Originally a centre forward, he idolised 1954 FIFA World Cup winner Fritz Walter and supported local side 1860 Munich, then the pre-eminent team in the city, despite their relegation from the top league, the Oberliga Süd, in the 1950s. “It was always my dream to play for them” he would later confirm. That he joined the Bayern Munich youth team in 1959, rather than that of his favourites 1860 Munich, was the result of a contentious Under-14 youth tournament in nearby Neubiberg.
Beckenbauer and his teammates were aware that their SC Munich ’06 club lacked the finance to continue running its youth sides, and had determined to join 1860 Munich as a group upon the tournament’s conclusion. After retiring as a player, Beckenbauer seamlessly transitioned into management. He led West Germany to World Cup glory in 1990, making him one of the few individuals to win the tournament both as a player and a manager. His managerial style reflected the intelligence, calmness, and strategic acumen that had defined his playing career.
