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 Legends - Franz Beckenbauer  Franz Beckenbauer belongs to soccer royalty. He played the game with guile and flair, which was a refreshing departure from the mechanical style of the Germans.
In his first World Cup (1966), he scored four goals in the run-up to the finals, where Germany were 'felled' by Geoff Hurst. But you can't keep a good man down. Beckenbauer returned in 1974, and his inspirational leadership was instrumental in Germany emerging victors. He hung his boots in 1977, assumed the mantle of coach in 1984 and guided Germany to the World Cup finals in 1986 and 1990. When Germany lifted the Cup in 1990, Beckenbauer achieved the unique distinction of becoming both, a winning captain and manager in the World Cup. Beckenbauer was nobility personified. He is popularly referred to as 'Kaiser' by his native countrymen. |
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As with most geniuses, Beckenbauer matured early. He debuted with
Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga at 18 and donned national colours
at 21.