Spanning over 20 years of action, the German Footballer of the Year award has recognized stunning individual seasons of attacking brilliance, defensive solidity, inspirational leadership, and consistent world-class displays. The detailed expansions illustrate exactly why each recipient was the standout Bundesliga star of a given campaign thanks to their memorable performances and accomplishments. The uniqueness of this award stands in the fact that the awards are not just limited to the top flight in Germany as is the case in other countries. It includes German nationals plying their trade abroad as well.
2000: Oliver Kahn, Bayern Munich
Legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn won his first of two consecutive awards after helping Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and reach the Champions League final. His shot-stopping abilities were unparalleled.
Kahn cemented himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, showcasing gravity-defying shot stopping on Bayern Munich’s path to Bundesliga glory. The intimidating presence exuded confidence between the posts, pulling off spectacular saves with his cat-like reactions. Kahn showcased courage to match his skill, putting his body on the line and dominating the penalty area. His individual heroics drove Bayern to within touching distance of Champions League glory, only to agonizingly fall short against Manchester United. Kahn claimed a richly deserved first German Footballer of the Year prize after excelling both domestically and in Europe.
2001: Oliver Kahn, Bayern Munich
Kahn retained his title in 2001, cementing his status as Germany’s best player with another stellar season between the posts for an excellent Bayern side.
Somehow reaching even greater heights in 2001, Kahn retained his German Footballer of the Year crown after another dominant individual campaign. His positional excellence and ability to narrow angles made him almost impossible to beat one-on-one. Kahn exuded an intimidating style that often unsettled opposition forwards. In a memorable 2001 Champions League clash with Manchester United, he made several crucial saves to earn a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. While Bayern fell just short of retaining their Bundesliga title, Kahn could hardly be faulted for their inability to claim back-to-back league crowns. His shot-stopping masterclass deservedly earned consecutive player of the year honors.
2002: Michael Ballack, Bayer Leverkusen
Midfield maestro Michael Ballack led Bayer Leverkusen to a second-place finish and was the engine of their game. His goals, assists and domination of midfield earned him a deserved first individual honor.
Michael Ballack announced himself as German football’s next superstar after a breakout campaign spearheading Bayer Leverkusen’s exhilarating title challenge. Ballack’s box-to-box running and commanding presence dominated midfield battles with his two-way play. Creative passing supplemented relentless pressing and tackling. The well-rounded dynamo popped up in both penalty boxes, excelling with his timed runs and long-range shooting prowess. Ballack claimed a richly deserved first German Footballer of the Year prize, although Leverkusen agonizingly missed out on the Bundesliga title.
2003: Michael Ballack, Bayern Munich
After moving to Bayern, Ballack continued in top form and was influential again as the giants reclaimed the Bundesliga title. His all-action, box-to-box displays made him the league’s standout player.
Ballack seamlessly transitioned into Bayern Munich’s engine room following a high-profile transfer, enjoying an even better debut campaign in Bavaria. Operating slightly further forward in a free role, he scored 17 Bundesliga goals including several long-range rockets. Ballack’s relentless drive and well-rounded attributes helped spearhead Bayern’s domestic resurgence as they reclaimed the league crown. His third consecutive player of the year prize was richly deserved after captaining the giants back to glory.
2004: Aílton, Werder Bremen
Brazilian striker Aílton had a career-best season at age 30, netting 24 goals to power Werder Bremen to a fourth-place finish and DFB-Pokal triumph. His clinical finishing was unplayable.
Aílton enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2003-04, firing Werder Bremen to UEFA Cup qualification with his prolific goalscoring exploits. At 30 years young, the powerful Brazilian striker bulldozed Bundesliga defenses with his lethal blend of pace, aerial presence and clinical finishing. Opposition back lines struggled containing Aílton as he overpowered them before applying emphatic finishes. His ruthless form peaked during a memorable 7-2 thrashing of Schalke, where he netted four second-half goals in a 20-minute blitz. Winning the Golden Boot with 24 strikes, Aílton claimed a shock Footballer of the Year honor for his sensational individual season.
2005: Michael Ballack, Bayern Munich
Completing a hat-trick of awards, Ballack starred again as Bayern finished as runners-up. By now established as Germany’s best, he also captained them to the World Cup final.
