Franz Beckenbauer is arguably the most beloved and accomplished soccer player, coach, and manager in Germany's history, earning the esteemed nickname "Kaiser".
Born and raised in Munich, he joined Bayern Munich at the tender age of 14, and his journey to stardom began in earnest.
In 1965, he made his debut in the German Bundesliga, and his exceptional skills as a sweeper quickly made him a household name.
Throughout his illustrious career, Beckenbauer won an impressive four league championships and four European Cups, including the 1966 Cup Winners' Cup and the 1972-74 Champions' Cup.
In addition to his club success, he also donned the German national team jersey and amassed an impressive 103 caps.
He led the team to historic victories at the 1972 European Championships and the 1974 World Cup, cementing his status as a national hero.
However, personal and professional struggles led him to accept a contract with Cosmos New York in the North American Soccer League.
During his time in the US, the team won three championships, but Beckenbauer eventually returned to Germany, where he played a single season with Hamburger SV before retiring in 1984.
Just a few months later, he was appointed manager of the German national team, a role he held until the team's triumphant victory at the 1990 World Cup, becoming one of only two individuals to win the cup as both a player and coach.
In the 1990s, he returned to Bayern Munich, serving as coach for a single season before eventually becoming the club's president.
More recently, Beckenbauer has played a key role in Germany's bid to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and he currently serves as chairman of the organization committee.
Despite the tabloids' persistent fascination with his tumultuous personal life, Franz Beckenbauer remains an unassailable figure in the public's eye.
