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Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football

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Franz Beckenbauer, Nicknamed Kaiser : The Greatest Footballer Never To Play Football

Kaiser!: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football

by Rob Smyth

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	979 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

Franz Beckenbauer, nicknamed "Kaiser," was a German footballer and manager who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Despite his immense talent and influence on the game, Beckenbauer never actually played professional football.

Born in Munich, Germany, on September 11, 1945, Beckenbauer began his career with local club Bayern Munich at the age of 14. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his debut for the first team in 1964. Over the next 14 years, Beckenbauer would become a key figure in Bayern's dominance of German and European football.

Beckenbauer was a versatile player who could play anywhere in defense or midfield. He was known for his exceptional passing range, vision, and leadership skills. He was also a gifted goalscorer, despite his defensive role.

In 1971, Beckenbauer captained Bayern Munich to their first Bundesliga title. He would go on to win the Bundesliga a total of five times, as well as the European Cup three times. He also won the World Cup with West Germany in 1974, and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1972 and 1976.

Despite his achievements on the field, Beckenbauer's career was cut short by injuries. In 1977, he was forced to retire from professional football at the age of 32.

However, Beckenbauer's impact on the game continued long after his retirement. He became manager of Bayern Munich in 1979, and led the club to another Bundesliga title and a European Cup victory in 1980. He also managed the West German national team from 1984 to 1990, winning the World Cup in 1990.

Beckenbauer's legacy as a player and manager is immense. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, despite never playing professional football. He was a pioneer in the modern game, and his influence can still be seen in the way football is played today.

Here are some of Beckenbauer's most notable achievements:

* Won the World Cup with West Germany in 1974 * Won the European Cup three times with Bayern Munich (1974, 1975, 1976) * Won the Bundesliga five times with Bayern Munich (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977) * Named European Footballer of the Year in 1972 and 1976 * Managed Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title and European Cup victory in 1980 * Managed West Germany to the World Cup victory in 1990

Beckenbauer is a true legend of the game, and his story is an inspiration to all who love football.

Kaiser!: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football

by Rob Smyth

4.3 out of 5