Ballack cemented legendary status by capturing his third Footballer of the Year prize in 2005, leading Bayern Munich’s closely-contested title challenge. Established as Germany’s captain ahead of the 2006 World Cup, Ballack maintained world-class standards with nine goals and 11 assists during another impressive league campaign. Recognized for his sustained success spearheading club and country, Ballack fittingly clinched a hat-trick of player of the year awards.
2006: Miroslav Klose, Werder Bremen
Prolific poacher Miroslav Klose scored 22 goals for Werder Bremen and broke the Bundesliga record. It was a special individual campaign recognized with his first player of the year honor.
Miroslav Klose built upon positive World Cup form to capture the Golden Boot after his 2006-07 Bundesliga exploits. The German hitman formed a prolific partnership with Brazilian playmaker Diego at Werder Bremen, establishing himself as a ruthless poacher inside the penalty area. Klose’s intelligent movement and clinical finishing was unrivaled as he broke the long-standing league record for most goals in a season with 25 strikes. Although Werder narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, Klose’s accomplishments saw him clinch Footballer of the Year and European Golden Boot honors.
2007: Mario Gómez, VfB Stuttgart
Mario Gómez announced himself by netting 28 goals in 34 games to lead Stuttgart to the title. It was the perfect debut season in Germany for the powerful center-forward.
Talented young striker Mario Gomez enjoyed a dream debut Bundesliga campaign, propelling VfB Stuttgart to a shock league title in 2006-07. Still just 21 years old, Gomez demonstrated lethal finishing instincts by netting 28 goals in 34 appearances. His tall, powerful frame allowed him to dominate aerially and hold off defenders. Gomez timed his runs to perfection and Applied emphatic one-touch finishes. Stuttgart claimed their first Bundesliga crown in 15 years largely thanks to their young striker’s incredible goal haul. Gomez fittingly claimed the German Footballer of the Year award for his title-winning heroics.
2008: Franck Ribéry, Bayern Munich
Operating from the left flank, Franck Ribéry dazzled fans with his dribbling skills and decisive contributions for league champions Bayern Munich. He was a worthy first French winner.
Franck Ribery announced himself to the Bundesliga after a high-profile transfer to Bayern Munich, playing an instrumental role in their 2007-08 league title triumph. Operating from the left wing, the Frenchman tormented defenses with his flashy dribbling skills and relentless attacking runs. Ribery added end product to match style, supplying several assists and netting over 10 league goals himself through clinical finishing. His individual brilliance fittingly made him the first French Footballer of the Year winner afterdriving Bayern’s attack all season.
2009: Grafite, VfL Wolfsburg
Brazilian striker Grafite had the season of his life, banging in an incredible 28 goals to lead Wolfsburg to their shock first Bundesliga title. His goals earned him due recognition as MVP.
Journeyman striker Grafite enjoyed by far the best season of his career, spearheading Wolfsburg’s fairy tale march to their first ever Bundesliga crown in 2008-09. The Brazilian took the league by storm in a lethal partnership with Edin Dzeko, scoring an astounding 28 goals himself. Grafite dominated aerially and timed his runs to perfection to break down deepest defenses. His goals proved the catalyst in Wolfsburg’s shocking title, earning the 30-year-old unlikely individual recognition with the Footballer of the Year award.
2010: Arjen Robben, Bayern Munich
Winger Arjen Robben proved the difference as Bayern reclaimed the title with a late surge. His mazy dribbles and goals, including several match-winners, made him a standout performer.
Mercurial winger Arjen Robben inspired Bayern Munich’s late charge to wrestle back the Bundesliga crown in 2009-10. The Dutch flyer overcame early injury issues to supply crucial goals and assists during the second half of the campaign. Robben tortured defenses with his dazzling dribbles and clinical finishing. He scored several vital late winners, fittingly including the title-clinching goal on the final day against Hertha Berlin. Robben’s game-changing contributions saw him rewarded as Footballer of the Year.
2011: Manuel Neuer, Schalke 04
Aged just 25, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer announced his status as the world’s best with a string of sensational displays for Schalke. His sweeping and shot-stopping were on another level.
