Franz Beckenbauer - World Cup Legend

Born in Munich, Germany in 1945, Franz Beckenbauer is one of the greatest footballers and managers of all time. To this day he is still the only man in history to ever lift the FIFA World Cup as both player and Manager, a feat which will ensure his legendary status for many, many years to come.

His footballing career began when he was just nine years old when he joined the youth team of SC Munchen 06 before joining FC Bayern Munich in 1958. He made his debut for Bayern in 1964 and in his first season in the regional league, he and his team won promotion to the Bundesliga. His first international cap followed quickly in 1965 when he was just 20 years old which prepared him nicely for his role in the 1966 World Cup when he scored two goals in his first finals game. Though Germany lost to hosts England in the ’66 final, Beckenbauer would go on to play for his country in two further World Cups.

His second was Mexico 1970 when the Germans had to settle for third place, despite Beckenbauer’s incredible dedication which saw him play with his arm in a sling following a dislocated shoulder.

His finest hour was yet to come and in 1974 the pieces fell into place. Playing in front of a home crowd, the Germans went out to win, and win they did with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. Beckenbauer became the first captain to lift the brand new World Cup trophy after Brazil had retained the Jules Rimet cup in 1970.

Beckenbauer went on to receive 103 caps for his country, becoming the first German player to break the illusive ‘100’ caps barrier. He spent some time playing in the US before returning o Germany where he played for Hamburg for just one year. He hung up his football boots for the last time in 1983 and went on to pursue managerial goals.

In 1984 Beckenbauer became the manager for his national side and with that came as much success as he had had in his playing days. In Italy 1990, Germany, led by Beckenbauer, became undefeated World Champions and Beckenbauer secured his place in German football history for all eternity.

Beckenbauer was President of FC Bayern Munich until 1998, when he was made Vice-President of the German Football Association. It was under his reign that the successful campaign to host the 2006 World Cup was launched.
Since Germany's bid to host its second finals tournament was accepted, he has taken an active role in the planning and staging of 2006 World Cup as Chairman of the organising committee.

Beckenbauer’s career honors read like a wish list for most of us mere mortals with domestic, European and international titles a plenty both as a player and as a manger. With such unprecedented success it‘s hard to believe that any player will ever come close to matching Beckenbauer and that is why he is a football legend!

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