Longest serving one club men in Bundesliga. The Bundesliga has been graced by many one-club men over the years who spent their entire careers devoted to a single team. In the modern game of rapid transfers and short-term player contracts, the concept of a one-club player is becoming increasingly rare. Here we take a more in-depth look at some of the longest continuously serving players across the top German clubs.
Thomas Müller – Bayern Munich
At Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller has been a mainstay since making his debut in 2008 at the age of 18. Now 33, the versatile forward has spent over 15 years at Bayern, an almost unheard of longevity at the biggest clubs. With over 650 appearances and 230 goals for Die Roten, Muller has won every major club honour multiple times, including 10 Bundesliga titles. A true one-club man and symbol of Bayern’s sustained success, Muller continues to be an important first-team player and is the club’s longest serving current player.
Christian Günter – SC Freiburg
Christian Gunter has been a rock at the back for Freiburg since joining their youth setup in 2005. Making over 350 appearances so far, the dependable left-back has been a mainstay of Christian Streich’s side for over 17 years. At 31, Gunter remains a key player for the consistent mid-table side and is the embodiment of Freiburg’s identity as a breeding ground for young German talent.
Tony Jantschke РBorussia M̦nchengladbach
Tony Jantschke, who joined the youth academy of Borussia Monchengladbach in 2002, is another one-club man. After more than 300 games and two decades, the adaptable defender continues to be strong at the age of 34. Jantschke has played in both European football leagues and Gladbach’s relegation struggles, but he has never wavered in his commitment. His consistency and leadership have been invaluable for Die Fohlen.
Yussuf Poulsen – RB Leipzig
Yussuf Poulsen has been with RB Leipzig since making the move from Lyngby in 2013. Starting out in the lower leagues, the Danish forward has risen with the club and is now a key part of their established Bundesliga and European presence. At just 27, Poulsen’s best years may still be ahead but he has already notched over 250 games, establishing himself as one of Leipzig’s most important players of the last decade.
Norman Theuerkauf – 1.FC Heidenheim 1846
Norman Theuerkauf has been a stalwart presence for 1. FC Heidenheim since joining their youth academy in 2010 at just 18 years old. The versatile midfielder has notched over 300 appearances for the club in that time, experiencing their rise from the lower regional leagues to an established second-tier side. Now 30, Theuerkauf continues to be an important leader both on and off the pitch as Heidenheim chase their dream of Bundesliga promotion. His unwavering dedication to the cause and relentless work ethic have made him a fan favorite, as he always gives his best for the badge. His tenure of more than 13 years without a break is particularly noteworthy given Heidenheim’s lack of prominence in the Bundesliga.
Maximilian Arnold – VfL Wolfsburg
Maximilian Arnold joined Wolfsburg’s youth program in 2008 and has been a member of the team ever since. At just 27, the adaptable midfielder has made over 300 games and is currently the club captain. He is a vital member of their midfield. Arnold embodies the spirit of the Volkswagen-backed club with his hard work and consistency.
Stefan Bell – 1.FSV Mainz 05
Stefan Bell has been a mainstay for Mainz since joining from Nurnberg in 2012, notching over 250 appearances so far. The solid center back has seen both European football and the club’s relegation struggles, but he has never wavered in his commitment to the cause. Bell is still a crucial leader for the side at thirty.
Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund
After leaving Gladbach in 2012, Marco Reus has had a career filled with injuries but also filled with accolades at Borussia Dortmund. When fit, the talented playmaker has dazzled fans with his skills and goals, helping the club to titles. Approaching 200 appearances, Reus’ loyalty to Dortmund is admirable given his constant fitness troubles.
Oliver Baumann – TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Oliver Baumann has been the long-serving goalkeeper for Hoffenheim since joining from Mainz in 2008. Approaching 400 appearances, the shot-stopper has experienced the club’s rise up the Bundesliga ranks and into Europe. At 32, Baumann is still going strong between the sticks.
Fabian Holland – Darmstadt
Fabian Holland is a true stalwart for Darmstadt, having joined their youth setup in 2010. Approaching 300 appearances, the versatile midfielder has captained the side and experienced both the 2. Bundesliga and Bundesliga with the club. Holland embodies Darmstadt’s spirit and work ethic.
Jonathan Tah – Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Jonathan Tah has been a mainstay at the back for Bayer Leverkusen since joining their youth academy in 2013. At the young age of 26, the towering center defender has already made over 200 starts for Die Werkself. Tah’s leadership and quality have been key to Leverkusen’s Bundesliga and European campaigns.
Milos Veljkovic – SV Werder Bremen
Milos Veljkovic has been a rock in central defence for Werder Bremen since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017. Approaching 150 appearances, the Serbian international has helped steady the ship during some turbulent times at the club. Veljkovic’s consistent displays have made him a fan favourite on the Weser.
So in conclusion, these players represent the dying breed of one-club men in the modern game. Their loyalty and longevity serving a single team for nearly a decade or more is a rarity that deserves recognition. They are symbols of consistency and inspiration for the next generation.
