Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer, born on September 11, 1945, in Munich, Germany, is widely recognized as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport. Beckenbauer began his professional career with Bayern Munich, where he won multiple Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League. Beckenbauer is renowned for his technical skills, tactical intelligence, and leadership abilities. He has received numerous individual awards and holds several records, including being one of only two men to win the World Cup both as a player and as a manager.

Beyond the pitch, Beckenbauer is also acknowledged for his contributions to football administration and management, influencing the sport on a global scale.

Bayern Munich

• Youth and Early Career: Beckenbauer started his career at Bayern Munich, joining the first team in 1964 and helping them ascend from the regional league to the Bundesliga.

New York Cosmos

• Later Career: In 1977, Beckenbauer joined the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League, where he won three league titles.

Coaching Career

• Success as a Manager: After retiring as a player, Beckenbauer turned to management, leading the West Germany national team to win the World Cup in 1990 and managing Bayern Munich to Bundesliga and UEFA Cup success.

Germany National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for West Germany in 1965.

Achievements:

• FIFA World Cup: Winner in 1974 as a player and in 1990 as a manager.
• UEFA European Championship: Winner in 1972.
• Beckenbauer is one of the most decorated figures in German football history.

• Position: Primarily a sweeper or libero, but also excelled as a central defender.
• Skills: Known for his technical skill, intelligence, and leadership, Beckenbauer revolutionized the role of the sweeper, and his style of play has had a lasting influence on the sport.

• Family: Beckenbauer has been married three times and has five children.
• Career after Football: After retiring from play, Beckenbauer remained influential in football as a manager, administrator, and pundit.

• Franz Beckenbauer is celebrated not only for his immense talent and numerous records but also for his influence on the sport, both as a player and a manager. His impact on football and his status as a global icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring countless fans and players around the world.

Most Capped Player for Germany:

• 103 appearances

Most Goals for a Defender:

• 14 goals in international competitions

Most Successful German Player and Manager:

• Won World Cup as both a player and manager

Books

• Beckenbauer, F. (2006) The Libero: The Life and Career of Franz Beckenbauer. Munich: Piper Verlag.
• Winter, H. (2013) Franz Beckenbauer: Football as it Should be. London: Sport Media.

Websites

• FIFA: Information about Franz Beckenbauer’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fifa.com
• Bayern Munich: Details about Beckenbauer’s career at Bayern Munich. Available at: https://www.fcbayern.com
• New York Cosmos: Updates on Beckenbauer’s performance and records at New York Cosmos. Available at: https://www.nycosmos.com
• UEFA: Updates and records of Beckenbauer in UEFA competitions. Available at: https://www.uefa.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Franz Beckenbauer: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football
• The Guardian: Franz Beckenbauer’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/franz-beckenbauer

Interviews and Documentaries

• Beckenbauer: Kaiser Franz (2008): A comprehensive documentary about Beckenbauer’s life and career.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Franz Beckenbauer, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com