German Premier League players of past and present

Which German footballers have played in the Premier League? Learn the past and present German players that have featured in the league, and which are the best!

From world-class playmakers like Mesut Ozil to clinical forwards like Jurgen Klinsmann, the Premier League has been treated to some incredible German footballers. Whether they’ve stunned onlookers for their technical abilities or their defensive nous, there have been many who’ve demonstrated elite footballing abilities.  Even currently, the league has some top German talents, with the likes of Florian Wirtz for Liverpool or Kai Havertz for Arsenal.

Because there have been so many, however, it’s hard to keep up with which Germans have played and currently play in the league. So, to make sure you’re all caught up, this blog will run you through the past and present German Premier League players. Keep reading to discover the best in history and to learn how many have featured! Or, why not explore the latest Premier League betting markets to back your favourite players.

Current German Premier League players

Below is a table that summarises the 13 current German players in the Premier League, highlighting their position, the club they play for, and the fee they moved for:

How many German players have played in the Premier League?

In total, there have been 90 German players that have played in the Premier League. This began back in 1992 when Stefan Beinlich and Matthias Breitkreutz both signed for Aston Villa.

More recently, however, we’ve seen marquee signings such as the British transfer record move of Florian Wirtz to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen and Nick Woltemade’s big money move to Newcastle from Stuttgart.

Who are the best German players in Premier League history?

Now it’s time to pick out the greatest Germans to have graced the Premier League, highlighting the best we’ve ever seen. The section below runs through the list, summarising their accomplishments and the legacy they left behind.

15. Lukas Podolski

Signing for Arsenal in 2012, Podolski was entrusted with the number nine shirt upon his arrival from 1. FC Koln. The forward remained at the Emirates until 2015, becoming known for his clinical finishing and role he played in the Gunners’ 2014 FA Cup victory.

His first campaign saw him hit the ground running, netting on 11 occasions – one of which was in the North London Derby against Tottenham – and grabbing ten assists too.

14. Shkodran Mustafi

Inconsistency was a letdown for Mustafi throughout his career, but after making over 150 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, he was a member of the Gunners’ defence for multiple seasons.

He began his time in England’s top flight at Goodison Park, joining in 2009 and remaining there until 2012. Returning to the Premier League in 2016, he was able to make a much bigger impact for Arsenal, winning two FA Cups during his time at the club.

13. Andre Schurrle

Despite having a relatively short career in the Premier League – only spending one and a half seasons at Chelsea – Andre Schurrle was an important part of the Blues’ title-winning season in 2014/15 even though he left in the January transfer window. He scored three goals, including a goal against title challengers Manchester City to earn an important 1-1 draw.

Frequently featuring in the attacking areas of the pitch, he often cropped up with vital goals and assists. He briefly returned to the Premier League on loan at Fulham in the 2018/19 season – making a further 24 appearances.

12. Emre Can

A crucial member of Liverpool’s early years under Jurgen Klopp, Emre Can helped build the foundations for the Premier League and Champions League-winning team that emerged in the years following his departure.

Can was highly versatile and offered various qualities to the Reds, with his stunning bicycle-kick against Watford being one of his standout moments in a Liverpool shirt.

11. Bernd Leno

German shot-stopper, Bernd Leno, held down the number one spot for multiple seasons at Arsenal following his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018. Since then, he’s moved to Fulham and established himself as their first-choice goalkeeper, further proving his top goalkeeping abilities with the Cottagers.

10. Robert Huth

Three-time Premier League winner, Robert Huth, was known for both his leadership and being a no-nonsense defender. Despite winning the league twice with Chelsea early in his career, his involvement in Leicester City’s 2015/16 miracle season stands out as more memorable.

His 322 appearances make him the highest appearing German in Premier League history, playing spells at clubs like the aforementioned Chelsea and Leicester, but also Middlesbrough and Stoke as well.

9. Per Mertesacker

He may have lacked pace, but Per Mertesacker more than made up for this with the commanding presence and intelligence in Arsenal’s backline. Despite not winning any Premier League titles, he helped the Gunners to win three FA Cup trophies.

The towering German defender had his most memorable moment in Arsenal’s 2017 FA Cup final win, making block after block despite having an injury-ridden campaign.

8. Leroy Sane

Signing for Manchester City in 2016, Leroy Sane was relatively unknown. When he left, however, he was recognised as an electrifying winger who brought both pace and clinical finishing. Winning back-to-back Premier League titles in 2017/18 and 2018/19, Sane’s four-year spell in the league left him with two league triumphs, including a 100-point season.

The German winger was a vital part of Pep Guardiola’s side and there’s no doubt he was integral to their dominance in this time.

7. Jens Lehmann

Part of the legendary Arsenal Invincibles season in 2003/04, Jens Lehmann was a tremendous shot-stopper and his leadership in goal was vital to the Gunners’ campaign. Throughout this special season, he kept 15 clean sheets, and he went on to win both the FA Cup and Community Shield with Arsenal as well.

His career spanned five years between 2003 and 2008, returning to the club for a brief spell in 2011.

6. Dietmar Hamann

A key figure in Liverpool’s midfield for seven years between 1999 and 2006, Dietmar Hamann was able to offer some top defensive qualities to the team. He was important in their 2005 Champions League win, scoring the first penalty of the decisive shootout.

Hamann also featured for Manchester City, Newcastle, and Bolton before he left the English top flight in 2009.

5. Jurgen Klinsmann

Elite forward Jurgen Klinsmann was a favourite among Tottenham fans during his spell at the club. His impact on the team was instant after he signed in 1994, helping to draw attention to the Premier League. He was recognisable for his movement and finishing, contributing towards him earning the FWA Footballer of the year award.

4. Antonio Rudiger

After signing for Chelsea from Roma in 2017, Antonio Rudiger was able to become a crucial part of their defence. He contributed greatly to their Champions League win in 2021 and delivered top-level performances across his spell with the Blues.

His unique ability to strike a ball from distance allowed him to crop up with some stunning goals, setting him apart from many defenders. Though not winning any Premier League titles, he was able to win the FA Cup on top of multiple European accolades.

3. Mesut Ozil

One of the most memorable and impressive players on this list, Mesut Ozil became one of Arsenal’s biggest transfers after moving from Real Madrid in 2013. On his day, Ozil was able to come up with some magical moments, being a wizard with the ball at his feet.

Across his time at the Emirates, Ozil was viewed differently among the fanbase, with some loving him and others preferring to move him on. Despite this, he remained at the club until 2021 and was instrumental to winning the FA Cup three times.

2. Michael Ballack

Midfield maestro Michael Ballack was a metronome in the middle of the park for Chelsea. He managed to play a large role in multiple second-place finishes and even a title-winning season in 2009/10.

Ballack also won the FA Cup on three occasions and the League Cup, providing qualities such as leadership and goalscoring abilities, helping to mark him as one of the best midfielders around.

1.  Ilkay Gundogan

Finally, first place goes to Manchester City legend Ilkay Gundogan. He may not be one of Man City’s best players ever, but he played a pivotal part in Pep Guardiola’s side dominating the Premier League. The German brought both intelligence and technical abilities, along with big goals when he was needed. This was especially prevalent in the 2021/22 campaign, with his two goals against Aston Villa winning them the title on the last day of the season.