Franz Beckenbauer

NAME Franz Anton Beckenbauer

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Franz Beckenbauer is best known as one of the greatest football players of all time, credited with revolutionizing the role of the sweeper (libero) in modern football. He is also renowned for captaining Germany to victory in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, and later coaching the team to win the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

BIRTH Born on September 11, 1945, in Munich, Germany.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Beckenbauer was raised in a working-class family. His father, Franz Beckenbauer, Sr. worked as a postal employee, and his family lived in the Giesing district of Munich.

He had one sibling, an older brother named Walter Beckenbauer. 

Beckenbauer's mother Antonie played a significant role in shaping his worldview. She taught her sons to treat all people equally, regardless of race, religion or origins. This influenced Beckenbauer's later reputation for treating everyone with respect, from secretaries to heads of state

CHILDHOOD Growing up in post-war Germany, Beckenbauer's family lived in a small apartment with limited amenities. They had only two rooms and a stove in the living room. In winter, the family spent most time in the kitchen due to the cold. There was a hole in the floor of one room, covered only by a carpet and running water was only available outside and was cold

Despite the hardships, Beckenbauer recalled feeling comfortable and safe. On Friday evenings, the family would enjoy a special ritual - the boys could bathe in hot water and listen to music on an old wooden radio

Beckenbauer developed an early passion for football, playing with a local youth team, SC Munich '06, before joining Bayern Munich's youth academy.

EDUCATION Beckenbauer attended the Icho School in Giesing, a working-class district of Munich where he grew up. Beckenbauer and his brother Walter were in classes of about 65 students. The teachers were described as harsh and tough.

Beckenbauer and his brother were particularly interested in geography lessons, as they enjoyed learning about the outside world, foreign countries, and foreign cultures

However, his primary focus was always football, leading him to prioritize his athletic career over academics.

CAREER RECORD Beckenbauer made his professional debut for Bayern Munich in a Bundesliga promotion play-off match against FC St. Pauli on June 6, 1964, playing on the left wing. 

Over his illustrious career, Beckenbauer won five Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, three European Cups, and the Ballon d'Or twice (1972, 1976). He made 103 appearances for the West German national team, winning the European Championship in 1972 and the World Cup in 1974.

He managed Bayern Munich and the German national team, achieving further success.

APPEARANCE Tall and elegant, Beckenbauer was known for his calm demeanor on and off the field, often referred to as "Der Kaiser" (The Emperor) for his regal presence.

Beckenbauer at the 1974 FIFA World Cup By Bundesarchiv,

FASHION Beckenbauer carried a classic, understated style, often seen in well-tailored suits or traditional German attire during public appearances.

CHARACTER Self-assured and charismatic, Beckenbauer was renowned for his intelligence, composure under pressure, and natural leadership, consistently inspiring his teammates.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Franz Beckenbauer is known for his wry sense of humor, which has been evident throughout his career. One notable example occurred during a friendly match in Vienna, where he posed for a photo next to a bust of the former Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I. This incident led to the media dubbing him "Fußball-Kaiser" (football-emperor), a nickname that stuck and reflected both his stature in football and his playful personality.

Another instance showcasing his humor was during a match where, after being booed by opposing fans, he skillfully juggled the ball in front of them for an extended period. This act not only demonstrated his technical prowess but also served as a cheeky response to the crowd's jeers, highlighting his confidence and ability to engage with the audience in a light-hearted manner

RELATIONSHIPS Beckenbauer was married three times and had five children. His son Stephan, a professional footballer, tragically passed away from a brain tumor on July 31, 2015, at the age of 46. Stephan's son, Luca, followed in the family footsteps and became a professional footballer.

MONEY AND FAME Beckenbauer’s success on the pitch and in management brought him wealth and widespread fame. He used part of his wealth to establish the Franz-Beckenbauer-Stiftung foundation, dedicated to supporting people in need.

FOOD AND DRINK A lover of traditional German cuisine, Beckenbauer also enjoyed fine dining and was known to appreciate good wine.

 During his childhood in Munich, Beckenbauer and his friends would often play games to secure leftover food from wealthier neighbors, such as apples and sandwiches. This experience likely influenced his appreciation for food and the value of sharing meals with friend

MUSIC AND ARTS Though he was primarily focused on football, Beckenbauer had an appreciation for classical music and often attended cultural events in Germany.

Beckenbauer recorded several songs in the 1960s. His most well-known release, "Gute Freunde kann niemand trennen" (Good friends can't be separated), reached #31 in the German charts. 

LITERATURE Beckenbauer occasionally indulged in biographies and books related to football, but he wasn’t known to have a deep literary passion outside of his professional interests.

NATURE Beckenbauer appreciated the outdoors and enjoyed spending time in the Bavarian countryside, where he often retreated for relaxation.

PETS Beckenbauer has had dogs throughout his life, and his fondness for pets is well-known among his close circle.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Franz Beckenbauer, the man they called "Der Kaiser," was a titan of the game. He was the sort of player who made you sit up and take notice, a footballing colossus who seemed to defy gravity. He was a midfield maestro turned defensive sentinel, a man who reinvented the role of the sweeper. Imagine a cat, graceful and agile, gliding across a grand stage. That was Beckenbauer on the pitch.

He was a winner, a man who knew how to get the job done. He lifted the World Cup as both captain and manager, a feat matched by only a handful of others. He won European Cups with Bayern Munich and European Championships with West Germany. He was a man of many talents, a player who could do it all.

Beckenbauer was more than just a footballer. He was a statesman, a leader, a man who brought the World Cup to Germany. He was a commentator, a columnist, a man who shared his passion for the game with millions. 

In addition to football, Beckenbauer enjoyed golf and was an avid player. He also took pleasure in skiing, which is popular in the Bavarian region of Germany.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY A practicing Catholic, Beckenbauer held a spiritual view on life and death, believing that the soul travels after death. His faith was an important part of his personal life.

POLITICS Beckenbauer rarely ventured into political commentary, but his status in Germany meant that his opinions were always respected when shared.

SCANDAL In his later years, Beckenbauer's reputation as an administrator was tarnished by allegations of bribery related to Germany's successful bid to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Investigations were launched, but he consistently denied any wrongdoing.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS In his later years, Beckenbauer faced significant health issues. He underwent cardiac surgery in 2016 and 2017, and received an artificial hip in 2018. Despite these health challenges, he remained active in public life.

HOMES Beckenbauer lived in several luxurious homes, primarily in Munich and Salzburg, Austria.

TRAVEL As an international football icon, Beckenbauer traveled extensively throughout his career, both as a player and later as an administrator.

DEATH Franz Beckenbauer died on January 7, 2024, at the age of 78. The exact cause of death was not officially specified, but it was reported that he passed away peacefully in his sleep. His family announced that he died "surrounded by his family."

A memorial service was held for him at Allianz Arena on January 19, 2024.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Beckenbauer has been featured in numerous football documentaries, books, and films celebrating his career. He has also worked as a television pundit, offering commentary on major football tournaments.

Beckenbauer was featured as a character in a Monty Python sketch "The Philosophers' Football Match." In this sketch, instead of playing football, the characters walked in circles contemplating philosophy, which added a humorous twist to the concept of football.

ACHIEVEMENTS Beckenbauer's accolades include winning the World Cup as both a player and a manager, multiple Bundesliga titles, three European Cups, and two Ballon d'Or awards. His contributions to football both on and off the pitch have solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s true legends. He also raised over 20 million euros for his charity foundation, which supports people in need.