German defender who won the 1974 FIFA World Cup as captain and the 1990 edition as manager, pioneering the modern attacking sweeper role.
Background
Born in Munich, Beckenbauer joined Bayern Munich’s youth system at age 13 and rose with the club from the regional leagues into the Bundesliga.
Career
He captained Bayern to three consecutive European Cups (1974–1976) and West Germany to the 1974 World Cup. He later played for the New York Cosmos and Hamburger SV. As West Germany’s manager he led the team to the 1990 World Cup title.
Style of play
“Der Kaiser” played as a libero, stepping out of defence to start attacks with composed passing. His positional reading became a model for modern centre-backs.
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