1980–81 Bundesliga

FC Nürnberg, winners of the Southern Division and Karlsruher SC, who won a two-legged promotion play-off against Rot-Weiss Essen.

Defenders: Udo Horsmann (34 / 4); Klaus Augenthaler (33 / 5); Wolfgang Dremmler (33 / 1); Hans Weiner (31 / 1); Einar Jan Aas (7).

Midfielders: Bernd Dürnberger (33 / 3); Kurt Niedermayer (32 / 9); Paul Breitner (captain; 30 / 17); Wolfgang Kraus (30 / 6); Jürgen Röber (14); Günter Güttler (1); Pasi Rautiainen (1).

Forwards: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (34 / 29); Dieter Hoeneß (27 / 10); Norbert Janzon (24 / 1); Karl Del'Haye (13 / 1); Reinhold Mathy (3 / 2).

(league appearances and goals listed in brackets) Manager: Pál Csernai .