March 30, 2025 – The Bundesliga has been a stage for some of soccer’s greatest strikers since its kickoff in 1963. From jaw-dropping records to unforgettable moments, these goalscorers have etched their names into German football lore. Let’s dive into the top 10 all-time Bundesliga goalscorers and celebrate the icons who made history.
1. Gerd Müller – The Unstoppable Bomber
With a staggering 365 goals, Gerd Müller sits atop the Bundesliga all-time goalscorers list. Playing for Bayern Munich from 1964 to 1979, “Der Bomber” averaged 0.85 goals per game. His 40-goal haul in 1971-72 stood as a single-season record for decades, cementing his legacy as one of football’s finest finishers.
2. Robert Lewandowski – The Modern Maestro
Robert Lewandowski’s 312 goals place him second, a tally built across stints at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. The Polish striker smashed Müller’s single-season record with 41 goals in 2020-21 and claimed seven Torjägerkanone awards. By 2025, his move to Barcelona has left this mark untouchable for now.
3. Klaus Fischer – Schalke’s Bicycle King
Klaus Fischer racked up 268 goals, mostly with Schalke 04, dazzling fans with his acrobatic flair. His 1975-76 season (34 goals) earned him the Torjägerkanone, and his longevity across 535 games keeps him third among Bundesliga goalscorers.
4. Jupp Heynckes – Gladbach’s Golden Boot
Jupp Heynckes notched 220 goals, primarily for Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he won two scoring titles. Known later as a top coach, his 0.73 goals-per-game ratio from 1965 to 1978 highlights his prowess as a Bundesliga striker.
5. Manfred Burgsmüller – Dortmund’s Unsung Hero
Manfred Burgsmüller’s 213 goals came across four clubs, with 135 for Borussia Dortmund. His career stretched from 1969 to 1990, and though trophies were scarce, his consistency made him a fan favorite until his passing in 2019.
6. Claudio Pizarro – The Peruvian Pioneer
Claudio Pizarro scored 197 goals over a 20-year Bundesliga career, shining at Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen. Retiring in 2020, he remains the league’s top foreign scorer after Lewandowski, with a record for longevity at age 40.
7. Ulf Kirsten – Leverkusen’s Loyal Star
Ulf Kirsten’s 182 goals—all for Bayer Leverkusen—earned him three Torjägerkanone crowns (1992-93, 1996-97, 1997-98). The East German striker’s relentless finishing made him a standout in the 1990s and early 2000s.
8. Stefan Kuntz – The Journeyman’s Touch
Stefan Kuntz bagged 179 goals across multiple clubs like Bochum and Kaiserslautern. His three scoring titles and a 1991 Bundesliga win with Kaiserslautern showcase his knack for finding the net, despite a modest 0.40 goals-per-game average.
9. Klaus Allofs – A Two-Club Titan
Klaus Allofs matched Kuntz with 177 goals, splitting his haul between Fortuna Düsseldorf and Köln. Two Torjägerkanone wins and a later title with Werder Bremen in 1988 underline his impact as a versatile forward.
10. Dieter Müller – The One-Game Wonder
Dieter Müller rounds out the list with 177 goals, including a record six in one match for Köln against Werder Bremen in 1977. His two scoring titles and clutch performances keep him among the Bundesliga all-time goalscorers.