German football lost its greatest legend on 8 January 2024. Franz Beckenbauer died at the age of 78.
Nicknamed “Der Kaiser”, Beckenbauer turned the libero into a creative role – directing play from the back, distributing the ball and joining the attack himself. With Bayern Munich he won three consecutive European Cups in the 1970s and was twice named European Footballer of the Year. In 1974 he captained West Germany to the world title, and in 1990 he became world champion again as coach. He ranks among the most influential figures in football history, and his Bayern era remains a favourite theme for collectors today.
Key facts
- Born 11 Sept 1945 in Munich, died 8 Jan 2024
- World champion as player (1974) and coach (1990)
- 3 European Cups with Bayern (1974–1976), 2 Ballon d'Or awards
Find at FANzone
postcard F.C. Bayern München 1976 · FC Bayern Meister catalogue 1997/98 · Postcards category · Printed matter category