It’s a question that stirs debate among Black & Yellow faithfuls and football statisticians alike: who is the top scorer in Borussia Dortmund history? To many, names like Reus, Aubameyang, or even Haaland flash to mind. Yet the top of the list holds a figure from the post-war era whose record still stands tall. In this article, IndiGoal dives deep to reveal the answer — and explore the legends, the numbers, and the stories behind Dortmund’s greatest goalscorers.
Dortmund’s all-time scoring table: who leads the charts
When we talk about top scorer in Borussia Dortmund history, we’re referring to total goals across all official competitions — league, cup, regional, European matches, etc. Based on historical records:
- The leading scorer is Alfred Preißler, who netted 177 goals in 274 appearances for Dortmund.
- Next comes Marco Reus, with 170 goals in over 400 appearances.
- After them, Michael Zorc clocks in with 159 goals in 572 matches.
- Rounding out the top four is Manfred Burgsmüller, with 158 goals.
- Other legends like Friedhelm Konietzka (155) and Lothar Emmerich (148) also feature prominently.
These figures place Preißler at the pinnacle of Dortmund’s scoring pantheon, just edging Reus and Zorc for the crown.
Preißler’s accomplishment is especially impressive when you account for the era he played in, with fewer matches.
The life and legacy of Alfred Preißler
###, Alfred Preißler joined Borussia Dortmund in the early 1950s, after earlier spells elsewhere in German football. He became a linchpin for Dortmund in the Oberliga era (pre-Bundesliga), thriving in a time when ball conditions, pitch quality, and even defensive systems were markedly tougher. His partnership with teammates, powerful finishing, and consistency over many seasons made him a household name among BVB supporters.
He dazzled in domestic competitions, regional leagues, and cup matches alike. Though he played in an era less documented by media than today’s spotlight, archival statistics affirm his dominance: 177 goals in 274 matches translate to a scoring rate that remains excellent by any standard.
Why his record still endures
You might wonder how a player from the ‘50s could remain unbeaten in Dortmund’s history when modern attackers have more matches, more games, and more scoring chances. Several factors help explain that:
- Fewer matches per season – during Preißler’s time, seasons had less fixture congestion, giving fewer chances to accumulate goals.
- Absence of continental overloads – later players often rotate or rest in certain competitions, whereas Preißler tended to play regularly in all.
- Historical consistency – Preißler maintained his scoring form year after year, avoiding prolonged dips or injury-plagued seasons.
- Shifting roles in modern football – many modern players, even forwards, have broader duties, dee, it’s a testament to Preißler’s legacy that no later star has breached his goal total for Dortmund.
Other legends: who sits near the summit
While Preißler stands alone at No. 1, the surrounding company is rich and storied.
- Marco Reus: A modern icon, Reus has blended goals with flair, leadership, and loyalty. Reaching 170 goals is exceptional for a midfielder-forward hybrid.
- Michael Zorc: A Dortmund man through and through, Zorc’s longevity (572 matches) and scoring showcase his critical role in the club’s modern rise.
- Manfred Burgsmüller: His 158 goals came in a shorter span (252 matches), highlighting his ruthless efficiency.
- Friedhelm Konietzka: With 155 goals in just 196 matches, many remember him for both scoring and playing in a golden Dortmund era.
- Lothar Emmerich: A speedster and prolific marksman, Emmerich hit 148 goals in 249 outings, shining especially in the 1960s.
Here’s a snapshot of the top 10 scorers for Dortmund:
| Rank | Player | Goals | Appearances |
| 1 | Alfred Preißler | 177 | 274 |
| 2 | Marco Reus | 170 | 429 |
| 3 | Michael Zorc | 159 | 572 |
| 4 | Manfred Burgsmüller | 158 | 252 |
| 5 | Friedhelm Konietzka | 155 | 196 |
| 6 | Lothar Emmerich | 148 | 249 |
| 7 | Jürgen Schütz | 143 | 214 |
| 8 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | 141 | 213 |
| 9 | Alfred Niepieklo | 125 | 201 |
| 10 | Alfred Kelbassa | 124 | 218 |
These names span Dortmund’s phases — pre-Bundesliga, the modern era, and the Bundesliga boom — showing how scoring heroes emerge in every era.
Modern stars chasing the crown
In recent years, Dortmund’s attack treasure has become global, with marquee forwards like Aubameyang and more recently Erling Haaland taking center stage.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored 141 goals across all competitions in just 213 games. His per-game ratio and big match impact make him one of Dortmund’s most beloved strikers.
- Erling Haaland, even in a shorter Dortmund tenure, recorded 84 goals in 89 matches. Though impressive, his stay was too brief to rival Preißler’s total.
- Robert Lewandowski, during his time at Dortmund, added 103 goals (in various competitions) — creating a standout chapter before his move to Bayern.
- Current attackers, including Serhou Guirassy, are making strong starts, but even prolific seasons would require many years to close the gap to 177.
Given modern rotations, tactical shifts, and the greater distribution of scoring across players, it’s less likely that someone surpasses Preißler soon. But football evolves — and records sometimes fall when least expected.
Why this record still matters today
Understanding top scorer in Borussia Dortmund history isn’t just about names or numbers — it’s about identity and legacy. Preißler’s record is a bridge between Dortmund’s early history and its modern ambitions. It reminds fans of the club’s roots in post-war Germany, the rise to national prominence, and the continuity of excellence in attacking football.
For younger supporters, the record is a benchmark to admire; for players, it’s a target, a goal that represents immortality at the club. Each time Reus steps on the pitch, or Haaland lasers a shot into the net, the shadow of Preißler looms as the ultimate Dortmund benchmark.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the top scorer in Borussia Dortmund history is Alfred Preißler, with 177 goals in 274 matches. His legacy still towers over the Black & Yellow’s hall of fame, ahead of modern greats like Marco Reus, Michael Zorc, and Aubameyang. As Dortmund continues to write new chapters in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and beyond, Preißler’s record remains a constant — a target, a legend, and a piece of club mythology.
So, whether you’re a die-hard BVB fan or a newcomer exploring football’s historic paths, keep this fact close: Alfred Preißler is the name when it comes to Dortmund’s all-time goal king. Want to dive into Reus’s journey, Haaland’s Dortmund years, or the top scorers in Bundesliga history? Just say the word — IndiGoal is ready to guide you deeper.
