Exploring Football Clubs In Germany: Victories, Passion, and History

Welcome to the dynamic realm where football, education, and culture converge in Germany. Renowned for its robust economy and comprehensive education system, Germany calls individuals seeking not only academic excellence but also a taste of rich beer, diverse cuisine, and the electrifying world of football. As you embark on your educational journey, consider Germany, a nation that seamlessly blends intellectual pursuits with the passion of the beautiful game. Here, football transcends mere sport; it becomes an emotion that pulsates through the veins of the country. Germany's football prowess is globally acknowledged, with most international teams boasting at least two German players. 

The best football clubs in Germany exude determination and talent, showcasing an unwavering hunger for victory evident in their compelling gameplay and numerous triumphs. Join us as we explore the best football clubs in Germany, delving into their successes, star players, and the captivating essence that defines German football. By the end of this blog, we aim to ignite a newfound enthusiasm for the captivating world of German football.

Best Football Teams in Germany

Germany, is best known for its vibrant culture and rich history. The country also has some of the best universities, which we have covered in our blog on the Top 12 Universities in Germany. The football teams in Germany and supporting fans are certainly a part of this culture! Not only is the German style of playing football deemed iconic worldwide, but the German players are also a part of this legacy. German football players are considered some of the best in the world. So, let’s have a look at some of the best football clubs in Germany and learn more about their victories, notable players, and ranks!

1. FC Bayern Munich: A Legacy of Success

Latest Trophy Won: Bundesliga and DFL Supercup, 2023
Notable Players: Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Harry Kane, Thomas Muller. 
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Current Rank: No.

At the top of the list, we have FC Bayern Munich, one of the biggest football clubs in Germany. Founded in 1900, the club came into existence after MTV 1879 Munich Sports Club members parted ways from the team. The club won its first title in 1932 and started its successful journey as one of the best football teams in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s.

2. Borussia Dortmund: Icons of German Football

Latest Trophy Won: DFB Pokal, 2021
Notable Players: Donyell Malen, Mats Hummels, Julian Brandt
Current Rank: No. 6

Borussia Dortmund is a pretty well-known football club in Germany. The team received its first recognition as German Champions in the year 1956. After this, Dortmund received more recognition in the 90s and early 2010s! Interestingly, Borussia Dortmund was one of the first football clubs in Germany to win a UEFA Trophy in 1966. The team has also won a Champions League trophy. 

3. RB Leipzig: Stars in German Football

Latest Trophy Won: German Super Cup, 2023
Notable Players: Peter Gulacsi, Emil Forsberg, Kevin Kampl. 
Current Rank: No. 8

RB Leipzig is also one of the most successful football teams in Germany. The club was founded in the year 2009 by Red Bull. RB Leipzig first entered continental football in the 2017-2018 UEFA Champions League. Interestingly, it was the first club in the world to have entered the UEFA Champions League so soon after its creation! RB Leipzig may not be one of the most famous football teams in Germany, but it is certainly one of the most hardworking teams in the Bundesliga!

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4. Bayer Leverkusen: A Legacy Rooted in History

Latest Trophy Won: DFB Pokal, 2017/18
Notable Players: Lukas Hradecky, Granit Xhaka, Jonas Hoffman, Niklas Lomb
Current Rank: No. 3

Another one of the biggest football clubs in Germany, Bayer Leverkusen, was founded in 1904. It was founded by German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG employees, where it gets the name. Bayer was promoted to the Bundesliga in 1979 and has been in the top division ever since. So far, Bayer Leverkusen has won the DFB-Pokal and the UEFA Cup once. They also came second in the 2001–02 UEFA Champions League, resulting 2–1 to Real Madrid in the final.

