Franz Beckenbauer
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Franz Anton Beckenbauer was born on September 11, 1945, in Munich, Germany, to Franz Beckenbauer Sr. and Antonia Beckenbauer. At the age of nine, he began playing football with the youth team of SC München '06. In 1964, he joined Bayern Munich, and the club soon found success in the newly formed Bundesliga. By 1966, Beckenbauer had earned a spot on the West Germany national team and participated in his first FIFA World Cup. That same year, Bayern won the DFB-Pokal and followed it with a European Cup Winners’ Cup victory in 1967.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 11 Sep, 1945
- Age
- 74 yrs
- Occupations
- Association football player
Association football manager
Show all facts
- Citizenship
- West Germany
Germany - Birth Place
- Munich
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- German association football player
- Net Worth 2021
- 10 million
Rise to Prominence at Bayern Munich
Beckenbauer became captain of Bayern Munich in the 1968–69 season, a pivotal role in which he led the team to its first Bundesliga league title. As a commanding sweeper, he innovated the position with his composure and playmaking ability. His leadership helped Bayern secure three consecutive European Cup titles from 1974 to 1976, and the team also won multiple domestic championships during this golden era.
International Success with West Germany
Beckenbauer earned the captaincy of the West German national team in 1971. Despite an injury in the 1970 World Cup semi-final, he continued to play, famously finishing the match with a dislocated shoulder. He later led West Germany to victory in the 1972 UEFA European Championship and followed it with a World Cup win on home soil in 1974. His achievements cemented his status as one of football’s all-time greats.
North American Soccer League and Late Playing Career
In 1977, Beckenbauer signed with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). His presence helped the Cosmos become one of the league's most celebrated teams, winning the Soccer Bowl three times during his tenure. After a stint with Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga and a final season with the Cosmos, Beckenbauer retired from professional football in 1984.
