Beckenbauer: Der Kaiser who changed the perception of Germany
We associate Germany as a footballing force because of one man.
Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with success with whatever he touched.
Reshaping perceptions of his nation. Redefining how the game was played. A pioneer and visionary.
A legend as a player who tasted glory at the highest levels as a manager – unlike contemporaries Pele and Bobby Charlton.
The World Cup was Beckenbauer’s stage.
And he died two days after the first person to also win football’s biggest prize as a player and manager – Brazil’s Mario Zagallo.
World Cup glory for Beckenbauer came as captain in 1974 and coach in 1990.
There was also the runners-up finish in 1966 when Charlton led England in nullifying Beckenbauer’s threat.
But Beckenbauer led the comeback that ended England’s reign as world champions in the 1970 World Cup quarterfinals.
Incredibly, leading West Germany at Italia 90 completed a six-year spell in charge that was his first job in the dugout – including masterminding the semi-final victory over England.
It’s hard to follow lifting the World Cup.
But when he was brought in by Bayern Munich they were crowned German champions just as they were four times during his playing days.
Three of those Bundesliga titles came in a row and there was also a hat-trick of European Cups.
The 1970s was the decade of Beckenbauer.
Former Germany and Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann told Sky News: “He was a fantastic player – technically gifted. He was a libero – a sweeper. He invented that position and he played it in style.
“That’s why they called him the emperor – kaiser in Germany – because he was so stylish and elegant.”
But there was also the cloud of suspicion that hung over Beckenbauer.
The third chapter of his illustrious career was helping Germany to win FIFA votes to host the 2006 World Cup and then leading the organisation of what became known as the country’s “fairytale summer”.
But ethics investigations into vote buying tainted Beckenbauer’s reputation although he always denied being involved in any corruption.
Lehmann blames Germans for trying to “destroy their own heroes” and for making him suffer.
But Germany’s goalkeeper at the 2006 World Cup prefers to remember the impact that tournament had as a lasting legacy of the 78-year-old.
He recalled: “People enjoyed Germany … and he changed the perception of Germany.”