In Germany, soccer is more than just a game; it’s a central part of the country’s culture, a passion that unites different generations and social classes. Soccer began to gain popularity at the end of the 19th century, especially among young students and workers.
One of the best teams in Germany is FC Bayern Munich, founded in 1900. Bayern Munich quickly established itself as one of the country’s leading clubs and has dominated the German soccer scene for decades.
Another historic club is Borussia Dortmund, founded in 1909. Dortmund is known for its fervent fan base and exciting style of play. They have also won titles in both Germany and Europe.
Justin Tallis/POOL/AFP
In addition to these, there are a number of other important clubs in Germany, such as Schalke 04, founded in 1904, and Hamburger SV, founded in 1887. These clubs are among the best teams in Germany and have helped to develop the sport as a whole in the country.
The rivalry between clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, for example, not only reflects the sporting competition, but also captures the popular imagination, each game being an epic battle of Germany’s best teams. The “Miracle of Bern” in 1954, when West Germany stunned Hungary to win their first World Cup, is more than a victory; it’s a milestone of national rebirth.
Divulgação/Bayern de Munique
Interestingly, German soccer also reflects the country’s social changes. The Bundesliga was one of the first major European leagues to promote gender equality, encouraging and supporting the development of women’s soccer. The victory of the women’s national team at the 2003 and 2007 World Cups not only raised the profile of women’s sport in Germany, but also inspired a new generation of girls to put on their boots.
But who are the best teams in Germany?
That’s the question we’re going to unravel and it’s certainly a difficult task, but we’re going to list them according to the number of national and international titles!
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Curious? Then let’s get to the list! ⚽
10 best teams in Germany: list
The list of Germany’s best teams, ranked by number of titles, includes:
- Bayern Munich: 83 titles
- Borussia Dortmund: 22 Titles
- Schalke 04: 17 titles
- SV Werder Bremen: 16 titles
- Hamburg SV: 15 titles
- Dynamo Dresden: 15 titles
- Berliner FC Dynamo: 14 titles
- 1 FC Nürnberg: 13 titles
- 1 FC Magdeburg: 11 titles
- VfB Stuttgart: 11 titles
With these names in mind, let’s find out more about the history of the five best teams in Germany:
1. Bayern Munich – 83 titles
With around 75 million fans globally, Bayern Munich was founded in 1900 by members of a gymnastics club and quickly established itself as a German soccer giant, overcoming local rivalries such as the notorious one with 1860 München. Bayern not only became a symbol of sporting excellence in Bavaria, but also a dominant presence in European soccer;
The 1970s were particularly remarkable, with the club winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, consolidating its international reputation.
The Allianz Arena, inaugurated in 2005, is another symbol of the club, known worldwide for its color-changing façade and for providing a vibrant atmosphere for around 75,000 fans. This stadium is not only an architectural landmark but also a cauldron of passions, where top-level soccer is celebrated.
anahtiris/Depositphoto
Bayern has always attracted great talent, with legendary figures such as Gerd Müller, “Der Bomber”, and Franz Beckenbauer, “Der Kaiser”, adorning its rich history. In addition, the club has been a pioneer in sporting innovation, being one of the first in Germany to invest seriously in a soccer academy for young talent in 1990, setting standards that many others would seek to follow.
Main titles:
- Bundelisga: 33 titles
- UEFA Champions League: 6 titles
- DFB-Pokal: 20 titles
2. Borussia Dortmund – 22 titles
With approximately 25 million fans worldwide, Borussia Dortmund, founded in 1909, is one of Germany’s most vibrant and passionate soccer clubs. Located in the industrial Ruhr region, Dortmund is known for its loyal fan base and the iconic “Yellow Wall”, the largest continuous stand in Europe, located at Signal Iduna Park. This section of the stadium seats almost 25,000 standing fans.
Arne Müseler
Over the years, Borussia have stood out not only for their attractive soccer, but also for an impressive record in national and international competitions. The 1990s were particularly notable, with the club winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1997, a feat that cemented their status on the European stage. This success was not isolated, as the club continued to compete at a high level, challenging giants and cultivating exceptional talent.
