Bayern Munich is a club steeped in history, boasting a rich tradition of success both domestically and internationally. Over the years, the Bavarians have produced some of the greatest footballing talents the world has ever seen. From clinical strikers to world-class midfielders and towering defenders, Bayern has always been home to footballing royalty. But if we were to distil their illustrious history into a 5-a-side format — where quick thinking, creativity, and tight play are key — which players would make the cut?

In this article, we’ll dive into the best all-time 5-a-side team for Bayern Munich, exploring the legendary players who would thrive in a small-sided game. Whether it’s their technical prowess, leadership, or ability to create magic in tight spaces, each player on this list has left an indelible mark on the club’s history.

As always, let us know your thoughts on the team we’ve selected, and if you have any changes you’d make to the team to celebrate the great players of this historic club. You can get in touch with us on all the usual places (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin), and if you haven’t already, then do check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (2011-Present)

Honours Include: 11x Bundesliga, 2x Champions League, 2x Club World Cup, 5x DFB-Pokal

The ultimate “sweeper-keeper,” Neuer is perfect for 5-a-side, where quick reflexes, distribution, and ability to play as an extra outfield player are crucial. His dominance in one-on-one situations makes him an obvious choice. A key figure in Bayern’s multiple Bundesliga titles and the 2013 & 2020 Champions League triumphs.

Honourable Mention: Oliver Kahn – Kahn was a commanding presence with incredible shot-stopping ability and a fierce mentality. His leadership and aggression would make him a brick wall in goal.

Defender: Franz Beckenbauer (1964-1977)

Honours Include: 5x Bundesliga, 3x European Cup, 2x Ballon d’Or, 4x DFB Pokal

The greatest defender in Bayern’s history, “Der Kaiser” was elegant on the ball, tactically brilliant, and comfortable stepping into midfield—a dream for a 5-a-side team. His leadership and vision would make him a rock at the back while also launching attacks.

Honourable Mention: Phillip Lahm – Lahm was a defensive genius with unmatched intelligence and tactical awareness. His ability to play multiple positions and dictate play makes him ideal for 5-a-side.

Midfielder: Lothar Matthäus (1984-2000)

Honours Include: 7x Bundesliga, Ballon d’Or, UEFA Cup, 3x DFB-Pokal

A midfield powerhouse, Matthäus combined defensive steel with attacking flair. His ability to drive forward, break up play, and score from distance makes him an ideal pick. As a Ballon d’Or winner and Germany’s most capped player, he was dominant for club and country.

Honourable Mention: Bastian Schweinsteiger – A complete midfielder with an incredible passing range, tenacity, and leadership. Schweinsteiger could dictate the tempo and add defensive steel.

Midfielder: Thomas Muller (2008-Present)

Honours Include: 12x Bundesliga, 2x Champions League, 2x Club World Cup, 6x DFB-Pokal

Müller’s “Raumdeuter” (space interpreter) ability makes him invaluable in tight spaces. His intelligence, work rate, and knack for finding the net or providing an assist would thrive in 5-a-side. A Bayern legend with 10+ Bundesliga titles and multiple Champions League wins.

Honourable Mention: Arjen Robben – Robben’s dribbling, speed, and signature left-footed shot make him a nightmare for defenders in small-sided games. His ability to create chances and score from anywhere is perfect for 5-a-side.

Forward: Gerd Müller (1964-1979)

Honours Include: 4x Bundesliga, 3x European Cup, Ballon d’Or, 4x DFB-Pokal

Quite simply, the most lethal striker in Bayern’s history. “Der Bomber” scored an astonishing 566 goals for Bayern. In a small-sided game, his sharp movement and clinical finishing would be unstoppable.

Honourable Mention: Robert Lewandowski – One of the most complete strikers in football history, Lewandowski had pace, power, technical ability, and a clinical eye for goal. His movement and finishing would be deadly in 5-a-side.

Let us know your thoughts on the selection for this 5-a-side team. Did we balance the history, the star quality, the trophies and the usefulness in a 5-a-side context for our selections, or do you have any suggested changes we could make to our selection.

Give us your thoughts over on Bluesky, Instagram or Twitter, and feel free to suggest your own selections for the team and we can compare who would come out on top.