Franz Beckenbauer was a former professional footballer, who played as a defender and was also a football manager. The German is widely known as one of the best defenders of all time and achieved greatness in the sport in more ways than one.
Beckenbauer spent the majority of his time at Bayern Munich, where he won numerous trophies before moving to the MLS. He was known for being one of the first defenders to have impeccable ball-playing skills, an attribute that has become common in modern football. The German is also one of the very few defenders to have won the Ballon d’Or.
Franz managed Bayern Munich after his playing career was over. He also acted as the club’s president and helped Germany secure the rights to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Beckenbauer unfortunately passed away in January 2024 at the age of 78 due to natural causes.
Franz Beckenbauer Information
Full Name: Franz Anton Beckenbauer
Profession: Professional Footballer
Height: 1.81m
Weight: 75 kg
Foot: Right-footed
Playing position: Central Defender
Jersey Number: 5
Professional Debut: 1964
Date of Birth: September 11, 1945
Place of Birth: Munich, Germany
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Father: Franz Beckenbauer Sr.
Mother: Antonie
Siblings: Walter Beckenbauer
Wife: Brigitte Beckenbauer (m. 1966-1990), Sybille Beckenbauer (m. 1990-2004), Heidi Beckenbauer (m. 2006-2024)
Children: Stephan, Francessca, Thomas, Joel, Michael
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Club Career
Bayern Munich
Franz Beckenbauer joined Bayern Munich’s youth side in 1959. He started off as a center-forward before moving into midfield and eventually becoming a defender later on in his career. The German moved to Bayern’s senior team in 1964, making his debut in a Bundesliga promotion play-off match against FC St. Pauli.
Having been promoted in 1965, Bayern took no time in becoming a dominant force in the German top flight. They won the German Cup and the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1967. Beckenbauer was key to their rise and became the club captain ahead of the 1968-69 season. They won their first Bundesliga title that season.
During his stay at Bayern, Franz Beckenbauer also introduced a new profile, which many label ‘sweeper’. He played in defense but his prowess on the ball allowed him to move forward when in possession, helping the team in attack and buildup.
The former German international earned the name ‘Der Kaiser’ at the club, which translates to ‘The Emperor’. Bayern won three straight European Cups between 1974 and 1976 and four Bundesliga titles during Beckenbauer’s stay. The defender also won two Ballons d’Ors – in 1972 and 1976.
Post-Bayern
In 1977, Franz Beckenbauer moved to New York Cosmos in the US, playing with the legendary Pelé in his first season. He won three NASL Soccer Bowl trophies before returning to Germany with Hamburger SV in 1980. Franz won a Bundesliga title with them as well in 1981-82. The German returned to NY Cosmos in 1982 and retired a year later.
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International Career
Franz Beckenbauer made his debut for West Germany in 1965 in a FIFA World Cup qualification match against Sweden. He went on to become a key member of the team and helped them win the World Cup trophy in 1974 and the Euros in 1972.
The German defender played in three editions of the World Cup and was in the Team of the Tournament all three times. He retired from international football in 1977.
Managerial Career
Franz Beckenbauer started his managerial career with West Germany in 1984. He even led them to the 1986 FIFA World Cup final, where they lost against Diego Maradona’s Argentina. However, they did win the trophy four years later, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Beckenbauer became the only man, alongside Didier Deschamps of France, to have won the FIFA World Cup as a captain and as a manager. He then moved to club football, managing Olympique Marseille for half a season in 1990.
The German then had two spells as Bayern Munich manager in 1993-94 and 1996. He won one Bundesliga title and one UEFA Cup in that time.
Financial Troubles
Beckenbauer was involved in multiple financial cases from FIFA and other organizations during his life. He was involved in Russia and Qatar winning the bid to host FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022, respectively. There was an inquiry about possible corruption in the two nations being selected and Beckenbauer was handed a 90-day ban by the FIFA Ethics Committee for alleged refusal to help in the inquiry.
He was also linked by the Swiss officials with allegedly taking bribes from the South African Football Federation for hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He was also linked with alleged tax fraud in 2010. Eventually, the case was closed due to the statute of limitations expiring in 2021.
Personal Life
Franz Beckenbauer was born on September 11 in Munich to Franz Beckenbauer Sr. and Antonie. He had one sibling – Walter Beckenbauer. He married three times in his life and had five children. One of his sons, Stephan Beckenbauer was a footballer as well but he passed away from a brain tumor in 2015.
Franz Beckenbauer died in January 2024 due to natural causes. Allianz Arena, which is the home ground of Bayern Munich, hosted a memorial service for the legend.
Franz Beckenbauer Stats
| Team | Year | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Bayern Munich | 1963-1977 | 584 | 75 | 75 |
| New York Cosmos | 1977-1980 and 1983 | 132 | 23 | – |
| Hamburger SV | 1980-1982 | 38 | – | – |
| West Germany | 1965-1977 | 103 | 14 | 10 |
Honors
As Player
Bayern Munich
Regionalliga Süd: 1964-65
Bundesliga: 1968-69, 1971-72, 1972-1973, 1973-74
DFB-Pokal: 1965-66, 1966-67, 1968-69, 1970-71
European Cup: 1973-74, 1974-75, 1975-76
European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1966-67
Intercontinental Cup: 1976
New York Cosmos
North American Soccer League: 1977, 1978, 1980
Hamburger SV
Bundesliga: 1981-82
West Germany
FIFA World Cup: 1974
European Championships: 1972
As Manager
West Germany
FIFA World Cup: 1990
Marseille
Ligue 1: 1990-91
Bayern Munich
Bundesliga: 1993-94
UEFA Cup: 1995-96
Franz Beckenbauer’s Net Worth
The German’s last estimated net worth was $10 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth. He earned mostly from his time as a football player and manager. He later worked as a pundit and Bayern Munich president as well. The German also worked with FIFA for a while.
FAQs
Q. What was Franz Beckenbauer famous for?
A. Franz Beckenbauer is famous for being a legendary football player and manager. He captained West Germany to victory in the 1974 World Cup and managed them to win the 1990 World Cup. He was known as “Der Kaiser” for his commanding presence on the field.
Q. Why was Franz Beckenbauer so good?
A. Franz Beckenbauer was exceptional due to his technical skill, leadership, versatility, football intelligence, and calmness under pressure, making him one of the greatest footballers ever.
Q. What was Franz Beckenbauer’s illness?
A. Franz Beckenbauer has had health issues, including undergoing surgery for a hip replacement and heart surgery. In 2016, he had an artificial hip implanted and later had three heart operations, including a heart valve replacement.
Q. How many UCLs did Franz Beckenbauer win?
A. Franz Beckenbauer won three UEFA Champions League titles (formerly known as the European Cup), all with Bayern Munich in 1974, 1975, and 1976.
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