Sporting icons : Franz Beckenbauer - The German superstar's achievements & video

  

Franz Beckenbauer, a German football legend, had a distinguished career both as a player and a manager. Born on 11 September  1945 , he passed away on 8th January 2024 at the age of 78 after suffering from Parkinson's  

Some of his notable achievements include:

Player Achievements:

1. **World Cup Winner:** Beckenbauer won the FIFA World Cup as a player with West Germany in 1974.

2. **World Cup Runner-up:** He reached the World Cup final as a player in 1966 and 1982.

3. **European Championship Winner:** Beckenbauer triumphed in the UEFA European Championship with West Germany in 1972.

4. **European Cup/Champions League:** Won the European Cup three times with Bayern Munich (1974, 1975, 1976).

5. **Bundesliga Titles:** Secured multiple Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich during the 1970s.

Managerial Achievements:

1. **World Cup Winner (as a manager):** Beckenbauer led Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup as both a player and manager.

2. **World Cup Runner-up (as a manager):** Reached the World Cup final again in 1986 as the manager of West Germany.

3. **European Championship Runner-up (as a manager):** Managed Germany to the UEFA European Championship final in 1996.

4. **Club Management:** Successfully managed clubs such as Bayern Munich and Marseille.

Individual Honors:

1. **Ballon d'Or:** Beckenbauer won the Ballon d'Or as the European Footballer of the Year in 1972 and 1976.

2. **FIFA 100:** Named in the list of FIFA's 100 greatest living players in 2004.

Franz Beckenbauer, often referred to as "Der Kaiser," was known for his elegant and composed style of play. His style can be summarized in several key aspects:

1. **Sweeper Role:** Beckenbauer popularized the role of the sweeper in football. As a sweeper, he played behind the defensive line, acting as the last line of defense and also initiating attacks from the back.

2. **Elegance and Composure:** Known for his calm and elegant demeanor on the field, Beckenbauer possessed exceptional composure under pressure. This trait made him a reliable figure in both defensive and offensive situations.

3. **Ball-playing Defender:** Beckenbauer was not just a solid defender; he was also a skilled ball player. He had the ability to carry the ball forward with grace, contributing to his team's build-up play.

4. **Versatility:** Over the course of his career, Beckenbauer showcased remarkable versatility. He seamlessly transitioned from defense to midfield, displaying adaptability and a deep understanding of the game.

5. **Leadership:** Beckenbauer was a natural leader, captaining both his club, Bayern Munich, and the West German national team. His leadership qualities extended beyond his playing days, as he later became a successful football manager.

6. **Reading of the Game:** His intelligence and tactical awareness were evident in his exceptional reading of the game. Beckenbauer had a knack for anticipating opponents' moves and positioning himself accordingly.

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7. **Winning Mentality:** Beckenbauer had a strong winning mentality, which was reflected in his numerous team and individual accomplishments throughout his career.

Beckenbauer's playing style not only contributed to his personal success but also had a lasting influence on the evolution of football tactics and the role of defenders in the game.

Beckenbauer's contributions to German football and his versatile success as a player and manager solidify his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the sport.

Below video shows some of his great goal scoring skills