5. FC Union Berlin: Enthusiastic Fans, Historic Triumphs

Latest Trophy Won: Liga, 2008/9
Notable Players: Christopher Trimmel, Robin Knoche, Dominique Heintz
Current Rank: No. 1

Known as one of Europe's Cult Clubs, FC Union Berlin was founded in 1906. The club is best known for its enthusiastic fans and culture. Due to the dissolution of all German organizations after World War II, the team Union Oberschöneweide was restarted as FC Union Berlin in 1966. So far, the team has won the Berlin Cup, the NOFV-Oberliga, and the Regionalliga Nordost trophies, amongst many more.

6. Freiberg: Modest Success, Impressive Records

Latest Trophy Won: Bundesliga, 2015/16
Notable Players: Noah Atubolu, Kenneth Schmidt, Manuel Gulde
Current Rank: No. 5

Freiberg is another one of the most famous and biggest football clubs in Germany. Its success can be called modest compared to other football clubs in Germany, but it has several impressive records to its name. Freiberg holds the record for most Bundesliga goals scored as of May 2023 by Nils Petersen, the highest ever transfer fees paid (€10 million for Baptiste Santamaria) and youngest goalscorer Matthias Ginter, 18 years old!

7. VfL Wolfsburg: From Humble Beginnings to Bundesliga Glory

Latest Trophy Won: DFB-Pokal 2014/15, Bundesliga, 2008/9
Notable Players: Pavao Pervan, Josuha Guilavogui, Koen Casteels
Current Rank: No. 4

VfL Wolfsburg was founded in 1945. This is one of the most interesting football clubs in Germany. The team started playing with ten green jerseys, which were available, coupled with shorts sewn from white bedsheets donated by locals. In the 2008-09 season, VfL Wolfsburg earned its biggest title - the Bundesliga - by defeating Werder Bremen 5-1. This was also the beginning of their winning streak of ten consecutive victories!

8. Eintracht Frankfurt: Powerhouse of German Football

Latest Trophy Won: Europa League Trophy, 2022
Notable Players: Makoto Hasebe, Jens Grahl, Sebastian Rode
Current Rank: No. 6
Eintracht Frankfurt is a football team in Germany with a powerful legacy. The team was founded in the year 1899 and has won the German championship once, the DFB-Pokal 5 times, and the UEFA Europa League two times. The success of this team is evident in their victories so far. The team is known to finish most of the season by ranking in the top half of the tables. Additionally, Eintracht Frankfurt is one of the founding teams of the Bundesliga, making it one of the most legendary football teams in Germany.

9. FSV Mainz 05: A Rising Star in German Football

Latest Trophy Won: German amateur champions, 1982, Regionalliga Südwest champions, 1973, Oberliga Südwest champions 1990, and Amateurliga Südwest champions, 1978
Notable Players: Phillip Schulz, Dominik Kohr, Marco Richter
Current Rank: No. 4

FSV Mainz 05 is a German football club founded in 1905 and plays in the Bundesliga. The biggest rival to this team is Eintracht Frankfurt. FSV Mainz 05 is known as one of those football clubs in Germany that has risen through the ranks over some time. An interesting fact about this football team in Germany is that every time a goal is scored at the home stadium, the "Narrhalla Marsch" carnival tune is played!

10. Hamburg SV: A Legacy Since 1887

Latest Trophy Won: DFB Ligapokal, 2003
Notable Players: Moritz Heyer, Jonas Meffert, Elijah Krahn
Current Rank: No. 1

Hamburg SV is one of the founding teams of German Football. Originating in 1887, Hamburg SV's most successful period in football was from the 1970s to 1980s, when they won the 1976–77 European Cup Winners' Cup and the 1982–83 European Cup. As one of the most successful football clubs in Germany, Hamburg SV has become the German Champions and has won the DFB-Pokal and the DFB-Ligapokal.

This concludes our list of football clubs in Germany! We hope you have a better understanding of the teams and their victories. If you ever plan on moving to Germany, we've got you covered for that as well. In addition, make the most of your time in Germany with this comprehensive guide on things to do in Germany!