Home of football statistics and historyFranz Beckenbauer, known as “Der Kaiser,” (the emperor) was the complete player, both technically gifted and tactically astute, he is undoubtedly one of the best German players of all time.
Beckenbauer captaining West Germany at the 1974 FIFA World Cup.
| Full name | Franz Anton Beckenbauer |
| Date of birth | 11 September 1945 |
| Place of birth | Munich, Germany |
| Position | Sweeper |
Beckenbauer is widely credited as having invented the role of modern sweeper.
The 1970s were for Beckenbauer the peak of his footballing career.
During his 14 years at the Bayern Munich, he won five Bundesliga (1968–69, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74 and 1981-82), three Champions League in a row (1973–74, 1974–75 and 1975–76) and a UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup (1966-67).
Although Beckenbauer did not score a lot of goals for West Germany (14 goals in 103 caps), his influence on the game enabled his country to won the 1974 World Cup and for him to win two Ballon d’Or (1972 and 1976).
Franz Beckenbauer is one of the most decorated footballers in the history of the game.