Franz Anton Beckenbauer 11 September 1945 – 7 January 2024) was a German professional football player and manager. Nicknamed “Der Kaiser” (“The Emperor”), Beckenbauer was a versatile player who started out as a midfielder, but made his name as a central defender. He is often credited as having invented the role of the modern sweeper (libero). With success at club and international level, he is one of nine players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the European Champions Cup, and the Ballon d’Or.
Franz Beckenbauer, often referred to as “Der Kaiser”, is one of the most iconic figures in football history. Born on September 11, 1945, in Munich, Germany, Beckenbauer’s influence on the game transcended generations. He was celebrated not only for his exceptional skills on the pitch but also for his innovative thinking and leadership, which helped shape modern football.
