MiaSanMia

Defender · 1965–1979

Franz Beckenbauer

Der Kaiser invented the attacking sweeper: a defender who carried the ball out of the back line as a matter of course. He is the only person to have won the World Cup as captain and as manager.

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Accuracy note. Figures on this page are documented facts, current to the end of the 2024-25 season. Transfer fees are reported figures: German clubs rarely confirm them officially.

Iconic moments

  • Captained Bayern to the European Cup in 1974, 1975 and 1976 and West Germany to the 1974 World Cup.
  • Played the 1970 World Cup semi-final against Italy with a dislocated shoulder strapped to his body.
  • Returned as coach, then president, and led the project that built the Allianz Arena. He died in January 2024.

Why he is remembered

Der Kaiser invented the attacking sweeper: a defender who carried the ball out of the back line as a matter of course. He is the only person to have won the World Cup as captain and as manager.

Franz Beckenbauer played as a defender in the 1965–1979 era and is listed here for Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, European Cup, Cup Winners' Cup won with the club.