Franz Beckenbauer

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Lore & Background

Beckenbauer's crowning achievement came in 1974 when he captained West Germany to their second World Cup title, famously defeating the Netherlands 2–1 in the final. This victory cemented his status as a national hero and established the modern sweeper (libero) role that he is often credited with inventing. He also won the 1972 European Championship, beating the Soviet Union 3–0 in the final, and finished as runners-up in the 1976 edition. Beckenbauer became the most capped player for the German national team in 1973, beating Uwe Seeler's record of 72 matches.

In Their Own Story

The 1974 World Cup was hosted by West Germany and Beckenbauer led his side to victory, including a hard-fought 2–1 win over the hotly favoured Netherlands. In the 1970 World Cup, West Germany faced England in a rematch of the 1966 final. The English were ahead 2–0 in the second half, but a spectacular goal by Beckenbauer in the 69th minute helped the Germans recover and equalise before the end of normal time and win the match in extra time. In the semi-final against Italy, known as the Game of the Century, he dislocated his shoulder after being fouled but stayed on the field carrying his dislocated arm in a sling, as his side had already used their two permitted substitutions.

Reader's Guide

Franz Beckenbauer's international career is defined by his unprecedented success as both captain and player for West Germany. Making his debut in a World Cup qualification match against Sweden on 26 September 1965, he quickly became the focal point of a team that would dominate European football. His most defining moment occurred at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, where he captained the side to victory over the Netherlands. Playing as a revolutionary sweeper, Beckenbauer orchestrated play from defense. This triumph was prefigured by his role in the 1966 final, where he was nominated the Best Young Player of the tournament and awarded the Bronze Boot, and followed by a European Championship title in 1972. Beyond trophies, Beckenbauer's legacy lies in his stylistic influence. He proved that a defender could be an artist, changing how Germany approached the game forever. With 103 caps for West Germany, he remains one of the few players to win the World Cup as both captain and manager.

Did You Know?

• Beckenbauer was twice named European Footballer of the Year.
• He is one of several men, including Brazil's Mário Zagallo, France's Didier Deschamps, Uruguay's Alberto Suppici, and Italy's Vittorio Pozzo, to have won the World Cup as a player and as a manager.
• He was the first captain to lift the World Cup and European Championship at the international level and the European Cup at the club level.
• In the 1970 World Cup semi-final against Italy, he played with a dislocated shoulder with his arm strapped to his body because his team had already used both substitutions.
• Beckenbauer became the most capped player for the German national team in 1973, beating Uwe Seeler's record of 72 matches.