Sport

The most successful sides in German Cup history

German football is known for its competitive edge and seeing high-profile clubs always pushing each other to their limit. In the German cup, or DFB-Pokal, this has been the case stretching back to the 1950s. Even during the West/East divide, the German Cup has been a competition that has enjoyed a strong following with fans and players alike. Over the years, 26 teams have won the tournament over the past few decades. However, who has been the most successful sides to lift the German Cup?

 

Eintracht Frankfurt (5 titles)

Eintracht are a team that has been through the motions during their existence and their successes in the German Cup are very much proof of this. Eintracht were hugely successful in the latter part of the 20th century winning the trophy 4 times. This included back-t0-back trophies in 1974 and 1975 where a mix of famous foreign imports and rising stars helped Frankfurt to their first taste of major silverware. More success followed in the 1980s in particular a close win on away goals against Borussia Monchengladbach in 1981 when the cup final was still a two-legged affair. After a fourth win in 1988, Eintracht would have to wait 30 years for their next win. This came in a 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in a match remembered for coach Niko Kovac leaving Eintracht leaving to join Bayern just weeks later.

 

Borussia Dortmund (5 titles)

For all of Dortmund’s success as a club, it is kind of surprising to see the club’s history in the German Cup to be so scattered. Having amassed a 50% success rate in finals, Borussia have 5 titles in their varied history. After claiming their maiden trophy back in 1965, BVB would only add a second title to their collection in 1989 destroying Werder Bremen 4-1 in the final. The 21st century would be much kinder with Dortmund winning three titles during the 2010s. Under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, Dortmund won the 2012 edition matching the titles they earned in the Bundesliga itself. They would add more silverware to their trophy in 2017 beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 and winning again in 2021 reminding everyone of their title-winning pedigree.

 

Schalke 04 (5 titles)

Fewer clubs have quite a rich history in the German Cup than Schalke. Their first win came in 1937 at the expense of Fortuna Dusseldorf which was a shock given the club’s dominance during the pre-war era. They would win just one more cup trophy in the 20th century defeating Kaiserslautern 5-0 in 1972 – a record defeat in the cup’s history then. Die Konigsblauen’s fortunes changed in the 2000s winning two titles in consecutive fashion in 2001 and 2002. After this, they would add yet more success in 2011 equalling their 1972 record as they beat MSV Duisburg 5-0. This remains Schalke’s last major trophy and the club looks to rebuild and regroup over the coming years after a tumultuous 2010s.

 

Werder Bremen (6 titles)

One of the perennial frontrunners in Germany football, Werder Bremen have always been a team knowing for pushing their limits. They have done this with much success in the German Cup winning it no less than 6 times. After an initial win in 1961, Werder would dominate the DFB-Pokal for much of the 1990s. They did this by winning the cup three times in the decade doing so in 1991, 1994 and then 1999. This success carried on into the millennium becoming just the third German side to complete the domestic double after winning the 2004 trophy. Their last success came in 2009 where they beat Hamburg to secure their final major trophy in recent memory.

 

Bayern Munich (20 titles)

Just like most things in German football, Bayern Munich are the team to beat when it comes to chasing a record. Bayern have dominated the DFB-Pokal winning it 20 times – more than the next three clubs combined. They have always been regular finalists and their success has been immeasurable across the decades.  This has been particularly true in the 21st century where over half of their wins have occurred. Amazingly, Bayern won 5 titles in both the 2000s and 2010s vanquishing any opponent that stood in their way. With their 20th title coming in 2020, it has ensured that Bayern have won the German Cup at least once every decade since their initial success back in 1957. An excellent effort that shines through generations.