German football publication Kicker has published its summer 2026 Bundesliga player rankings, evaluating individual displays from the latter half of the 2025/26 campaign. The biannual assessment places RB Leipzig‘s Christoph Baumgartner fourth among the division’s attacking midfielders, while Borussia Dortmund‘s Maximilian Beier occupies 11th position in the same category.
The respected football magazine produces these comprehensive rankings every six months, dividing players by position and further categorising them according to performance tiers. The latest edition focuses specifically on the second portion of the recently concluded season, providing a standardised benchmark for comparing player contributions across Germany’s top flight. The publication also evaluates German footballers plying their trade abroad, though the current release concentrates primarily on domestic Bundesliga performances.
Leipzig and Dortmund Representation
Baumgartner’s fourth-place ranking underscores his consistent form during the reviewed period. The Austria international has established himself as a key creative figure for Marco Rose’s side, with his placement confirming his status among the league’s elite attacking midfield operators.
Beier’s 11th-position finish reflects his ongoing development at Dortmund. The 23-year-old’s ranking demonstrates his adaptation to the demands of regular Bundesliga football, positioning him within the upper tier of creative players despite facing stiff competition from established international stars.
Significance of the Rankings
Kicker’s assessments carry considerable authority within German football circles. Published every six months, these evaluations typically influence transfer market perceptions and provide objective analysis of player progression throughout the season.
The rankings assess technical ability, consistency, match impact and overall tactical influence when determining standings. For both RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, having representatives placed within the recognised tier of attacking midfielders highlights the creative quality currently available to their respective managers.
Supporters will note that these rankings reflect only the second half of the 2025/26 season rather than the entire campaign. This semi-annual approach allows Kicker to track form fluctuations and recognise players who elevated their performances during the decisive latter stages of the term.
The publication has not yet released the complete list of rankings for other positions, though the confirmation of Baumgartner and Beier’s standings provides early indication of which players impressed specialist observers during the reviewed period.