History of Franz Beckenbauer in Timeline
Franz Anton Beckenbauer, also known as "der Kaiser", is a highly celebrated figure in football history, considered one of the all-time greats. He played professionally, managed teams, and served as an official within the sport. Beckenbauer's versatility was evident as he transitioned from midfield to central defense, revolutionizing the position with his pioneering role as a sweeper. Among his many accolades, he stands out as one of nine players to clinch the FIFA World Cup, European Champions Cup, and the coveted Ballon d'Or.
September 1945: Birth of Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Anton Beckenbauer was born on 11 September 1945 in Munich, Germany. He would later become one of the greatest football players of all time, earning the nickname 'der Kaiser' ('the Emperor'). His versatility allowed him to excel both as a midfielder and a central defender, and he is often credited with inventing the role of the modern sweeper (libero).
1954: Started Playing Football at Age Nine
In 1954, at the age of nine, Franz Beckenbauer began playing football with the youth team of SC Munich '06. This marked the start of his journey in the sport, despite his father's cynicism about football.
1959: Joined Bayern Munich Youth Team
In 1959, Franz Beckenbauer joined the Bayern Munich youth team. This decision was influenced by a contentious youth tournament in Neubiberg, which led Beckenbauer and his teammates to choose Bayern over their initial favorite, 1860 Munich.
1963: Controversy Over Girlfriend's Pregnancy
In 1963, Franz Beckenbauer faced controversy when it was revealed that his girlfriend was pregnant and he had no intention of marrying her. This led to a ban from the West Germany national youth team, which was later lifted after the intervention of coach Dettmar Cramer.
June 1964: Debut with Bayern Munich
Franz Beckenbauer made his debut with Bayern Munich in a Bundesliga promotion play-off match against FC St. Pauli on 6 June 1964. In his first season, the team won the Regionalliga Süd and was promoted to the Bundesliga.
March 1966: First International Goals
Beckenbauer scored his first goals for West Germany in March 1966, netting twice in a 4-2 victory against the Netherlands.
1966: First World Cup Appearance
Franz Beckenbauer played in his first World Cup in 1966, appearing in every match and scoring twice in his debut game against Switzerland.
1966: Won German Cup
In 1966, Franz Beckenbauer and Bayern Munich won the German Cup, setting the stage for further success in the following years.
1966: England Rematch and Game of the Century
In the 1966 World Cup, West Germany faced England in a rematch of the final. Beckenbauer scored a crucial goal to help his team equalize before winning in extra time. They then faced Italy in the semi-finals, known as the Game of the Century, where despite a dislocated shoulder, Beckenbauer continued playing. Italy won 4-3, and West Germany finished third after defeating Uruguay.
1967: European Cup Winners' Cup Victory
In 1967, Franz Beckenbauer and Bayern Munich won the European Cup Winners' Cup, marking the beginning of a period of European dominance for the club.
1967: European Success in Cup Winners' Cup
In 1967, Franz Beckenbauer led Bayern Munich to European success by winning the Cup Winners' Cup, further establishing the club's dominance.
1968: Became Bayern Munich Captain
In the 1968–69 season, Franz Beckenbauer became the captain of Bayern Munich. Under his leadership, the club won their first league title and he refined the role of the attacking sweeper (libero).
June 1969: Origin of 'der Kaiser' Nickname
On 14 June 1969, during a cup final, Franz Beckenbauer fouled Reinhard Libuda and then balanced the ball in front of upset fans, earning the nickname 'der Kaiser' ('the Emperor'). This moniker was a higher honor than Libuda's 'King of Westphalia' title.
1970: World Cup Third Place
Beckenbauer was part of the West Germany squad that finished third in the 1970 World Cup.
1971: National Team Captain
Franz Beckenbauer was appointed captain of the West Germany national team in 1971.
1972: European Championship Victory
Beckenbauer was part of the West Germany team that won the 1972 European Championship.
1972: First of Three Consecutive League Championships
In 1972, Franz Beckenbauer led Bayern Munich to the first of three consecutive league championships, establishing the club as a dominant force in German football.
1973: Most Capped German Player
Beckenbauer became the most capped player for the German national team in 1973, breaking Uwe Seeler's record.
1974: World Cup Victory as a Player
Beckenbauer led West Germany to victory in the 1974 World Cup as a player.
1974: World Cup Champion
Franz Beckenbauer captained West Germany to victory in the 1974 World Cup.
1974: First European Cup Victory as Captain
In 1974, Franz Beckenbauer captained Bayern Munich to their first of three consecutive European Cup victories, establishing himself as a legendary leader in football.
