The Top 10 – Panini German Football Bundesliga 2008-2009

Hasebe is primarily a defensive midfielder, but can also play as a center back or right-back. He is known for his excellent reading of the game, his ability to break up opposition attacks, and his crisp passing. He is also a fierce competitor and a natural leader, and has often captained both club and country.

Hasebe’s popularity in Japan has also made him a cultural icon in his home country. He has been a mainstay in the Japanese National team collecting over 100 caps in his career and captained the team for many years.

Makoto Hasebe was an instrumental part of Wolfsburg’s title-winning season in the Bundesliga during the 2008/09 campaign. The Japanese midfielder played in 25 league matches in the unexpected title win.

An interesting piece for the hobby. Japanese collectors love to collect their fellow nationals, so I think in the years to come, this will becoming increasingly sought after.

Mesut Özil was known for his technical skills, creativity, and vision on the field. Özil was particularly renowned for his ability to provide assists, making him one of the best playmakers of his generation.

Özil began his professional career with Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga but it was at Werder Bremen where he first made a significant impact. In the 2008/09 season, Özil played a key role in helping Bremen get UEFA Cup qualification. Despite finishing 10th in the league, Bremen qualified because the won the 2008–09 DFB-Pokal, where Özil scored the only goal in the final. He registered 14 assists that season, the second most in the league.

Özil’s style of play was characterised by his close control of the ball, quick thinking, and accurate passing. He was often deployed in the number 10 role, where he could use his exceptional vision to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Exceptional vision is understating what Mesut could see. He could spot passes that no one else could, and had the ability to execute those passes.

An interesting sticker, technically his second year sticker, so not as valuable as his rookie in the previous season. Nonetheless a very cool sticker considering his efforts in the 2008–09 DFB-Pokal final.

onathan Pitroipa was known for his exceptional speed and dribbling skills, which made him a dangerous attacking threat on the field. Pitroipa’s ability to quickly change direction made him especially hard to defend against.

During the 2008/09 season, Pitroipa played for Hamburger SV featuring 28 times, scoring 1 goal. He made a significant impact when he was on the field, using his speed and dribbling ability to create chances for his teammates. Ultimately, helping Hamburger SV to a fifth-place finish and a place in the Europe.Throughout his career, Pitroipa played for several other clubs, including Rennes, where he was most successful

He also represented Burkina Faso at the international level, earning 82 caps and scoring 19 goals for his country. Pitroipa became a popular figure in Burkina Faso, where he was seen as a symbol of national pride and inspiration for young footballers. Since retiring, Pitroipa has opened a footballing school in Burkina Faso.

I can’t see this sticker being in high demand but definitely a cool unique rookie sticker to add to the collection.

Raffael Caetano de Araújo, commonly known as Raffael, is a Brazilian attacking midfielder who has had an impressive career in European football. He is known for his creative abilities, technical skills, and vision on the pitch.

Raffael began his professional with FC Chiasso, but he made a name for himself in Europe with his performances for Hertha BSC in the 2008/09 season. In that season, Raffael was the creative force behind Hertha’s attack, scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances. His performances helped Hertha finish fourth in the league and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Raffael’s play style is characterized by his quick feet, close control, and his ability to create chances for his teammates. He is a versatile player who can play in a variety of attacking positions, including as a central attacking midfielder, on the wing, or as a second striker. His vision and passing accuracy allow him to pick out his teammates with precision passes, while his technical skills enable him to dribble past defenders in tight spaces.

Raffael was eventually sold to Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv in 2010. But returned to the Bundesliga for Borussia Mönchengladbach, with immense success. Throughout his career, Raffael has consistently demonstrated his ability to create chances for his team and score goals.

Overall a very cool sticker, and a must have for fans of the Bundesliga!

Martin Harnik is a who played as a forward or winger. He was known for his speed, agility, and work rate on the pitch.

In the 2008/09 season, Harnik only played 8 times for Bremen but his Bundesliga legacy would be with VfB Stuttgart. He joined VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2010 and he quickly established himself as a regular in the team. In the 2011/12 season he scored 17 goals! Harnik was praised for his work rate, tactical awareness, and versatility, as he was capable of playing as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder. He formed a formidable attacking partnership with Vedad Ibisevic. Harnik’s had success with the Austrian national team, going on to make 68 appearances and score 15.

Harnik was a versatile player who could play in several positions across the forward line. He was known for his technical skills, his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Once again, not a highly sought after rookie sticker, but, I think, it is a must have for all Austrian collectors.

Luiz Gustavo Dias played as a defensive midfielder. He was known for his hard-working style of play, tough tackling ability, and excellent reading of the game. Gustavo was also versatile enough to play in central defence if needed.

