Bayer Leverkusen have long produced and developed outstanding talent, from the heartbreak of 2002 to a first, invincible Bundesliga title. These are the ten finest of Die Werkself.

1. 1

   Michael Ballack

   Bayer Leverkusen · Germany

   A commanding, goalscoring midfielder and the star of the 2002 near-treble side.

2. 2

   Ulf Kirsten

   Bayer Leverkusen · Germany

   The club’s record goalscorer and a prolific presence across a decade.

3. 3

   Bernd Schneider

   Bayer Leverkusen · Germany

   A long-serving, silky winger nicknamed “White Brazilian”.

4. 4

   Florian Wirtz

   Bayer Leverkusen · Germany

   A generational talent who inspired the club’s first, unbeaten Bundesliga title.

5. 5

   Stefan Kießling

   Bayer Leverkusen · Germany

   A long-serving, dependable striker and a Bundesliga top scorer.

6. 6

   Lúcio

   Bayer Leverkusen · Brazil

   A dynamic, ball-carrying defender at the core of the 2002 side.

7. 7

   Zé Roberto

   Bayer Leverkusen · Brazil

   A tireless, elegant midfielder who drove the club’s finest team.

8. 8

   Simon Rolfes

   Bayer Leverkusen · Germany

   A composed midfield anchor and long-serving captain.

9. 9

   Jens Nowotny

   Bayer Leverkusen · Germany

   A classy, commanding centre-back and leader of the near-treble team.

10. 10

    Hans-Jörg Butt

    Bayer Leverkusen · Germany

    A reliable, penalty-scoring goalkeeper of the club’s golden era.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.