This Schalke all-time XI is a work of art!
One of many iconic clubs in Germany, Schalke 04, or simply Schalke, have been a mainstay in European football ever since its formation in 1904.
As of 2022, Schalke has 160,000 members including fans who became a part of the club, thus making it the second-largest football club in Germany and the fourth-largest club in the world in terms of fan membership.
The seven-time Bundesliga champions have been home to some of the greatest footballers in Germany and the rest of the world.
Here's a look at their best XI in history!
getty ImagesGK: Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer graduated from Schalke's youth academy, making his senior debut for the club in 2005 at the age of just 19.
The German goalkeeper made 156 senior appearances for the club between 2005 and 2011, winning the Germany League Cup in 2005 and the 2010-11 DFB Pokal.
In 2011, Neuer joined Bayern Munich and since the 2012-13 season, he won every single Bundesliga title until 2021-22. He also won two Champions League crowns among other trophies in his 300+ appearances for the club.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRCB: Rafinha
A skilled defender with lightning speed and a strong shot, Rafinha impressed Schalke with his performances at Brazilian club Coirtiba.
They brought him to Germany in 2005 and over the course of the next five years, Rafinha made 153 appearances for Schalke.
The tricky right-back went on to make over 150 appearances for Bayern Munich later in his career, winning a host of trophies.
Getty ImagesCB: Joel Matip
Matip began his career at Schalke 04 in 2009 and formed an important part of their team that won the DFB Pokal and DFL Supercup in 2011.
His debut in Bundesliga is one that Matip will remember forever as he scored in a draw against Bayern Munich and was named Man of the Match.
It is worth knowing that Matip spent his initial years at Schalke playing as a defensive midfielder before changing to centre-back.
He made 258 appearances and scored 23 goals for Schalke before moving to Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016.
Getty ImagesLCB: Benedikt Howedes
Schalke legend Benedikt Howedes graduated from the club's academy and made his first team debut in 2007.
He played there for 11 years, making 240 appearances, winning the DFB Pokal in 2010-11 and the DFB Supercup in 2011.
The centre-back joined Lokomotiv Moscow in 2018 before retiring from club football. He is currently the assistant manager of Germany's national team.