Dortmund is also renowned for its commitment to developing young players, with its academy producing some of the most exciting talents in European soccer. Players like Mario Götze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, and other contemporary talents, highlight the club’s ability to mold future stars.
Main titles:
- Bundesliga: 8 titles
- UEFA Champions League: 1 title
- DFB-Pokal: 5 titles
3. FC Schalke 04 – 17 titles
With around 20 million fans around the globe, Schalke 04 was founded in 1904 and quickly became a dominant force in German soccer, especially notable during the 1930s and 1940s when they won six German league titles. Known as “The Miners” due to the team’s roots in the area’s coal mining communities, the club maintains a deep and personal connection with its fans, reflecting the industrial history of the region.
Gerd Kaemper
The Veltins-Arena, home of Schalke, is known for its electric atmosphere and capacity to seat over 62,000 spectators. This modern stadium is a testament to the club’s evolution throughout the 20th century and the passion of its followers. In addition, the stadium stands out for its retractable roof and sliding pitch, which are hallmarks of innovation in German soccer.
Despite ups and downs in recent decades, including financial and sporting challenges, Schalke 04 remains committed to developing local talent through its acclaimed soccer academy.
Main titles:
- Bundesliga: 7 titles (before 1963)
- DFB-Pokal: 5 titles
- Europa League: 1 title
4. Werder Bremen – 16 titles
With a fan base of 15 million, Werder Bremen was founded in 1899 and is one of the most iconic and historically rich clubs in German soccer. Located in the city of Bremen, on the banks of the River Weser, the club has a deep connection with the local community and a history full of achievements and memorable moments.
Fernando Valdés
Over the years, the club has won several Bundesliga and German Cup titles, leaving an indelible mark on German soccer. Legendary figures such as Miroslav Klose and other stars have helped write the club’s glorious history.
In addition to its success on the pitch, Werder Bremen is admired for its innovative approach and commitment to developing young talent. The club’s soccer academy is known for producing a number of talented players over the years, many of whom have gone on to become stars on the world stage.
Main titles:
- Bundesliga: 4 titles
- German Cup: 6 titles
5. Hamburg SV – 15 titles
Hamburg SV currently has around 18 million global followers and is one of the oldest and most historically significant clubs in Germany. Founded in 1887, the club has its roots deeply intertwined with the port city of Hamburg and its diverse community. For much of its history, Hamburg SV has been a powerhouse of German soccer, regularly competing at the highest level of the game.
Divulgação
The Volksparkstadion, home of HSV, is one of Germany’s most iconic stadiums, with a capacity of over 57,000 spectators. Since its inauguration in 1953, the stadium has witnessed memorable moments.
In particular, Hamburg SV gained international fame when they won the UEFA Champions League in 1983, beating Juventus in the final in Athens. That epic triumph remains one of the most glorious moments in the club’s history. Despite facing recent challenges, including relegation to the lower divisions of German soccer, Hamburg SV remains a revered institution on the German soccer scene.
Main titles:
- Bundesliga: 6 titles
- UEFA Champions League: 1 title
- DFB-Pokal: 3 titles
German soccer goes far beyond the result of a game. Germany’s top teams carry a shared passion that continues to shape and reflect the country’s identity, becoming a vital element of German public life.
And when we think about the number of fans, how do the best teams in Germany rank?
List of the 10 biggest fans in Germany
The list of Germany’s biggest fans, ranked by number of fans worldwide, includes:
- Bayern Munich: 75 million
- Borussia Dortmund: 25 million
- Schalke 04: 20 million
- Hamburg SV: 18 million
- Werder Bremen: 15 million
- VfB Stuttgart: 12 million
- Bayer Leverkusen: 11 milhões
- Borussia Mönchengladbach: 10 million
- Eintracht Frankfurt: 10 million
- 1.FC Köln: 8 million
Now you have a list of the best teams in Germany and more information about the history of the fans, so tell us, did you know all of them? Which story captivates you the most?
Check out the list of the biggest in the country in “Which is the biggest soccer fan base in Brazil in 2024? See the full list“;
