Beckenbauer is a former professional footballer and football administrator from Germany. During his illustrious career as one of the world’s best footballers, he assisted Germany in winning nearly every major international trophy. He began his career as a left winger, but in his early years with Bayern Munich, he devised the position of “attacking sweeper” for himself, which fundamentally altered the style of play for both Germany and Bayern Munich. From 1974 to 1976, Beckenbauer led Bayern Munich to three consecutive titles and helped them win three European Cups. He was the captain and inspiration when West Germany won the World Cup in front of their home supporters in 1974, and 16 years later he was the manager when a unified Germany defeated Diego Maradona’s Argentina to win the World Cup in Italy. Beckhenbauer received the European Player of the Year award twice during his tenure, and after his managerial days, he served as one of Bayern Munich’s top advisors and oversaw one of the club’s most successful periods. He played a crucial role in delivering the 2006 World Cup to Germany.
Youth and Early Life
Franz Anton Beckenbauer was born on 11 September 1945 in Munich, Germany to Franz Beckenbauer Senior and Anotnia Beckenbauer. His father, who worked for the postal service, discouraged him from playing football, most likely due to the country’s economic condition immediately following World War II.
Since he was a child, he had a passion for football, and in 1954, when he was only nine years old, he began playing for SC Munich. During those years, he played for their junior team and excelled as a forward. He was intent to join Munich, the club he had supported since childhood, but after a fight with a youth player from the club, he realized he could no longer do so. In 1959, he joined Bayern Munich’s youth ranks.
Franz Beckenbauer’s Career
After a few seasons with the youth team, Franz Beckenbauer made his debut with the senior team of Bayern Munich in 1964, and at the conclusion of that season, the team advanced from the second division to the Bundesliga. Two years later, he represented West Germany at the World Cup in England, where Beckenbauer scored four goals as his team finished second.
Following his outstanding performance as a left winger, Beckenbauer began playing as an attacking sweeper, a unique position that he utilized to devastating effect throughout his career. In 1968, he was named Bayern Munich’s captain, and the club went on to win the league championship.
His tenure as Bayern Munich’s captain brought the club unprecedented success. The club won three consecutive league titles beginning in 1972, and he led them to three consecutive European Cup victories during the same time frame. Beckenbauer became known as ‘Der Kaiser’ or ‘the monarch’ after scoring 64 goals in 439 total appearances for Bayern Munich.
He scored the decisive goal against England in the second round of the 1970 World Cup to inspire an improbable comeback, but West Germany was eliminated in the semifinals. Two years later, he led West Germany to victory at the European Championships while serving as captain.
In 1974, he led West Germany to their second World Cup title by winning the final in Munich against heavy favorites the Netherlands. The strategy of continually shadowing Johann Cryuff of the Netherlands paid off in the championship game. Two years later, he led Germany to a second-place finish at the European Championships before retiring from international football the following year. Beckenbauer had tallied 14 goals in 103 West German appearances.
In 1977, he departed Bayern Munich for the New York Cosmos, and after four seasons with them, he returned to Germany with Hamburger SV. He played for Hamburger SV for two seasons before retiring after winning the league in his final season.
In 1984, he was appointed manager of West Germany, and two years later he led the team to the final in Mexico, where they narrowly lost to Argentina. Four years later, he led the unified German team to a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final in Italy. He has the uncommon distinction of having won the World Cup as both a player and a manager for his country. Beckenbauer managed the French club Olympique de Marseille for a few months after winning the World Cup.
Bayern Munich appointed him as interim manager in 1993, and he led the club to the league championship at the conclusion of the season. Three years later, the club appointed him as an interim manager once more, and he led them to the UEFA Cup.
Since the club’s transformation into a corporation in 1994, he has served as the club’s vice president and chairman of the advisory council. He became vice president of the German Football Association four years later and assisted the country’s quest to host the World Cup.
Awards & Achievements
In 1972 and again in 1976, Franz Beckenbauer was named the “European Player of the Year.” Franz Beckenbauer was named to the ‘Greatest XI of All Time’ by World Soccer magazine in 2013. Beckenbauer’s greatest accomplishment as a footballer was as captain of the West German team that won the 1974 World Cup at home. However, his greatest accomplishment must have been leading the united German national team to victory at the 1990 World Cup.
Personal History and Legacy
Franz Beckenbauer and Brigitte were wed in 1966, but their union ended 24 years later. Michael and Stephen were their two boys. Stephen became a football player but passed away due to a disease.
Beckenbauer married Sybille in 1990, but their union lasted only 14 years. Thomas was the name of their firstborn.
In 2006, Franz Beckenbauer got married to Heidi Burmester. They have two children; their names are Francesca and Noel.
Estimated Net Worth
The net worth of retired German football coach, manager, and player Franz Beckenbauer is $10 million. 1945-born Franz Beckenbauer is regarded as one of the greatest German football players in history. Beckenbauer is known as “Der Kaiser” or “The Emperor” due to his field prowess.