Franz Beckenbauer: Football (Soccer)
Franz Anton Beckenbauer (born: September 11, 1945) is former soccer player who led West Germany to the World Cup title as a player in 1974 and as its manager in 1990. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest German footballers of all time and one of the most decorated footballers in the history of the game. Beckenbauer joined the SC 1906 Munchen youth team and in 1959, he started his long relationship with FC Bayern Munich as a member of their junior squad. As captain, from 1971, he helped Bayern Munich win three European Champions Clubs’ Cups and four national titles. Beckenbauer played 103 times for his country.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Franz Beckenbauer’s club record goals totaled to 81 with 587 apps and for his national team, he scored 14 goals and 103 apps. Aside from leading his teams to different championships and cups, his honors included two Ballon d’Or (1972, 1976) and German Footballer of the Year (1966, 1968, 1974, and 1976).
Why Was He So Good?
Franz Beckenbauer was versatile in the field. He first started as a midfielder then later became a defender. He was first expected to focus as a defense but later revolutionized his position by leaving the backfield to help run the offense. He was the fast true attacking sweeper or “libero”. He is an icon in his country and well-loved as one of the greatest all-around players in the history of the sport.
What You May Not Know
- Franz Beckenbauer also played with the New York Cosmos and Hamburger SV before retiring in 1984.
- He became the manager replacing Jupp Derwall as head of the West Germany team in 1984 and guided the team to the 1986 World Cup final. It ended with a 3-2 loss to Argentina. Four years later, they outlasted Argentina in the final making him the second person to win the World
- In 2009, Beckenbauer was named Honorary President of Bayern Munich.
Was he a legend?
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