During his time at Hoffenheim in the 2008/09 season, Gustavo made 28 appearances in the Bundesliga and helped his team finish in seventh place in the table. He quickly became a vital part of the team with his defensive skills, ball-winning ability, and accurate passing. His performances at Hoffenheim caught the attention of many top clubs, but it was Bayern who won the race for his signature. He quickly established himself as a regular in the team and became an important player for the club.

Gustavo was often praised for his physicality and work rate on the pitch, as well as his ability to break up opposition attacks and start attacks for his own team. He also possessed good vision and passing ability, which helped him link up play between the defence and the midfield.

Luiz Gustavo has had a successful international career with Brazil. He was an important player for the Brazilian team, known for his defensive abilities and tactical discipline. He was also praised for his leadership skills and ability to bring stability to the midfield. In total, he had 41 caps.

I personally think this is a very underrated sticker. Gustavo was a great player and this sticker can be picked up very cheap!

Dzeko is known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and, most notably, his deadly finishing. He is a classic target man who can hold up play, bring his teammates into the game, and score goals himself.

In his 2008/09 season with Wolfsburg, Dzeko was instrumental in helping the club win the Bundesliga title. He formed a devastating partnership with Brazilian striker Grafite, and the pair scored a remarkable 54 goals between them over the course of the season. Dzeko finished the season as the league’s second top scorer with 26 goals in 34 appearances, and also contributed 10 assists.

Dzeko’s ability to find the back of the net has been a hallmark of his career. He has scored over 300 goals in his club career, including prolific spells at Wolfsburg, Manchester City, AS Roma and Inter Milan. He is also the all-time leading scorer for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, with 64 goals in 127 appearances, as of writing.

For most, they will settle for Dzekos rookie sticker, the year before. I think this sticker should be strongly considered for sentimental reasons. The historic title win and the partnership with Grafite is worth remembering!

Grafite is who was known for his pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing in front of the goal. During the 2008/09 season with Wolfsburg, he formed a prolific partnership with fellow striker Edin Dzeko, and they led the team to their first-ever Bundesliga title.

Grafite’s performances that season were nothing short of sensational. He finished the campaign with 28 goals in 25 appearances, including a memorable performance against Bayern Munich in which he scored one of the greatest goals in Bundesliga history. Grafite used trickery to get past numerous Bayern defenders, and then back-heeled past the goalkeeper with a sublime finish. The goal was later named the Bundesliga Goal of the Year for 2009. If you want to see the goal on my Instagram – CLICK HERE

Overall, Grafite’s style of play was characterized by his technical ability and speed on the ball, as well as his lethal finishing in front of goal. He was also known for his ability to create chances for his teammates, often dropping deep to receive the ball and then picking out a pass to set up a scoring opportunity.

Although this sticker is nowhere near his rookie, I think its a must have for his historical season, and to remember that goal against Bayern!

Mats Hummels is known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game. Hummels’ style of play is characterized by his technical ability on the ball, his composure under pressure, and his ability to launch attacks from the backline. He is also known for his accurate long-range passing, which often allows him to quickly switch the play and create attacking opportunities.

In his 2008/09 season with Borussia Dortmund was a quiet one, as he only managed 12 appearances.

Mats Hummels played a significant role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory. As a starting center back, he formed a formidable partnership with Jerome Boateng in defense, helping Germany to keep four clean sheets in seven matches. Hummels also scored two crucial goals for Germany in the tournament. Against France, he scored the winning goal with a well-placed header from a set-piece. And in the semifinals against Brazil, he scored Germany’s second goal in a 7-1 thrashing of the hosts.

I think this rookie sticker is a must have for all collectors and lovers of the game. Hummels is an iconic ball playing defender and will be one that history remembers!

Jérôme Boateng is the best rookie sticker in Panini German Football Bundesliga 2008-2009.

Jérôme Boateng primarily plays as a center back, mostly known for his time with Bayern Munich and the German national team. He is known for his physicality, aerial ability, pace, and technical skills on the ball.

Boateng began his senior career with Hertha Berlin but rose to prominence during his time with Hamburger SV. In the 2008/09 season he made 21 appearances and helped them finish fifth in the Bundesliga. Boateng was known for his versatility as he played in both center back and right-back positions. He showcased his excellent defending skills with his tackling, interceptions, and strong aerial presence. Furthermore, his technical ability allowed him to contribute to the team’s attacking plays.

After his impressive season with Hamburger SV, Boateng moved on to Manchester City in the Premier League. However, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup and eventually transferred to Bayern Munich in 2011. With Bayern, Boateng has been a key player in the team’s success over the years. He has won numerous Bundesliga titles, DFB Pokal titles, and most notably, the UEFA Champions League title in 2013.

Boateng has also had a successful international career with the German national team. He was a crucial member of the squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup, providing excellent performances in defence throughout the tournament. His skillset as a center back was vital to Germany’s success, as he showcased his defensive qualities as well as his ability to start attacking plays from the back.

Boateng is another huge rookie sticker, who I think is also a must have for all collectors!