Franz Anton Beckenbauer, nicknamed “Der Kaiser” (The Emperor) for his exceptional skills, was a
German professional football player and manager, best known for being one of only three men to have
won the World Cup both as a player and manager. He is regarded as one of the finest footballers of all
time. Beckenbauer began his football career at FC Bayern Munich' youth team in 1957. In 1964 he made
his senior debut for Bayern Munich and played as a sweeper, a central defender, and later as a
... moreFranz Anton Beckenbauer, nicknamed “Der Kaiser” (The Emperor) for his exceptional skills, was a
German professional football player and manager, best known for being one of only three men to have
won the World Cup both as a player and manager. He is regarded as one of the finest footballers of all
time. Beckenbauer began his football career at FC Bayern Munich' youth team in 1957. In 1964 he made
his senior debut for Bayern Munich and played as a sweeper, a central defender, and later as a
midfielder. After he retired as a football player, Beckenbauer transitioned into a managerial position for
manager of the West Germany national team and later for Bayern Munich. His achievements as both a
player and manager are nothing short of astounding. Beckenbauer is the only defender in football
history to win the Ballon d'Or twice. He was also named European Footballer of the Year twice, and was
chosen on the World Team of the 20th Century in 1998, and the FIFA World Cup Dream Team in 2002.
Beckenbauer is one also of nine players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the European Champions Cup,
and the Ballon d'Or. In 2004, was listed in the FIFA 100 of the world's greatest living players and was
inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame in 2004.