1974: European Cup Win and Permanent Trophy
In 1974, Franz Beckenbauer captained Bayern Munich to their third consecutive European Cup win. This hat-trick of victories earned the club the honor of keeping the trophy permanently.
1975: Beckenbauer's 30th Birthday Party
Beckenbauer's 30th birthday party took place in 1975, with the Bavarian Finance Minister Ludwig Huber in attendance.
1976: Payment of Back Taxes
Beckenbauer paid 1.6 million D-Marks in back taxes in 1976, related to a financial structure he used for sheltering income, which was later found invalid.
1976: Third Consecutive European Cup Victory
In 1976, Franz Beckenbauer captained Bayern Munich to their third consecutive European Cup victory, making him the first player to achieve this feat as a captain.
1976: European Championship Runners-up
West Germany, led by Beckenbauer, finished as runners-up in the 1976 European Championship.
1977: Retirement from International Football
Franz Beckenbauer retired from international football in 1977 at the age of 31, after transferring to New York Cosmos.
1977: Signed with New York Cosmos
In 1977, Franz Beckenbauer signed a lucrative contract with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He played alongside Pelé and helped the team win the Soccer Bowl in his debut season.
1977: Start of Period in Switzerland
This year marks the beginning of Beckenbauer's period of living in Switzerland, which later led to tax evasion charges.
1978: Second Soccer Bowl Victory
In 1978, Franz Beckenbauer and the New York Cosmos secured their second Soccer Bowl victory, continuing their dominance in the NASL.
1980: End of Period in Switzerland
Beckenbauer ceased to live in Switzerland in 1980.
1980: Third Soccer Bowl Victory with Cosmos
In 1980, Franz Beckenbauer and the New York Cosmos won their third Soccer Bowl, marking the end of his successful stint with the team.
1980: Bundesliga Title with Hamburger SV
In 1980, Franz Beckenbauer won the Bundesliga title with Hamburger SV. This accomplishment added to his already illustrious career in German football.
May 1982: Establishment of Franz-Beckenbauer-Stiftung
Beckenbauer established the Franz-Beckenbauer-Stiftung in Hamburg on May 15, 1982, to aid the disabled, ill, and those in need.
1982: Move to Austria
Beckenbauer moved to Austria in 1982, a country known for its lower tax rates.
1983: Final Season with New York Cosmos
In 1983, Franz Beckenbauer played his final season with the New York Cosmos, concluding an illustrious career that spanned across multiple leagues and continents.
September 1984: Appointed Manager of West Germany
Beckenbauer was appointed manager of the West Germany national team on 12 September 1984, succeeding Jupp Derwall.
1986: World Cup Final Appearance as Manager
Beckenbauer managed West Germany to the final of the 1986 World Cup, where they were defeated by Argentina, led by Diego Maradona.
1987: Fine for Tax Evasion
Beckenbauer was fined by Swiss authorities in 1987 for evading taxes while residing in Switzerland between 1977 and 1980.
1990: World Cup Victory as a Manager
Beckenbauer became one of the few to win the World Cup both as a player and manager, leading West Germany to victory in 1990.
1990: Move to Olympique de Marseille
Beckenbauer took on the role of manager at Olympique de Marseille in 1990 but left before the end of the season. Despite his departure, Marseille won the French championship and were runners-up in the European Cup under his successor.
December 1993: Return to Bayern Munich
Beckenbauer began his first brief stint as manager of Bayern Munich in December 1993.
1993: Record Overtaken
Lothar Matthäus surpassed Beckenbauer's record for most caps for the German national team in 1993.
June 1994: End of First Stint at Bayern Munich
Beckenbauer's first stint as Bayern Munich manager ended in June 1994.
1994: Became Club President at Bayern Munich
Franz Beckenbauer took on the role of club president at Bayern Munich in 1994, contributing to the club's success in subsequent years.
April 1996: Second Stint at Bayern Munich
Beckenbauer began his second stint as Bayern Munich manager in April 1996.
1998: World Team of the 20th Century Recognition
Beckenbauer was chosen for the World Team of the 20th Century, solidifying his place as one of the greatest footballers.
1998: Vice-President of the German Football Association
Franz Beckenbauer assumed the position of vice-president of the German Football Association in 1998.
1998: Named in World Team of the 20th Century
Franz Beckenbauer was named in the World Team of the 20th Century in 1998. This honor recognized his exceptional contributions to football and his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.
2000: France's Consecutive Wins
France became the second team to win the European Championship and World Cup consecutively in 2000.
