Franz grew up in Munich in the post-war years. The family could not afford a leather ball or soccer shoes. Franz therefore had to pursue his passion with balls of wool and in converted ski boots.

Franz Beckenbauer's first official club was SC Munich 06, where he played for four years. When the club got into trouble, Franz was forced to look for a new team. The choice was between the popular “lions” of TSV 1860 or FC Bayern, which was still small, less successful at the time.

When Franz moved to FC Bayern, he was still playing in the Regionalliga Süd. He needed a side job to make up for his low salary. In 1965, the team finally made it to the Bundesliga.

On September 26, 1965, Franz was appointed to the men's national team for the World Cup qualifier for the first time. The game was decisive: An away win was needed to qualify for the World Cup in England.

Franz already had a contract with Italian club Inter Milan, but a decision by the soccer association cancelled the change at the last moment.

In his first game for the national team, Franz secured qualification for the World Cup in England together with his teammates and immediately established himself as a regular player there.

Franz was not only a soccer legend, but also one of Germany's most famous advertising icons. With charm and lightness, he shaped unforgettable campaigns and became the face of major brands.

As Libero, Franz revolutionized soccer: He not only defended, but also opened the game from behind and thus became the defining pacemaker of his time.

Franz Beckenbauer was crowned “Kaiser” in the 1960s: a nickname that perfectly captured his elegance, authority and charisma and made him a soccer icon.

At the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, Franz Beckenbauer showed his irrepressible will: Despite a dislocated shoulder, he continued to play in the legendary semi-final against Italy and made soccer history.

In the 1970s and 80s, Franz was an integral part of Munich's “Schickeria.” During these years, Munich was the Republic's place of longing: sophisticated, cosmopolitan, a bit crazy. A dazzling mix of stars, artists, entrepreneurs and life artists that shaped the life of the Isar metropolis.

The 1972 European Championships sparked real enthusiasm among fans. The teamwork between Franz and Günter Netzer was legendary and ushered in the German team's greatest success period.

The 1974 soccer World Cup in Germany became the highlight of Franz Beckenbauer's playing career: On July 7, 1974, the dream of winning the title at the home stadium in Munich came true for him and his team.

The “Night of Malente” became the turning point of the 1974 World Cup: Out of frustration and disagreement, Franz formed a cohesive team with his leadership and thus laid the foundation for World Cup victory.

On June 22, 1974, the Federal Republic of Germany lost to the GDR at the Volkspark Stadium in Hamburg. Jürgen Sparwasser's goal shocked Franz and his team, but became a turning point on the way to the eventual World Cup title.

In the 1974 World Cup final, Franz Beckenbauer led the Federal Republic of Germany to a 2-1 victory after an early backlog against the Netherlands. Franz was the first player ever to raise the new FIFA World Cup.

In 1977 Franz Beckenbauer moved to Cosmos New York, where he played alongside world stars such as Pelé and helped make soccer popular in the USA.

Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer combined more than just joint games at Cosmos New York. It was a deep friendship between two legends, characterized by respect, warmth and unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.

A golden era ended in 1977: After more than a decade full of titles, Franz Beckenbauer said goodbye to FC Bayern. He played his last game at the Olympic Stadium in front of 80,000 fans before moving to Cosmos New York to write soccer history alongside Pelé and make the sport popular in the USA.

Franz Beckenbauer joined Hamburger SV in 1980 and won the German championship there in 1982. Another chapter in his successful playing career.

As team boss of the national team, Franz Beckenbauer led Germany to the World Cup final in 1986 and finally to the title in Italy in 1990. A triumph that finally made him a legend.

At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Franz Beckenbauer led Germany as team boss to the final, where his team only had to admit defeat in a duel with Diego Maradona's Argentina.

The 1990 World Cup in Italy was Franz Beckenbauer's biggest victory as team boss: With discipline, team spirit and his incomparable aura, he once again led Germany to the World Cup title.

Franz Beckenbauer achieved the feat of becoming world champion both as a player (1974) and as team boss (1990). A double coronation that elevated him to soccer Olympus.

In the 1990s, Franz Beckenbauer also became a permanent fixture on television: As a charismatic expert and advertising face, he shaped soccer broadcasts and entertained an audience of millions with charm and ease.

Franz Beckenbauer was appointed Vice President of FC Bayern in 1994. An office in which he represented the club with his charisma and set an important course for the future.

When Franz suddenly became interim coach of FC Bayern from Vice President in 1994, this was initially intended as an emergency solution. In the end, however, it became another chapter in his unique career.

As president of FC Bayern, Franz Beckenbauer led the club into a new era. With sporting success, international appeal and the decision to build the Allianz Arena.

On July 7, 2000, Franz achieved his biggest success as an official: The FIFA Committee decided to award the 2006 World Cup to Germany.

The construction of the Allianz Arena was more than an infrastructure project: it was a milestone in the history of FC Bayern Munich. A departure into a new era, a symbol of grandeur, modernity and international appeal.

After the FIFA Committee decided to award the 2006 World Cup to Germany, Franz, who was largely responsible for the successful bid, was appointed President of the Organizing Committee.

For weeks in 2006, Germany transformed itself into a stage of emotions. Football captured the hearts of the entire nation and the country showed itself to people all over the world as hospitable, cosmopolitan, easy-going and charming. Just as Franz Beckenbauer was.