born Sept. 11, 1945, Munich, Ger.
German football (soccer) player.
He is credited with inventing the modern attacking sweeper position. Nicknamed "Der Kaiser," Beckenbauer is the only man to both captain and manage World Cup-winning teams (1974 and 1990, respectively). He spent most of his career with Bayern Munich (1958–77), leading the team to three European Cup championships (1974–76) and four national titles. He was named European Footballer of the Year in 1972 and 1976. After brief stints in New York and Hamburg, he retired in 1984 and turned to managing.