TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, although not a giant in German football, is a symbol of rapid development and smart strategy in the 21st century. From a small team in Sinsheim, Hoffenheim has established a solid position in the Bundesliga and contributed to discovering many outstanding talents. In the following article, Bestsoccertips will review 7 Hoffenheim best players, names that have contributed greatly to Hoffenheim’s journey to rise on the European football map.
Top 7 Hoffenheim best players
Below is a list of the top 7 best players in Hoffenheim history, names that have contributed to making a special mark for the club in the Bundesliga.
7. Vedad Ibišević
Vedad Ibišević became a symbol of Hoffenheim’s historic debut Bundesliga season in 2008–2009. The Bosnian striker created shockwaves by scoring 18 goals in just the first 17 rounds, propelling the newly promoted side to the top of the table by mid-season. Although a severe injury sidelined him after the winter break, his remarkable contribution cemented his status in the club’s history. With 43 goals in 123 matches overall, Ibišević remains one of Hoffenheim’s most prolific forwards.
In football betting analysis, Ibišević was the ideal striker to target in goal-related markets, particularly during early-season fixtures or when Hoffenheim played at home. His explosive form and sharp instincts made him a top pick for bettors seeking value in first goalscorer or total goal bets. Despite his Hoffenheim career being cut short by injury, Ibišević continues to be remembered as a symbol of attacking power and a game-changer trusted by punters to deliver in critical moments.
6. Oliver Baumann
Since joining Hoffenheim in 2014, goalkeeper Oliver Baumann has firmly established himself as the team’s first-choice shot-stopper and one of the club’s most frequently appearing players. Known for his sharp reflexes, precise positioning, and composure under pressure, Baumann has not only been a reliable last line of defense but also a source of confidence and stability especially in crucial matches. His importance was further underlined when Hoffenheim qualified for the UEFA Champions League in the 2018–2019 season, marking a historic milestone for the club.
In the realm of sports betting, Oliver Baumann is a central factor in analyzing clean sheet probabilities, total goals markets, and penalty save odds. His steady form allows Hoffenheim to maintain balanced contests against strong opponents, influencing under goal markets and low-score predictions. Baumann’s long-standing presence and leadership within the squad offer added assurance to investors banking on Hoffenheim’s tactical discipline and mental resilience across multiple seasons.
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5. Andrej Kramarić
Andrej Kramarić is the greatest player in Hoffenheim’s history, with an unrivalled goalscoring record. Joining the club in 2016 from Leicester City, he quickly became a key player, standing out for his ability to score and create. With over 125 goals and over 50 assists for Hoffenheim in all competitions, Kramarić is not only the club’s all-time top scorer but has also been a key player for the attack in many Bundesliga seasons. He also has many hat-tricks, which is rare for a mid-table team like Hoffenheim.
Not only is he good at his job, Kramarić is also a leader on the pitch. When Hoffenheim’s performance is declining, he often speaks out strongly and shows his desire to fight to revive the team. In the 2024/25 season, despite the team’s difficulties, he was still the most productive player, contributing to many goals thanks to his intelligent movement and sharp tactical vision. With his great contributions both professionally and mentally, Andrej Kramarić deserves to be recognized as the greatest symbol in Hoffenheim’s history.
4. Kevin Volland
Kevin Volland joined Hoffenheim in 2012 and quickly emerged as one of the most promising young talents in the Bundesliga at the time. With 36 goals in 144 appearances, he became the team’s primary attacking threat, recognized for his intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and ability to create sudden breakthroughs. His versatility capable of playing as a central striker, attacking midfielder, or winger gave Hoffenheim tactical flexibility in adapting to various formations and opponents.
In football betting, Kevin Volland’s name was regularly featured in markets such as goalscorer bets, assist wagers, and total shots on target. Bettors who closely followed his form and tactical role often gained a significant advantage when placing bets on matches where Hoffenheim’s attacking potential was high. Volland’s consistency and efficiency made him a decisive factor in betting scenarios related to goal output and offensive effectiveness.
3. Andreas Beck
As captain during Hoffenheim’s early Bundesliga years, Andreas Beck played a vital role in shaping the team’s identity and defensive resilience. From 2008 to 2015, he made over 200 appearances and offered dependable coverage on the right flank through disciplined defending and physical play. His leadership and experience provided stability, especially to younger teammates, and contributed to the development of Hoffenheim’s effective counter-attacking defensive style.
In the context of betting, Beck was a key figure in evaluating markets such as total goals, bookings, or clean sheet potential. His involvement often correlated with solid defensive performances, especially in high-stakes matches. Additionally, his past inclusion in the German national team further bolsters his credibility, making him a reliable reference point for investors prioritizing defensive solidity and team discipline in their betting strategies.
2. Sejad Salihović
Bosnian midfielder Sejad Salihović stands as one of the most iconic figures in Hoffenheim’s history, particularly during the transformative period from 2006 to 2015 when the club ascended from the third-tier Regionalliga to the Bundesliga. Scoring 67 goals in 249 appearances, Salihović was not only a reliable scorer but also renowned for his free-kick prowes among the best in the Bundesliga at the time. His composed style, sharp tactical awareness, and ability to control the tempo made him the heartbeat of Hoffenheim’s midfield for nearly a decade.
From a sports betting perspective, Salihović inspired strong confidence among investors, especially in markets involving corners, free kicks, and total goals. His set-piece deliveries often translated into high conversion rates, providing a significant edge to those closely monitoring his form and role in the team. Salihović is a prime example of how a player, even without playing for a top-tier club, can be a strategic betting asset when their technical strengths and consistent performances are fully leveraged.
1. Roberto Firmino
Before rising to stardom at Liverpool, Roberto Firmino was a key figure at Hoffenheim, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the team’s performance in the Bundesliga. Between 2011 and 2015, the Brazilian forward scored 49 goals in 153 appearances, serving not only as the primary goalscorer but also as a creative link in the attacking setup. His exceptional technical skills and intelligent playmaking ability made him an indispensable orchestrator in Hoffenheim’s tactical formation. His presence on the pitch consistently added a level of danger to the team’s attacking transitions.
For sports bettors, understanding Firmino’s influence during his time at Hoffenheim is essential when analyzing betting odds involving the club. His consistent goal-scoring and creative play ensured Hoffenheim frequently maintained high possession rates and scoring opportunities in key matches during that period. Furthermore, his €30 million transfer to Liverpool underscores his status as one of the club’s most profitable assets an important consideration when evaluating team value and long-term investment potential in Hoffenheim within the betting market.
Conclusion
Despite being young compared to many other clubs in the Bundesliga, Hoffenheim has proven that they are not lacking in icons and true talent. Hoffenheim best players such as Firmino, Salihović or Ibišević not only helped the team achieve memorable milestones but also created a distinct identity for the club. With a clear development strategy and long-term vision, Hoffenheim can completely expect a new generation of stars, continuing the success of the legends on this list.
