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Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never To Play Football

Glenn Hayes

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Franz Beckenbauer, known as 'Der Kaiser', is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He captained West Germany to victory in the 1974 World Cup and was named European Footballer of the Year twice. He also won five Bundesliga titles and three European Cups with Bayern Munich.

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

But Beckenbauer's career was almost over before it had even begun. In 1965, he was diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal disease called osteomyelitis. The doctors told him that he would never play football again.

However, Beckenbauer refused to give up. He underwent surgery and spent months in rehabilitation. He eventually returned to football and went on to have one of the most successful careers in the history of the game.

Beckenbauer was a versatile player who could play in a variety of positions. He was a natural leader and was known for his vision, passing ability, and tackling skills.

In addition to his playing career, Beckenbauer has also been a successful manager and coach. He led Bayern Munich to victory in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League, and he was the manager of the German national team from 1984 to 1990.

Beckenbauer is a true legend of the game. He is one of the few players who has won the World Cup, the European Championship, and the European Cup. He is also one of the most respected figures in football history.

The Early Years

Franz Beckenbauer was born on September 11, 1945, in Munich, Germany. He began playing football at a young age and quickly showed his natural talent. He joined Bayern Munich's youth academy in 1959 and made his debut for the first team in 1964.

In his early years with Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer played as a midfielder. However, he soon moved to the position of libero, which was a new role that had been developed by Bayern Munich coach Udo Lattek.

As a libero, Beckenbauer was given the freedom to roam the pitch and play in any position he wanted. This allowed him to use his vision and passing ability to control the game.

International Career

Beckenbauer made his debut for the West German national team in 1965. He quickly became a regular in the team and was a key member of the side that won the 1974 World Cup.

In the 1974 World Cup final, Beckenbauer scored a penalty to give West Germany a 1-0 lead over the Netherlands. He also played a key role in setting up Gerd Müller's goal that sealed the victory.

Beckenbauer also played in the 1966, 1970, and 1978 World Cups. He was named captain of the team in 1971 and led them to victory in the 1972 European Championship.

Club Career

Beckenbauer spent the majority of his club career with Bayern Munich. He won five Bundesliga titles, three European Cups, and one Intercontinental Cup with the club.

In 1977, Beckenbauer moved to the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League. He spent three seasons with the Cosmos and won two NASL championships.

Beckenbauer retired from playing in 1983. He returned to Bayern Munich as a coach in 1994 and led the team to victory in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.

Legacy

Franz Beckenbauer is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. He is one of the few players who has won the World Cup, the European Championship, and the European Cup.

Beckenbauer was a versatile player who could play in a variety of positions. He was a natural leader and was known for his vision, passing ability, and tackling skills.

In addition to his playing career, Beckenbauer has also been a successful manager and coach. He is one of the most respected figures in football history.

Franz Beckenbauer is a true legend of the game. He is an inspiration to young players and a role model for all.

If you are a fan of football, then you should read this book. It is a fascinating account of one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.

Click here to buy the book now.

Buy the Book Now

Kaiser!: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football

by Rob Smyth

4.3 out of 5