Despite never winning the Bundesliga in their history, Bayer Leverkusen remains one of the best German football clubs in the last three decades. Die Werkself reached the Champions League final in 2002, sadly losing it to Real Madrid while finishing second in the Bundesliga on five occasions. But who are the best Bayer Leverkusen players of all time? Who are the players who shaped the narrative of this charismatic club?
Founded at the beginning of the 20th Century, Bayer Leverkusen rose to prominence during the 80s and the 90s – that’s when they started to prove themselves as a powerhouse in German soccer. Backed by pharma giants Bayer, Leverkusen won the UEFA Cup in 1988 when they beat Espanyol in the final. In 1993, Leverkusen won its second trophy as they triumphed in the DFB Pokal for the first time.
2002 was one of the best but also the saddest years in Bayer Leverkusen’s history. That’s when the players got the nickname “The Nearly Men.” Why? They had the chance to win the treble but finished second in three different competitions – the Bundesliga, the Champions League, and the DFB Pokal. It was heartbreaking for the fans, but it was a fearsome Leverkusen side that eliminated teams like Liverpool and Manchester United in the Champions League knockout phase. Coached by former German international Klaus Toppmöller, this Leverkusen team had some incredible players, such as Michael Ballack, Ze Roberto, Lucio, Bernd Schneider, Oliver Neuville and young Dimitar Berbatov. It was a pure dream team in Bayer’s history.
So, who are the best Bayer Leverkusen players ever? Who are the players who have won the fans’ hearts throughout the years? It’s an excellent time to talk about this now.
Best Bayer Leverkusen Players of All Time – Who Are They?
Ulf Kirsten
Known for his impressive heading ability, Ulf Kirsten is remembered by fans as one of the most respected Leverkusen legends. He’s the first player in football to reach 100 caps while playing for two national teams – East Germany and then unified Germany.
Starting his career at Dynamo Dresden, Kirsten played as a striker for Bayer Leverkusen between 1990 and 2003. He scored a total of 237 goals in 446 appearances for the club – many of them with his head. Kirsten won just one trophy with the team – the DFB Pokal, but on three occasions won the Bundesliga Golden Boot – in 1993, 1997, and 1998. Despite his height of just 1.72 m, Ulf Kirsten was a striker who could direct the ball anywhere he wanted with his heading.
Ze Roberto
Despite playing just four seasons for Leverkusen between 2002 and 2006, the former Brazilian international Ze Roberto will remain probably the most impressive left wing-back the club ever had. In 2006, he moved to Bayern Munich, but during his spell at the BayArena, he won the fans’ hearts because of his enormous quality.
Quick, technical, and very versatile, Ze Roberto was a true gem for his coaches. Because of his vision and passing ability, he also had the needed qualities to play as a midfielder. Sadly, he missed Leverkusen’s Champions League final in 2002 as he was booked in the 1/2-final against Manchester United.
Ze Roberto finished his career with 86 appearances for Brazil, and he later won the Bundesliga four times with Bayern Munich’s shirt. Ze Roberto represented Brazil at the World Cup and won Copa America twice.
Michael Ballack
A crucial part of Bayer Leverkusen’s Nearly Men, Michael Ballack became a superstar while wearing Die Werkself’s shirt between 1999 and 2002. Just like Ze Roberto, Ballack eventually moved to Bayern Munich but finished his career at the BayArena for two seasons between 2010 and 2012. He also spent four seasons at Chelsea, while he captained Germany’s national team and made 98 appearances for Die Mannschaft. In 2002, Ballack helped Germany reach the 2002 World Cup final against Brazil, but he missed the game because of suspension.
In his prime, Michael Ballack was a fearsome midfielder. He was a strong player in terms of physicality, but he also had terrific passing ability, which allowed him to play in several different positions in midfield. He was an excellent taker of set pieces and had an impressive shot that allowed him to score many goals.
The Michael Ballack Bayer Leverkusen era was exceptional as he played some of the best football in his career. The only thing he could not do for the club was to win a trophy, although he was very close.
Lucio
One of the Bayer Leverkusen best players ever is Lucio – the terrifying Brazilian center-back who won the World Cup with Seleção in 2002. He spent four seasons with Leverkusen’s shirt before switching to Bayern Munich, and he was a true example of a defensive masterclass. Lucio was arguably one of the best center-backs of his generation. In 2010, he was vital to Inter Milan for winning the treble.
In terms of physicality, Lucio had everything needed to terrorize the opponent attackers. He was tall and strong but also tactically intelligent. He was not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the strikers and was pretty brilliant in the air, too.