2002: Became Chairman of the Advisory Board
With Bayern Munich's transition to a limited company, Beckenbauer became chairman of the advisory board in 2002.
2004: Listed in FIFA 100 of the World's Greatest Living Players
Franz Beckenbauer was listed in the FIFA 100 of the world's greatest living players in 2004, an honor that acknowledged his remarkable talent and influence in football.
2004: Undisclosed Payment from Oddset
It was revealed that Beckenbauer received 5.5 million euros from a sponsorship deal between the German Football Association and betting company Oddset in 2004, which he didn't initially pay taxes on in Germany. He claimed to have paid taxes in Austria, his tax residency.
2006: Instrumental Role in Germany's World Cup Hosting
Beckenbauer played a crucial role in securing Germany as the host of the 2006 World Cup.
2009: Stepped Down as President
Beckenbauer stepped down as president of Bayern Munich in 2009, succeeded by Uli Hoeneß.
2010: Tax Payment Discovery
German authorities discovered the undisclosed payment from Oddset in 2010.
2010: Spain's Consecutive Wins
Spain became the third team to achieve consecutive victories in the European Championship and World Cup in 2010.
2010: Alleged Payment from South Africa
Swiss investigators uncovered evidence of a payment, at least 1.7 million euros, allegedly from the South African Football Association to Beckenbauer through Gibraltar, supposedly for consultancy services related to securing the 2010 World Cup hosting rights.
2013: Samsung Advertisement and FIFA Video Game Feature
In 2013, Beckenbauer appeared in a Samsung advertisement as the manager of a Galaxy XI, featuring Lionel Messi. He was also included in the FIFA 15 Ultimate Team Legends in EA Sports' FIFA video game series.
June 2014: FIFA Ban
FIFA's Ethics Committee imposed a 90-day ban on Beckenbauer from any football-related activities in June 2014 for allegedly not cooperating with a corruption inquiry. He protested, requesting written questions in German. The ban was lifted upon his agreement to cooperate.
July 2015: Death of Stephan Beckenbauer
Beckenbauer's son, Stephan, a former professional footballer, died on July 31, 2015, at the age of 46, due to a brain tumor.
February 2016: FIFA Fine
Beckenbauer received a CHF 7,000 fine and a warning from FIFA's Ethics Committee in February 2016 for his lack of cooperation with the inquiry in 2014.
August 2016: Investigation for Fraud and Money Laundering
In August 2016, Franz Beckenbauer was investigated for fraud and money laundering in connection with the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The investigation lasted until 2020 but was closed without a verdict due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
2018: Alleged Success Fees for World Cup Vote
Beckenbauer allegedly received an additional €1.5 million in success fees after Russia was chosen to host the 2018 World Cup.
2018: Artificial Hip Replacement
Beckenbauer received an artificial hip replacement in 2018.
October 2019: Black Mirror Leaks Publication
In October 2019, Black Mirror Leaks published email correspondence that appeared to show Beckenbauer and his adviser receiving €3 million for their votes in favor of Russia hosting the 2018 World Cup.
2019: Praise for Jürgen Klopp
Beckenbauer's praise for Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in 2019 was profound, with Klopp likening it to receiving knighthood from a king.
2020: Named in Ballon d'Or Dream Team
Franz Beckenbauer was named in the Ballon d'Or Dream Team in 2020, highlighting his enduring legacy and contributions to football as one of the greatest players ever.
2020: Investigation Closed
In 2020, the investigation into Franz Beckenbauer for fraud and money laundering in connection with the 2006 FIFA World Cup was closed without a verdict as the statute of limitations expired.
2021: Closure of FIFA Ethics Inquiry
FIFA closed its ethics inquiry against Beckenbauer in 2021 due to the statute of limitations expiring.
2021: Named in IFFHS All-time Men's Dream Team
In 2021, Franz Beckenbauer was named in the IFFHS All-time Men's Dream Team, further solidifying his status as a football legend and recognizing his exceptional career.
January 2024: Death and Memorial Service
Franz Beckenbauer passed away on January 7, 2024, at the age of 78 from natural causes. A memorial service was held at Allianz Arena on January 19.
January 2024: Death of Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, passed away on 7 January 2024. His career included winning the FIFA World Cup, the European Champions Cup, and the Ballon d'Or. He was known for his versatility and credited with inventing the modern sweeper role.
2024: Posthumous Recognition as "Greatest Defender Ever"
Following his death in 2024, La Gazzetta dello Sport recognized Beckenbauer as the "greatest defender ever," and many outlets hailed him as one of the greatest players of all time.
