FRANZ BECKENBAUER

 

Date Of Birth : 11 September 1945
Position : Libero
Nation : Germany
Height : 181 cm
Major Club : Bayern Munich
Caps : 103 Games (14 Goals)
World Cup Participation : 1966, 1970, 1974(18 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Bundesliga
4 Times DFB Cup
3 Times European Cup (1974, 1975, 1976)
1 Time UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup
1976 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 1974 FIFA World Cup Winners
1966 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
1972 European Championship Winners
1976 European Championship Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 4 Times German Footballer Of The Year (1966, 1968, 1974, 1976)
2 Times World Soccer Player Of The Year (1972, 1976)
3 Times FIFA World Cup Team Of Tournament
2 Times European Championship Team Of Tournament
1966 FIFA World Cup Young Player Of Tournament
1974 FIFA World Cup Silver Ball
2 Times Silver Ball European Footballer Of The Year (1974, 1975)
2 Times European Footballer Of The Year (1972, 1976)
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
1998 FIFA World Team Of Century
1999 IFFHS Germany Player of The Century
1999 Bronze Ball IFFHS World Player of The Century
2002 FIFA Dream Team
8 Times German Defender of The Year

“Der Kaiser” Franz Beckenbauer is regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever in history of the game and the greatest German footballer of all-time. He originally started playing as defensive midfielder before moved to attacking libero which he controlled rhythmic in defensive able to advance on offensive mission with his elegant style of play. Beckenbauer was rated for Kicker magazine in 10.5 world-class seasons and 2.5 international-class seasons, This would be according to his record the most appearances in top five of Ballan D’or with 10 times. He was known for his leadership and effectiveness to read the game. Beckenbauer is not the greatest ever as defender but his creativity, passing, long shooting, holding with ball and defensive game led him as one of the most completed footballer the world has ever produced. He scored more than 50 goals for his career in Germany. Beckenbauer was voted 4th and 6th World player of century from World Soccer and France football’s poll, respectively, was voted 3rd the best player in history of World Cup by France Football, was finished 2nd in UEFA Jubilee Poll as the best European footballer in last 50 years.