Manuel Neuer cemented his reputation as the planet’s foremost goalkeeping talent with consistently immense performances between the sticks at Schalke. Still just 25 years old, the commanding giant showcased revolutionary sweeper-keeper tendencies coupled with world-class shot stopping. Neuer’s laser-like distribution helped initiate swift counter attacks. His stellar individual season rightfully earned Neuer the Footballer of the Year award, also sealing a high-profile move to rivals Bayern Munich.
2012: Marco Reus, Borussia Mönchengladbach
Marco Reus dazzled in his breakout season with 13 goals and 15 assists, carrying Mönchengladbach to fourth place. His dribbling, creativity and goals marked him out as a future star.
A supremely gifted Marco Reus announced himself during a stellar breakthrough campaign for Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2011-12. Operating as the team’s chief creator, Reus showcased exceptional dribbling skills and vision, registered 13 goals and 15 assists. He almost single-handedly inspired Gladbach to achieve Champions League qualification, leading the team in scoring and chance creation. Still just 22 years old, Reus’ mesmerizing rise rightfully earned him the Footballer of the Year prize while also sealing a high-profile transfer to Borussia Dortmund.
2013: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich
Midfield maestro Bastian Schweinsteiger led Bayern to a treble, excelling as the engine room and captain. His passing, work-rate and big-game performances defined another great year.
Bastian Schweinsteiger guided Bayern Munich towards historic heights as they claimed an astonishing treble in 2012-13. The midfield general had his finest season yet, controlling games with his exceptional passing range and reading of the game. Schweinsteiger also injected relentless drive and stamina to dominant central midfield. Thriving under the captain’s armband, he saved some of his best performances for the biggest games. Footballer of the Year recognition rewarded Schweinsteiger’s instrumental role orchestrating Bayern’s era of unprecedented success.
2014: Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich
Neuer added a second individual honor after backstopping Bayern to yet another domestic double and Champions League final. Widely considered the world’s best goalkeeper.
Manuel Neuer claimed his second Footballer of the Year prize after continuing to redefine modern goalkeeping for Bayern Munich. The sweeper-keeper showcased unparalleled speed off his line, essentially operating as an 11th outfield player with his revolutionary style. Shot-stopping abilities also matched ball-playing tendencies. Neuer’s commanding presence at the back underpinned consecutive Bundesliga triumphs and a second straight Champions League final. Already established among the greats, Neuer’s individual dominance was recognized with another MVP honor.
2015: Kevin De Bruyne, VfL Wolfsburg
Playing a free role, Kevin De Bruyne dazzled with 21 assists and eight goals to carry Wolfsburg to second place. His passing, dribbling and chance creation were unrivalled.
Gifted Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated Wolfsburg’s attacking charge towards a best-ever second place finish during his breakout 2014-15 Bundesliga campaign. The chief creative hub operated centrally in a free role, pulling strings between midfield and attack. De Bruyne tortured defenses with exceptional vision, passing range, and dribbling skills. He recorded a remarkable 21 assists along with eight goals of his own. His standout individual season earned De Bruyne Footballer of the Year honors to match Wolfsburg’s lofty league finish thanks largely to his brilliance.
2016: Jérôme Boateng, Bayern Munich
Center-back Jérôme Boateng marshalled Bayern’s defense expertly on their road to a fifth straight title. His composure, anticipation and leadership at the back were first-class.
Commanding defender Jerome Boateng became just the second defender to claim Footballer of the Year honors after excelling at the heart of Bayern Munich’s miserly backline. Strong in the air yet also supremely athletic, Boateng formed an impenetrable central partnership alongside Mats Hummels. His exceptional positional awareness, anticipation skills, and pace over short distances shut down world-class attackers. Off-ball intelligence complemented sharp distribution. Boateng’s individual excellence provided the platform for Bayern continuing their Bundesliga stranglehold.
2017: Philipp Lahm, Bayern Munich
After moving to defensive midfield, Philipp Lahm led Bayern to a fifth consecutive double in his final season. At 33, his experience, positioning and drive were still world-class.
