Icons: Franz Beckenbauer

- October 31, 2021

Franz Beckenbauer is a German former professional footballer and manager.

Quick summary of his career

During an illustrious career, he was nicknamed "The Emperor" because of his elegant style, dominance and leadership on the field, The first name "Franz" is reminiscent of the Austrian emperors. He is widely regarded to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

He was a versatile player who started as a midfielder, Beckenbauer made his name as a central defender. He is often credited with having invented the role of the modern sweeper. Very few players have had that level of impact on the sport.

Club career

At club level with Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1967 and three consecutive European Cups from 1974 to 1976. The latter feat made him the first player to win three European Cups as captain of his club. He became team manager and later president of Bayern Munich. After two spells with the New York Cosmos, he was inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame.

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This is a clip from an interesting documentary. The description says: "A slap in his face changed Franz Beckenbauer's mind. He signed with FC Bayern Munich and became one of the greatest football legends of all time. On the occasion of his 75th birthday, this documentary tells the story of The Kaiser."

International career

Beckenbauer also appeared 103 times for West Germany and played in three FIFA World Cups and two European Championships. He is one of three men, along with Brazil's Mário Zagallo and France's Didier Deschamps, to have won the World Cup as a player and as a manager; he lifted the World Cup trophy as captain in 1974 and repeated the feat as a manager in 1990.

He was also the first captain to lift the World Cup and European Championship at international level and the European Cup at club level.

The highlights of a wonderful career

Beckenbauer bagged two Ballons d'Or during his decorated career - one in 1972 and one in 1976.

These awards came after significant wins for country and club. In 1972, West Germany overcame the USSR 3-0 in the European Championship final and this icon had a say in the opening goal.

Beckenbauer was integral in the 1976 European Cup final as Bayern overcame Saint-Étienne at Hampden Park, Glasgow. They went on to win the match 1-0.

Following that infamous defeat in the 1966 World Cup final and semi-final heartbreak in Mexico four years later, he finally got his hands on football's most coveted trophy in 1974 aged 28. He was the first to get his hands on FIFA's new trophy after the old Jules Rimet trophy was given to Brazil.

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