During the 2001–02 season, FC Bayern Munich failed to defend either the league or Champions League titles won in the previous season, finishing third in Bundesliga and losing out to eventual champions Real Madrid in the quarter-final of the latter competition.

Its reaction to the losses was signing Michael Ballack and Zé Roberto from Champions League finalists Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Sebastian Deisler form Hertha BSC, with the midfield being singled out as the key area in which the side needed to improve upon.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

= Points, GD = Goal difference, Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.