The iconic defender, nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’, played for Bayern Munich from 1964-77, winning four Bundesliga titles and three European Cups. Franz Beckenbauer won the World Cup as a player in 1974 and again as manager in 1990 (AP Photo)
He starred for the West Germany national team, winning the 1974 World Cup and finishing runner-up to England in 1966, ending his career with 103 caps for his country.
He was unquestionably one of the greatest players on the planet during his peak, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and ’76.
Later in his career, he moved to Hamburger SV, winning the Bundesliga, and had two spells with New York Cosmos, winning the North American Soccer League three times.
Beckenbauer went on to manage West Germany to the 1990 World Cup in Italy, further cementing his legendary status in his nation.
He is only one of three men to have won the World Cup as a player and a manager, along with Mario Zagallo for Brazil and Didier Deschamps for France. Sadly, Zagallo passed away aged 92 just last week.
