Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer, one of football's most iconic figures, was born on September 11, 1945, in Munich, Germany. He would go on to become a legendary football player and manager, known for his graceful style of play and tactical intellect. Beckenbauer's contributions to football would later earn him the nickname 'Der Kaiser'.

Franz Beckenbauer made his international debut for the West Germany national team on September 26, 1965, in a match against Sweden. This marked the beginning of an illustrious international career where Beckenbauer would play 103 matches for his country, scoring 14 goals and participating in several World Cup tournaments. His leadership and skill on the field solidified his place as a key figure in German football history.

Franz Beckenbauer was the captain of the West Germany national team that won the UEFA Euro 1972. The final, held on June 18, 1972, saw West Germany defeat the Soviet Union 3-0. Beckenbauer's leadership as captain was pivotal in guiding the team to victory. This triumph marked West Germany's first European Championship title and demonstrated Beckenbauer's talents as a leader on the international stage.

On July 7, 1974, in Munich, Franz Beckenbauer captained the West Germany team to victory in the FIFA World Cup. After a thrilling tournament, West Germany faced the Netherlands in the final and won 2-1. Beckenbauer's role as both a leader and a sweeper in the team was crucial to the victory. This win secured West Germany its second World Cup title and cemented Beckenbauer's legacy as one of football's greats.

In August 1976, Franz Beckenbauer made a landmark move to the United States to join the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). This transfer was notable as Beckenbauer was one of the first high-profile European players to join the league, which was striving to raise soccer's profile in America. During his time with the Cosmos, Beckenbauer helped the team win three Soccer Bowl titles.

Franz Beckenbauer became a World Cup hero once again, but this time as the manager of the West Germany national team. On July 8, 1990, his team defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final held in Rome, Italy. This victory made him the second person to win the World Cup both as a player and as a manager. Beckenbauer's strategic prowess and leadership were key in securing the title for his team.

In recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to football, Franz Beckenbauer was named German Footballer of the Year on December 16, 1994. This honor was one of many accolades Beckenbauer received throughout his career. The award highlighted his influence in shaping modern football both as a player of exceptional skill and as a manager and ambassador of the sport.

Franz Beckenbauer served as the chairman of the organizing committee for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which took place in Germany from June 9 to July 9, 2006. Under his leadership, the World Cup was a resounding success, celebrated for its efficient organization and vibrant atmosphere. Beckenbauer's role was instrumental in promoting Germany's image worldwide through the tournament.

On February 26, 2016, it was announced by the FIFA Ethics Committee that Franz Beckenbauer was under investigation in connection to the awarding of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The investigation focused on potential breaches of compliance rules. This news was part of a broader scrutiny of the World Cup bidding processes, sparking discussions about transparency and ethics in football governance.

On October 4, 2020, Franz Beckenbauer was handed a formal ban by the FIFA Ethics Committee. The decision followed an investigation into his role in the bidding process for the 2006 World Cup. Beckenbauer faced sanctions due to violations of ethical standards, marking a significant moment in football governance and the ongoing efforts to enforce strict compliance with ethical norms.