# Who is the best defender in Germany national team history?

> From legendary sweepers to modern-era giants of the backline, Germany has produced defenders who set the standard for the world. Who is the greatest?

*By YPB Team · Published May 24, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-defender-in-germany-national-team-history*

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## Current results (1 vote)

1. **Philipp Lahm** — score 1000/1000
   Germany's exceptional captain and 2014 World Cup winner who is considered the greatest full-back of his generation and possibly of all time.
2. **Mats Hummels** — score 814/1000
   Germany's technically outstanding centre-back who was the defensive leader of the 2014 World Cup-winning team.
3. **Andreas Brehme** — score 666/1000
   Germany's dependable left-back who scored the winning penalty in the 1990 World Cup final against Argentina.
4. **Friedrich (Fritz) Walter** — score 666/1000
   Germany's legendary captain from the 1950s who led Germany to the 1954 World Cup miracle — often played as an attacking midfielder but was a defensive linchpin.
5. **Paul Breitner** — score 475/1000
   Germany's attacking left-back who scored in the 1974 World Cup final and was one of the most complete defenders of his era.
6. **Karl-Heinz Schnellinger** — score 475/1000
   Germany's classic left-back of the 1960s who was one of the most accomplished defenders of his era at international level.
7. **Benedikt Höwedes** — score 475/1000
   Germany's versatile defender who played out of position at left-back throughout the 2014 World Cup and was part of the triumphant squad.

Tags: sports, germany, football, players, legends, national teams