Versatile veteran Philipp Lahm signed off his decorated career in ideal fashion, captaining Bayern Munich to yet another domestic double while transitioning seamlessly into a deep-lying midfield role. Despite approaching 34 years old, Lahm maintained trademark world-class standards during his Bundesliga swansong. Intelligent positioning and efficient distribution laid the foundations for Bayern’s sustained success. Lahm retired still at the pinnacle of German football, earning a record fifth Footballer of the Year prize befitting his legendary status.
2018: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid
German midfield maestro Toni Kroos orchestrated Die Mannschaft’s sensational march towards 2014 World Cup glory from the heart of a star-studded engine room. Four years later, Kroos claimed his first Footballer of the Year prize in recognition of his consistently world-class showings at the international level. Already well-established at Real Madrid, Kroos directed Germany to Confed Cup success in 2017 before retaining their world crown in Russia. His graceful passing ability, vision, shooting, and set piece delivery made Kroos an easy selection for Germany’s MVP award.
2019: Marco Reus, Borussia Dortmund
Reus enjoyed his best season at 30 with 17 goals and 13 assists as Dortmund pushed Bayern close. His all-round play and captain’s performance were crucial for second-placed Dortmund.
Marco Reus rolled back the years with his most prolific Bundesliga campaign to date at 30 years old, inspiring Borussia Dortmund towards a tightly-contested 2019-20 title race. Operating as BVB’s attacking focal point, the reinvented forward supplied 17 goals and 13 assists in just 28 appearances. Reus showed a newfound maturity to add efficient end-product to highlight-reel dribbling skills. His second Footballer of the Year prize rewarded Reus’ talismanic performances. Driving Dortmund’s thrilling young side back amongst the Bundesliga elite.
2020: Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich
Prolific striker Robert Lewandowski scored a record-breaking 34 goals in 31 games as Bayern won another treble. It was the best individual campaign of his already great career.
Bayern Munich’s prolific powerhouse Robert Lewandowski enjoyed the greatest goalscoring season ever seen in Bundesliga history. The lethal Polish striker claimed the European Golden Shoe after finding the net an astonishing 34 times in just 31 appearances during Die Roten’s relentless march towards the treble. Lewandowski’s freakish consistency saw him shatter Gerd Müller’s revered 40-goal calendar year record too. His breath-taking attacking exploits made Lewandowski the first non-German Footballer of the Year recipient since 1995.
2021: Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich
Lewandowski retained his title in style, netting another 41 goals in just 29 league games. No one could rival his incredible goalscoring exploits across another trophy-laden year.
Despite setting an almost unmatchable bar in 2020, Robert Lewandowski somehow reached even greater heights 12 months later. The Bayern Munich talisman smashed Gerd Muller’s mythical 40-goal Bundesliga season haul. He netted 41 times in only 29 games en route to retaining the European Golden Shoe. Lewandowski’s relentless attacking brilliance showcased an unrivaled combination of power, precision finishing and positional intelligence. His absurd goalscoring consistency fittingly earned back-to-back Footballer of the Year awards during one of the Bundesliga’s most dominant individual periods ever.
2022: Christopher Nkunku, RB Leipzig
Christopher Nkunku’s breakout season saw him score 35 goals and assist 13 more to carry Leipzig back into the Champions League. The all-action Frenchman was a revelation.
Christopher Nkunku announced himself as one of Europe’s most gifted rising stars after a sensational individual campaign placed him among Europe’s elite attackers. Operating centrally in a roaming role, Nkunku showcased pace, flair, ruthless finishing and creativity to plunder 35 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. The French phenom almost single-handedly fired RB Leipzig to Champions League qualification while outscoring Robert Lewandowski domestically. Bundesliga defenders simply had no answer for Nkunku’s unpredictability and efficient end product. His breakout season fittingly earned the 24-year-old Footballer of the Year recognition.
The list of winners features some of the greatest players to have played the sport – goalkeeping icons Oliver Kahn and Manuel Neuer; midfield generals Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger; forwards Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez, and Marco Reus. Recent superstars Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland show the Bundesliga continues housing some of the game’s top talents.
Ultimately, the proud roll call of German Footballer of the Year winners showcases the incredible breadth of talent to have graced German football during the 21st century. It immortalizes truly historic individual campaigns that propelled teams to glory. The award will continue honouring the Bundesliga’s best and brightest prospects for years to come.
