The Bundesliga is the home of some of the biggest teams in the world, such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The League is also home to some of the greatest goal scorers to ever grace the game as well. This list will examine the top five and potential players who could break into the Bundesliga hall of fame.
Goals: 365
Games: 427
Minutes per goal: 105
The GOAT of the Bundesliga, Müller was the original goal poacher, with the majority of his 365 goals coming in and around the six-yard box. ‘Der Bomber’ who achieved 32 hat-tricks in the Bundesliga, had his greatest season for Bayern Munich came in the 1971/72 season, when he scored 40 goals in just 34 league games.
This record would stand in the Bundesliga for almost 40 years and while that record was broken, his record of 365 goals could be one untenable by any striker who graces the league in the years to come.
Goals: 312
Games: 383
Minutes per goal: 99
Robert Lewandowski is the greatest non-German player ever to grace the Bundesliga. Moving to Germany following a spell for Lech Poznan in his native Poland, Lewandowski hit the ground running, winning two titles with Borussia Dortmund under the stewardship of Jurgen Klopp.
A move to bitter rivals Bayern Munich would launch the Pole into the all-time great goalscorers. Lewandowski has since won seven Golden Boots, a joint-record with Müller, and had the greatest goal-scoring season seen in the league, with his 41 goals in the 2020/21 season helping Bayern to their ninth straight title. Lewandowski’s future might be uncertain in the league, but his legacy will remain.
Goals: 268
Games: 535
Minutes per goal: 173
The original master of the bicycle kicks, Fischer spent two decades in the German top flight. Playing for 1860 Munich, FC Köln and VFL Bochum, it was his time at Schalke 04 where Fischer shined most brightly. His most prolific season came in the 1975/76 season, where Fischer won his only Golden Boot after grabbing 29 goals.
Consistency was key for Fischer’s longevity at the highest level, scoring at least 20 goals in six seasons. His most famous game was when he scored 4 for Schalke in a 7-0 thrashing over Bayern Munich, establishing himself as a scorer which will go down in the history books.
Goals: 220
Games: 369
Minutes per goal: 147
More younger readers will recognise the name Jupp Heynckes and think of the man who led Bayern Munich to their 2013 Champions League triumph against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium. Back in his playing career, Heynckes left his mark in finding the back of the net whilst playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hannover 96.
His time at Gladbach will be where he will be most remembered and most loved by fans of the Foals, helping the side to win four German titles, a UEFA Cup as well as a DFB Pokal. Playing at the same time as Müller and Fischer as well, finishing with the Golden Boot twice, including his 30-goal season in 1973/74, Heynckes was a master on the pitch as well as in the dugout.
Goals: 213
Games: 447
Minutes per goal: 168
Being Borussia Dortmund’s all-time top goalscorer in the Bundesliga with 135 goals, Burgsmüller will go down as a legend in Dortmund. This was despite playing most of his games in front of the yellow wall as a midfielder. His time at Dortmund never produced less than 15 goals per season.
Despite his goal exploits, it would be 19 years after his debut and a move away from Dortmund that Burgsmüller won the Bundesliga. This was with Werder Bremen and despite being 38, his attacking threat was still noteworthy in Die Werderaner winning their 2nd German title back in 1988.
Whilst no one playing in the league is currently near breaking into the top five bar from Robert Lewandowski, potential can be seen with the new stars of the Bundesliga.
Erling Haaland could have had potential but after his move to Manchester City, the Norwegian may stay on 59 Bundesliga goals for the rest of his career.
This leaves Christoper Nkunku, whose 31 goals in the Bundesliga, including 20 last season, showing that the Frenchman continues to improve. Whilst his future may be unclear, staying at RB Leipzig would guarantee goals and help the former PSG forward move up the ladder.
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