Franz Beckenbauer Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Wikipedia, Net Worth, Awards, Death

Franz Beckenbauer, famously known as “Der Kaiser” (The Emperor), was one of the most influential figures in football history, both as a player and manager.

Known for his elegance, vision, and leadership on the field, Beckenbauer is often credited with revolutionizing the role of the sweeper, or libero, in modern football.

His prominence came with his achievements at Bayern Munich, where he led the club to multiple European titles and with the German national team, with which he won the FIFA World Cup as both a player and a manager.

Profile

• Full name: Franz Anton Beckenbauer
• Nickname: Der Kaiser
• Date of birth: September 11, 1945
• Age as of 2024: 78 years (at the time of his death)
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Munich, Germany
• Nationality: German
• Profession: Football player, manager, and executive
• Height: 1.81 meters (5 feet 11 inches)
• Parents: Franz Beckenbauer Sr., Antonie Beckenbauer
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Heidi Burmester (married 2006), Sybille Beckenbauer (1990–2004, divorced), Brigitte Beckenbauer (1966–1990, divorced)
• Children: Stephan Beckenbauer (deceased), Thomas Beckenbauer, Michael Beckenbauer, Joel Maximilian Beckenbauer, Francesca Antonie Beckenbauer
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: German
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Franz Beckenbauer was born on September 11, 1945, in Munich, Germany, and was 78 years old at the time of his death in January 2024.

He grew up in post-war Germany in the district of Giesing, Munich. His father, a postal worker, initially opposed Franz’s involvement in football, but Beckenbauer’s love for the sport led him to join SC 1906 München at the age of six.

By his early teens, Beckenbauer had moved to Bayern Munich’s youth system, where he began his journey toward football greatness.

His upbringing in Germany shaped his early football experiences, leading him to pursue a professional career without much formal academic education.

Personal Life

Franz Beckenbauer was married three times. His first marriage to Brigitte Beckenbauer lasted from 1966 to 1990, and they had three children: Thomas, Michael, and Stephan (who passed away in 2015).

His second marriage to Sybille Beckenbauer spanned from 1990 to 2004 before the divorce ended. In 2006, Beckenbauer married Heidi Burmester, with whom he had two children: Joel Maximilian and Francesca Antonie.

Over the years, Beckenbauer’s personal life was subject to media attention, primarily his high-profile marriages and the tragic loss of his son, Stephan.

Despite the challenges, Beckenbauer focused on his career and philanthropic activities later in life.

Career

Franz Beckenbauer’s football career began in 1964 with Bayern Munich, where he played as a defender and midfielder.

He captained Bayern to three consecutive European Cup victories from 1974 to 1976 and secured five Bundesliga titles.

Internationally, Beckenbauer was the face of West German football. He led the national team to win the 1972 European Championship and captained them to World Cup glory in 1974.

Beckenbauer transitioned into management and, in 1990, became the first individual to win the World Cup both as a player and as a coach. Before retiring, he also had a notable stint in the North American Soccer League with the New York Cosmos.

Awards

• Ballon d’Or: 1972, 1976
• FIFA World Cup (as player): 1974
• FIFA World Cup (as manager): 1990
• European Championship: 1972
• UEFA Champions League (European Cup): 1974, 1975, 1976
• Bundesliga: 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974
• DFB-Pokal: 1966, 1967, 1969, 1971
• FIFA Order of Merit: 2007
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2002
• Sport Bild Award for Life’s Work: 2024

Net Worth

Franz Beckenbauer’s estimated net worth was approximately $10 million.

His wealth primarily came from his successful playing and managerial career, various endorsements, and his long-standing role with Bayern Munich, both as a manager and later as club president.

Beckenbauer’s influence in football also extended to media engagements, including a long-term columnist role and television punditry.

Death

Franz Beckenbauer died on January 7, 2024, in Salzburg, Austria, at 78. His death marked the end of an era in football, and tributes worldwide celebrated his contributions to the sport.

In his later years, Beckenbauer had been suffering from various health issues, which had kept him away from public life.

Controversy

Despite his legendary status, Franz Beckenbauer’s career was not without controversy.

In 2016, he was embroiled in an investigation by Swiss prosecutors over allegations of corruption and money laundering related to Germany’s bid to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

It was alleged that bribes were paid to secure the tournament for Germany. Beckenbauer, who played a prominent role in the bid, denied any wrongdoing, but the investigation marred his post-football career.

While the investigation was closed without any verdict in 2020 due to Beckenbauer’s declining health, the accusations tarnished his otherwise impeccable reputation.

Additionally, during his career, Beckenbauer faced criticism for his close ties with controversial FIFA figures and was accused of mishandling certain organizational matters related to Bayern Munich during his presidency.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: N/A

Books

• The Three Lives of the Kaiser by Uli Hesse
• Franz Beckenbauer: The Autobiography