Lucio played 122 games for Leverkusen in all competitions and even scored the team’s goal during the 2002 Champions League final against Real Madrid. He found the net 21 times for the club, which is an excellent ratio for a defender.
Jens Nowotny
Jens Nowotny is another one of Bayer Leverkusen’s greatest players. An incredibly loyal center-back, Nowotny served the club for 10 years between 1996 and 2006. Although plagued by injuries in the last few seasons of his career, Nowotny was a solid defender who made 48 appearances for the national team, too.
During his time in Leverkusen, Jens Nowotny played almost 300 official games for Die Werkself. He helped the team to reach the Champions League final before finishing his career in Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb’s shirt.
Jens Nowotny is one of the players we can hardly call superstars but fan-favorites because of their commitment, hard work, and loyalty. Every club needs players like him.
Bernd Schneider
A midfield maestro who reached the World Cup final with Germany in 2002, Bernd Schneider is probably the best number 10 in Bayer Leverkusen’s history. A gifted playmaker known for his dribbling skills, technique, and creativity, Schneider earned himself the nickname “The White Brazilian.”
Bernd Schneider provided many goals for his teammates but also knew how to score himself, thanks to his shooting ability. Although the position of the playmaker is dying in modern soccer, Schneider is a pure example of how much fun it was to watch players like him.
On the international level, Bernd Schneider played 81 times for Germany and scored four goals.
Stefan Kießling
With 12 seasons with the club, 444 games, and 162 goals, Stefan Kießling is a true Leverkusen legend. Signed from Nürnberg, the striker wore Die Werkself’s shirt between 2006 and 2018. He didn’t win any trophies but remains a fan favorite, thanks to his consistent scoring.
Kießling played his best season for Bayer Leverkusen during the 2012/13 campaign, scoring 27 goals in all competitions – 25 in the Bundesliga alone. His performances earned him just six caps for the German national team, so he remains an underrated striker. But a capable one, for sure. His height of 1.91 m helped him boss the air and score many headers.
Hans-Jörg Butt
Known as a goalkeeper who scores goals, Hans-Jörg Butt was the starting goalie for the Nearly Men in the legendary 2001/02 season. He was the goalkeeper who had to concede Zinedine Zidane’s legendary volley in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. It was bad luck, but at least he witnessed it from a close distance!
Butt defended Leverkusen’s colors between 2001 and 2007 after his move from Hamburger SV. He managed to score 8 goals for the club despite being a goalkeeper – he was a pretty good penalty-taker. He made a few appearances for the German national team, too.
Just like many other Leverkusen legends, Hans-Jörg Butt also played for Bayern Munich as well. He finished his career in the Bavarian capital in 2012.
Oliver Neuville
Pretty short with a height of 1.71 m, but very agile and vibrant in the penalty area, Oliver Neuville was one of the most dangerous players in the team of the Nearly Men. He scored some decisive goals on the road to the Champions League final, playing for Leverkusen between 1999 and 2004. He scored 55 goals in 223 appearances for the club.
Although many fans probably don’t remember him now, Oliver Neuville represented Germany at the World Cup twice. He started against Brazil in the World Cup final in 2002, partnering Miroslav Klose in the attack.
Dimitar Berbatov
In 2001, Bayer Leverkusen made a risky move when they signed a young but talented Bulgarian striker named Dimitar Berbatov. But the gamble paid off because he became one of the best talents in the Bundesliga.
Sometimes called a lazy genius, Berbatov became a superstar in the English Premier League, but before that, he proved himself in Germany. The Bulgarian striker scored 91 goals in all competitions for Bayer, some of them real beauties as well. In 2006, he moved to Tottenham Hotspur, but the fans still remember some of his performances on the pitch.
Berbatov’s playing style is undoubtedly unforgettable. Some might say he didn’t like to run very much, but he was a true maestro when he had the ball. Gifted with a divine first touch, Berbatov knew how to impress the crowd. There are few players like him in terms of the way he played.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Bayer Leverkusen’s best player of all time?
Most probably, it is Michael Ballack. Few players were as influential to the team’s performances as Ballack. One of the best midfielders of his generation, he was a true inspiration for the team when in his prime.
Who made the most appearances for Bayer Leverkusen?
Leverkusen’s former goalkeeper Rüdiger Vollborn is the club’s most-capped player. Between 1982 and 1999, Vollborn played 483 times for the team.
Who scored the most goals for Leverkusen?
Ulf Kirsten is Bayer Leverkusen’s top scorer of all time. He scored 240 goals for the club.
