Bayern Munich Legends: History, Statistics & Hall Of Fame

Bayern Munich have a rich and illustrious history that dates back to the club’s formation in 1900.

The biggest football club in Germany by some distance, Bayern have been there and done it all. From Bundesliga titles to Champions League triumphs – you name it, Bayern Munich have won it.

Some of the greatest players in the history of football have played for Bayern over the years. From the likes of Franz Beckenbauer to Oliver Kahn, the Bavarians have one of the strongest Hall of Fames in the sport.

As of March 2022, a total of 18 players have been inducted into the Bayern Hall of Fame. Here, we look at some of the greatest players on the Bayern Munich legends list…

Franz Beckenbauer

Beckenbauer is a name that is synonymous with Bayern Munich. Having spent the majority of his playing career at the club, Beckenbauer deserves his spot in the Hall of Fame.

One of the most decorated players in Bayern’s rich history, Beckenbaeur’s list of honours is simply sensational.

Helping to earn promotion in 1965, the Bayern legend won four top flight titles, four Cup winners’ medals, three European Cups, a Cup Winners’ Cup and a World Club Cup.

With 396 Bundesliga appearances and 44 goals on his resumé, Beckenbauer left Bayern to play out the end of his career with the New York Cosmos.

Gerd Muller

The all-time top goal scorer in Bundesliga history with 365 goals, Gerd Muller’s place in the record books is almost guaranteed.

He finished as the league’s top goal scorer a record seven times while winning the European Golden Shoe on two occasions. He was the striker of his era.

Muller ended his Bayern career with a sensational 566 goals in 607 appearances – putting him in line with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

‘The Bomber’ won four league titles during his time at Bayern, adding four German Cups and three European Cup winners’ medals to his collection. He is one of the first names to spring to mind when talking about Bayern Munich legends.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

You could say Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is Mr Bayern. As a player, he joined the club in 1974 and was an instant hit, scoring plenty of goals for the Munich club.

Averaging a goal every two games, Rummenigge finished his Bayern career with 162 goals in 310 Bundesliga outings and he is the club’s second highest all-time scorer.

In addition, Rummenigge won an array of awards – both individual and team. He lifted the German title three times, won Player of the Year once and clinched two European Cups.

Moving on at the end of the 1984 season, he always spoke of his desire to return to Bayern Munich and he did so as vice president in 1991. Since 2002, he served as the club’s CEO – showing his commitment off the pitch.

Sepp Maier

One of the greatest goalkeepers to grace the sport, Sepp Maier earned a reputation as a joker throughout his career – and that was evident until his final appearance.

With Bundesliga titles, DFB Cup triumphs and European Cup victories to his name, Maier had a glittering trophy cabinet and the individual recognition to match.

Nicknamed the ‘Cat from Anzing’, Maeir racked up 473 Bundesliga appearances for the club – with 422 consecutive outings during his time in Munich. He was also named German Footballer of the Year on three occasions.

Maier was forced to retire in 1979 after a serious road accident but his place in the Bayern Hall of Fame was secure long before then. He set the benchmark for future goalkeepers to follow…

Lothar Matthaus

A naturally gifted footballer, Lothar Matthaus turned to the sport after completing his apprenticeship as an interior designer.

Joining Bayern Munich in 1984, Matthaus had already built up a reputation at Borussia Monchengladbach but he took his game to new heights at Bayern Munich.

He quickly blossomed into one of the best players in the country. Matthaus led Bayern to seven Bundesliga titles, three DFB Cup triumphs and a UEFA Cup success.

Praised by other club legends for his commitment and passion, Matthaus was a cult icon and he finished his Bayern career with an impressive 85 goals in 302 Bundesliga games.

Oliver Kahn

If you grew up watching football in the 1990s, chances are you’ll remember Oliver Kahn. An iconic figure in Bundesliga history, Kahn was a pillar of consistency throughout his career.

Winning eight Bundesliga titles during 14 glorious years at Bayern, Kahn played an integral role in the club’s success – both domestically and in European competition.

By the time he ended his career, he had won the DFB Cup a record six times and had lifted the Champions League, the UEFA Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

With 557 Bundesliga appearances to his name, Kahn retired in 2008 and went out on a high with an emotional farewell match in September.

Philipp Lahm

A reliable figure throughout his 22-year tenure at the club, Lahm finished his Bayern career with 21 major honours – firmly cementing his Munich legend status.

Leading Bayern to victory in the 2013 Champions League final was a highlight and you’d be hard pressed to find a more respected player in German football.

He played 517 competitive matches for Bayern throughout his career, winning eight league titles, six DFB Cups, three German Supercups, a League Cup, a European Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Lahm had the ideal football brain and he was one of the most versatile players in the club’s history, thriving in a range of positions throughout his career.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Labelled by many Bayern fans as a “football god”, Schweinsteiger will go down in history as one of the most likeable players in Bavarian history.

Spending over 17 years at the club, Schweinsteiger worked his way up through the FC Bayern youth system. Soon, he became a fully fledged member of the first team at the age of 18.

Another member of the exclusive 500 appearances club, Schweinsteiger won 20 trophies at the club. His list of honours is: eight Bundesliga titles, seven DFB Cups, one Club World Cup, one Champions League and one UEFA Super Cup.

Schweinsteiger was overcome by emotion on his final Bayern appearance and the Bavarians still sing his name on the terraces from time to time.

Bayern Munich Hall Of Fame

As previously mentioned, there are 18 players in the Bayern Munich Hall Of Fame. Without further ado, here is the full list of club legends inducted into this exclusive group:

• Klaus Augenthaler
• Franz Beckenbauer
• Paul Breitner
• Gerd Muller
• Franz Roth
• Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
• Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck
• Stefan Effenberg
• Giovane Elber
• Sepp Maier
• Lothar Matthaus
• Konrad Heidkamp
• Uli Hoeness
• Oliver Kahn
• Philipp Lahm
• Bixente Lizarazu
• Mehmet Scholl
• Bastian Schweinsteiger