Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Anton Beckenbauer (born 11 September 1945) is a German former professional football player and manager. A versatile player who started out as a midfielder before moving into the libero position, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He captained West Germany to victory in the 1974 FIFA World Cup and was named European Footballer of the Year twice, in 1972 and 1976. Beckenbauer also played for Bayern Munich, with whom he won the European Cup three times in 1974, 1975, and 1976.

After retiring as a player, Beckenbauer managed West Germany to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup and Bayern Munich to the UEFA Champions League title in 1996. He was also president of Bayern Munich from 1994 to 2009. Beckenbauer is a member of the FIFA Hall of Fame and was named as one of the FIFA 100 greatest living players in 2004.

Early life and career

Beckenbauer was born in Munich, West Germany, on 11 September 1945. He started playing football at a young age, and was spotted by Bayern Munich scouts at the age of 14. He joined Bayern's youth team in 1961, and made his debut for the first team in 1963.

Beckenbauer quickly established himself as a key player for Bayern, and helped the club win the Bundesliga title in 1969 and 1972. He also helped Bayern reach the final of the European Cup in 1967, where they lost to Manchester United.

International career

Beckenbauer made his debut for West Germany in 1965, and quickly became a regular in the team. He was a key player in West Germany's victory at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where he captained the team and was named the tournament's best player.

Beckenbauer also played in the 1966, 1970, and 1978 FIFA World Cups, and was a member of the West German team that reached the final of the 1976 European Championship. He retired from international football in 1980, having made 103 appearances for West Germany.

Club career

After winning the World Cup in 1974, Beckenbauer moved to New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League. He spent three seasons with Cosmos, and helped the club win the NASL title in 1977.

Beckenbauer returned to Bayern Munich in 1977, and helped the club win the Bundesliga title again in 1979 and 1980. He also helped Bayern reach the final of the European Cup in 1982, where they lost to Aston Villa.

Beckenbauer retired from playing in 1983, having made 586 appearances for Bayern Munich and 103 appearances for West Germany. He is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, and was named as one of the FIFA 100 greatest living players in 2004.

Managerial career

After retiring as a player, Beckenbauer began his managerial career. He managed Bayern Munich from 1984 to 1990, and led the club to the Bundesliga title in 1985, 1986, and 1987. He also helped Bayern reach the final of the European Cup in 1987, where they lost to Porto.

Beckenbauer was appointed manager of West Germany in 1984, and led the team to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He also led West Germany to the semi-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup and the 1992 European Championship.

Beckenbauer resigned as manager of West Germany in 1992, and returned to Bayern Munich as manager in 1994. He led Bayern to the Bundesliga title in 1994, 1997, and 1999. He also helped Bayern reach the final of the UEFA Champions League in 1999, where they lost to Manchester United.

Beckenbauer resigned as manager of Bayern Munich in 1996, and was appointed president of the club in 1994. He held the position until 2009.