco Reus

Marco Reus has been one of the most talented and dedicated players to ever represent Borussia Dortmund. Since his 2012 arrival from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Reus became an irreplaceable figure due to his speed, technique, and scoring ability. Despite suffering repeated injuries, he remained a symbol of resilience and loyalty. With over 420 appearances, 170 goals, and 130+ assists, Reus has had a profound impact on Dortmund’s attacking play.

Even with offers from top clubs, Reus stayed loyal, becoming captain and a true club icon. He won two DFB-Pokal titles and three German Super Cups. In 2024, Reus moved to LA Galaxy, ending his Dortmund chapter with love and admiration from fans. For bettors, his availability often influenced Dortmund’s attacking odds, and his leadership was a consistent x-factor in high-pressure matches.

Top 1: Matthias Sammer

Matthias Sammer stands as a defining figure in Dortmund’s golden era of the mid-1990s. After joining from Inter Milan in 1993, Sammer became the tactical heartbeat of the team, alternating seamlessly between defensive midfield and center-back roles. Known for his vision, technical skill, and positional intelligence, he was instrumental in back-to-back Bundesliga titles (1994–95, 1995–96) and played a central role in the 1996–97 UEFA Champions League triumph.

Matthias Sammer - 1996 Ballon d'Or and the soul of Dortmund in the golden age of the 90s — Matthias Sammer – 1996 Ballon d’Or and the soul of Dortmund in the golden age of the 90s

Beyond club success, Sammer was a standout for Germany, winning Euro 1996 and claiming the Ballon d’Or the same year a rare feat for a defensive player. After retiring early due to injury, he returned to coach Dortmund to the 2002 Bundesliga title. Bettors analyzing historical impact and leadership qualities often see Sammer’s era as a benchmark for Dortmund’s peak success both domestically and in Europe.

In Conclusion

With their great contributions in both playing style and spirit, the eight Borussia Dortmund best players of all time mentioned above have contributed significantly to building the image of Borussia Dortmund as it is today – a symbol of attacking football, loyalty and the desire to conquer. From legends like Matthias Sammer and Michael Zorc, to contemporary icons like Marco Reus or Mats Hummels, each one has brought their own mark, contributing to the unmistakable black-yellow identity. No matter how much time passes, these players will always be symbols in the hearts of fans in the Ruhr region and the eternal pride of Borussia Dortmund.