Top 10 players with the most appearances in Bundesliga history

The Bundesliga is the top division of German football, with a rich history and heritage. Some of the greatest footballers of all time have played in Germany, with a select few racking up more than 500 league appearances. In this MadMarket blog, we run through the Top 10 players with the most appearances in Bundesliga history.

1. Karl-Heinz ‘Charly’ Körbel – 602 Bundesliga appearances​ 

Karl-Heinz Körbel’s dedication to Eintracht Frankfurt is legendary, with a record 602 Bundesliga appearances solely for the club from 1972 to 1991. His defensive skills were pivotal in Eintracht’s four DFB-Pokal victories and their UEFA Cup triumph in 1980. A standout moment was his decisive goal in the 1975 DFB-Pokal final against MSV Duisburg, securing a 1-0 win. In 1989, Körbel’s crucial header against Hannover 96 ensured Eintracht avoided relegation. Remarkably, throughout his extensive career, he was never sent off. Post-retirement, Körbel continued his association with Eintracht, taking on various roles, including coaching and managing the club’s football academy. 

2. Manfred Kaltz – 581 Bundesliga appearances​ 

Manfred Kaltz was a mainstay at Hamburger SV (HSV) from 1971 to 1991, aside from two seasons spent in France. Kaltz was known for his exceptional crossing ability, especially his “banana crosses”. His partnership with striker Horst Hrubesch was prolific and they were instrumental in HSV’s Bundesliga title in the 1978-79 season and their run to the European Cup final in 1980. Kaltz’s offensive approach from the right-back position redefined the role, making him one of the most influential full-backs of his era. 

3. Oliver Kahn – 557 Bundesliga appearances​ 

Oliver Kahn’s career began at Karlsruher SC, but his move to Bayern Munich in 1994 elevated him to international prominence. Over 14 seasons with Bayern, he secured eight Bundesliga titles and the 2001 Champions League. Kahn was renowned for his intense demeanor and leadership, often making crucial saves in important matches. His performance in the 2001 Champions League final, where he saved three penalties in the shootout against Valencia, was particularly memorable. After retiring in 2008, Kahn transitioned into broadcasting and later took on executive roles, including serving as Bayern’s CEO. 

4. Klaus Fichtel – 552 Bundesliga appearances​ 

Klaus Fichtel’s longevity in football is remarkable, playing until he was 43. His Bundesliga journey included significant stints at Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen. As a defender, Fichtel was known for his tactical intelligence and consistency. His leadership was vital during Schalke’s strong performances in the 1970s, including their DFB-Pokal win in 1972. Fichtel’s ability to read the game allowed him to perform at a high level well into his 40s, making him one of the oldest players to feature in the Bundesliga. 

5. Miroslav ‘Mirko’ Votava – 546 Bundesliga appearances​ 

Miroslav Votava’s career spanned two decades, with notable periods at Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen. As a defensive midfielder, he was celebrated for his endurance and ball-winning capabilities. Votava’s consistency and professionalism made him a central figure in Bremen’s successes during the late 1980s and early 1990s. 

6. Klaus Fischer – 535 Bundesliga Appearances​ 

Klaus Fischer was renowned for his acrobatic bicycle kicks and is one of the Bundesliga’s top scorers with 268 goals. His career included time with 1860 Munich, Schalke 04, 1. FC Köln, and VfL Bochum. A defining moment was his bicycle kick goal in the 1982 World Cup semi-final against France, which was pivotal in West Germany’s progression to the final. His flair and goal-scoring prowess have left an indelible mark on German football. 

7. Eike Immel – 534 Bundesliga Appearances​ 

Eike Immel’s goalkeeping career featured significant periods at Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart. He was Stuttgart’s goalkeeper during their Bundesliga-winning campaign in 1991-92. Immel was known for his shot-stopping abilities and consistency, which earned him a place in the German national team, included in squads for major tournaments like the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. After retiring, he ventured into coaching as well as media appearances. 

8. Manuel Neuer – 521 Bundesliga Appearances (and counting) 

Manuel Neuer has revolutionized the role of the goalkeeper in modern football. Starting his Bundesliga journey at Schalke 04, he gained recognition for his fearless style and incredible reflexes. His move to Bayern Munich in 2011 saw him evolve into a “sweeper-keeper,” often acting as an extra defender thanks to his anticipation and distribution skills. Neuer’s heroics in the 2013 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona and his match-winning saves throughout the 2014 World Cup with Germany cemented his legendary status. Domestically, he has been crucial to Bayern’s dominance, winning 11 Bundesliga titles. A defining moment in his Bundesliga career was a jaw-dropping fingertip save against Marco Reus in the April 2015 Klassiker that kept Bayern’s title race on track. Now into his late 30s and still performing at the highest level, Neuer extended his contract into 2026, showing he is not done yet. His legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history is firmly sealed. 

9. Willi Neuberger – 520 Bundesliga Appearances​ 

Willi Neuberger’s versatility allowed him to play both as a defender and midfielder. His Bundesliga journey took him through clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen and Eintracht Frankfurt. At Frankfurt, he was part of the squad that won the UEFA Cup in 1980. Neuberger’s adaptability and consistent performances made him an asset to every team he played for. Even after retiring, he remained connected to football, celebrating milestones with Eintracht Frankfurt. 

10. Michael Lameck – 518 Bundesliga Appearances 

Michael Lameck is a true icon of VfL Bochum, spending nearly his entire Bundesliga career with the club from 1972 to 1988. A tireless left-sided player, Lameck was known for his work-rate, crossing ability and consistency. Although not the flashiest player on the pitch, his discipline and reliability made him indispensable for Bochum throughout the 1970s and 80s. His loyalty to a mid-table club and his consistency earned him immense respect from teammates and fans alike. 

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