The 2010s were an unforgettable era for football as a whole, but it was also a huge turning point for the attraction to German football.
The Bundesliga took the world by storm, providing some incredibly talented players, many of whom helped the German national team to dominate at the 2014 World Cup. It was a time period that put German football at the forefront of the sport, often being regarded as the league with the highest level of quality.
Whether it be lethal forwards or pacy cult heroes, there are many nostalgic Bundesliga ballers who made a name in the 2010s.
As interest in the league grew globally during this time, so did the wider football ecosystem around it, including media coverage, fan engagement, and areas such as betting.
Marco Reus
Marco Reus was the heartbeat of Borussia Dortmund throughout much of the 2010s.
After impressing at Borussia Monchengladbach, he returned to Dortmund and became one of the most dominant players in the league, racking up over 100 goals and assists in the Bundesliga.
Although injuries tainted some of his career, his ability, flair, and loyalty to the Black and Yellow have established him as a club legend.
Arjen Robben
Football fans around the world will remember the impact Arjen Robben had at Bayern Munich and his international career after mediocre spells with Chelsea and Real Madrid.
His trademark cut inside from the right and finesse with his left foot changed how wingers played, becoming more direct.
His time in Germany has cemented him as one of the most lethal players of all time, providing various iconic moments of brilliance.
Robben is not just a Bayern legend, but a legend of the game.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined the Bundesliga in 2013, signing with Borussia Dortmund to be the understudy of prolific Lewandowski.
The forward scored a hat trick on his debut, which gained global attention for this striker with an incredible finish and pace that had not really been seen before.
He finished as league top scorer in 2016/17, leaving a year later to make a name for himself in the Premier League.
Alexander Meier
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Alexander Meier was one of the Bundesliga’s most endearing figures of the 2010s.
Towering and technical, Meier enjoyed long spells with Frankfurt and was the league’s top scorer in the 2014‑15 season, finding the net more than any other player in Germany’s top flight that year.
His connection with Frankfurt supporters and knack for big goals made him a cult hero, even if he never played for one of the biggest clubs in the league.
Raffael
Raffael was one of Borussia Monchengladbach’s biggest stars during the 2010s era, and even made a global name for himself outside of the Bundesliga.
The Brazilian attacker offered flair as well as an ability to score and create goals ever since he joined the Foals in 2013.
He helped the club to secure higher league finishes, which made him relatively popular amongst fans.
For many fans of the Foals, Raffael’s presence defined the look and feel of Mönchengladbach’s attack during much of the decade.
Kevin Großkreutz
Kevin Großkreutz’s story is one that evokes emotion and fond remembrance among Borussia Dortmund fans.
He is a great example of a player who joined his boyhood club and became a huge part of the success that Dortmund saw in the Bundesliga under Jurgen Klopp.
Großkreutz was credited for his immense work rate that allowed for versatility in both the defence and midfield, showing his passion for the club every time he stepped onto the pitch.
Although he wasn’t the biggest name, he was a fan favourite who played a huge part in back-to-back league titles.
Shinji Kagawa
Shinji Kagawa’s spells with Borussia Dortmund captured hearts through his ingenuity and eye for goal.
Joining in 2010, he was an early Asian pioneer in German football and quickly became a creative lynchpin in Dortmund’s attacking line.
Kagawa was a huge part of the midfield that helped win back-to-back Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp, and after a brief spell with Manchester United in the Premier League, he returned to Dortmund and continued his contribution to creating chances and finding the net.
André Schürrle
André Schürrle emerged as one of Germany’s most exciting young attackers in the early 2010s.
He started out at Mainz 05 and quickly gained the attention of Bayer Leverkusen, impressing with his quick pace and dangerous attacking style.
He later moved to Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg.
Although he retired at just 29, his iconic playstyle and memorable moments have made him a very nostalgic player when it comes to remembering the 2010s era of the Bundesliga.
Phillip Lahm
Phillip Lahm was an ideal leader for Bayern Munich throughout the 2010s, spending the majority of his career in Munich.
He came through the youth system and burst into the first team, taking on the captaincy role as someone who could perform in various positions.
The World Cup winner picked up 8 Bundesliga titles and 6 DFB Pokals, making him one of the most successful players the league has seen.
