Franz Beckenbauer

Who is Franz Beckenbauer?

Franz Anton Beckenbauer is a German former professional footballer and football administrator. He helped Germany win almost every major international trophy throughout his glittering career as one of the world’s leading footballers. He started off as a left winger but in his early years at Bayern Munich he created the position of ‘attacking sweeper’ for himself that completely changed the way Germany and Bayern Munich played. Beckenbauer captained Bayern Munich to three consecutive titles and also helped them win three European Cup trophies from 1974 to 1976. He was the captain and inspiration when West Germany won the World Cup in front of their own fans in 1974 and 16 years later he was the manager when a unified Germany won the World Cup in Italy after edging out the Diego Maradona-led Argentina. Beckhenbauer was also awarded the European Player of the Year award twice in his career and post his managerial days he has served as one of the top officials on Bayern Munich’s advisory and oversaw one of the most successful phases in the club’s history. He played an important role in bringing the World Cup to Germany in 2006.

Career

After spending a few seasons with the youth team, Franz Beckenbauer made his debut for Bayern Munich senior team in the year 1964 and at the end of that season the team advanced from the 2nd division to the first division known as the ‘Bundesliga’. Two years later he represented West Germany at the World Cup in England and Beckenbauer lit up the tournament with 4 goals as his team ended as runners up.

Following his excellent show as a left winger, Beckenbauer started playing in the role of an attacking sweeper that became a unique role and he used it to devastating effect during his career. He was made the captain of Bayern Munich in 1968 and the club duly won the league title at the end of the season.

His tenure as captain of Bayern Munich brought unprecedented success for the club. The club won three straight league titles from 1972 onwards and it was during the same period that he led them to three straight European Cup victories. Beckenbauer scored 64 goals in total in 439 appearances for Bayern Munich and became known as ‘Der Kaiser’ or ‘the emperor’.

In the 1970 World Cup, he scored the all important goal in the second round game against England to spark an improbable comeback but West Germany were knocked out at the semi final stage. Two years later, he captained West Germany in a triumphant European Championships campaign.

In 1974, he led West Germany to their 2nd World Cup title by winning the final against firm favourites Netherlands in the final at Munich. He devised the strategy of constantly shadowing Netherland’s Johann Cryuff and it paid off in the big game. Two years later he led Germany to a runner up finish at the European Championships and the following year he retired from international football. Beckenbauer had scored 14 goals in 103 appearances for West Germany.

He left Bayern Munich for the New York Cosmos in the year 1977 and after representing them for four seasons he moved back to Germany with Hamburger SV. He played for two seasons at Hamburger SV and retired after winning the league in his last season.

In 1984, he was made the manager of West Germany and two years later he took the team to the final, only to lose narrowly to Argentina in Mexico. However, four years later, he managed the unified German side in the World Cup in Italy and beat Argentina 1-0 in the final. He has the rare distinction of winning the World Cup for his country both as a player and manager. Following the World Cup win, Beckenbauer managed French club Olympique de Marseille for a few months.

Bayern Munich appointed him as an interim manager in 1993 and he steered them to a league title at the end of the season. Three years later, the club appointed him as a stop gap option yet again and that time he guided them to the UEFA Cup.

In 1994, he became the vice president at Bayern Munich and has remained as the chairman of the advisory board till date after the club turned into a company. Four years late he became the vice president of German Football Association and helped the country in its bid to host the World Cup.