Profession: Footballer

Biography: Franz Beckenbauer is a German former professional footballer and manager, nicknamed "Der Kaiser" ("The Emperor") and generally counted among the all-time best players. He was named European Footballer of the Year twice, and in 2004 was listed in the FIFA 100.

Beckenbauer is often credited with having established the role of the "libero," or sweeper, adding offensive capabilities to what was traditionally a defensive role. He played mainly for Bayern Munich, where he was instrumental in winning multiple Bundesliga titles and European Cups in the 1960s and 1970s.

As a national player, Beckenbauer earned over 100 caps for West Germany and participated in three World Cups, winning the tournament as a player in 1974 and then as a manager in 1990. He remains the only man to have won the FIFA World Cup both as a player and as a manager.

Born: September 11, 1945
Birthplace: Munich

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: January 7, 2024 (aged 78)

Playing Career

• 1972-12-26 Ballon d'Or: Bayern Munich defender Franz Beckenbauer wins award for best European football player ahead of tied fellow German duo of Gerd Müller and Günter Netzer
• 1974-12-31 Ballon d'Or: Ajax forward Johan Cruyff wins back-to-back awards, and his 3rd overall, for best European football player ahead of Bayern Munich defender Franz Beckenbauer and Legia Warsaw midfielder Kazimierz Deyna
• 1975-12-30 Ballon d'Or: FC Dynamo Kyiv forward Oleg Blokhin claims award for best European football player ahead of former winners, Bayern Munich defender Franz Beckenbauer and Ajax forward Johan Cruyff
• 1976-12-28 Ballon d'Or: Bayern Munich defender Franz Beckenbauer wins title of Europe's best football player for a 2nd time; beats Anderlecht winger Rob Rensenbrink and Dukla Prague goalkeeper Ivo Viktor

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