#6 Franz Beckenbauer

 

#6 Franz Beckenbauer (Germany) - two-time Ballon d'Or winner

Franz Beckenbauer (#5) is arguably the greatest player Germany has ever produced.

Der Kaiser was the embodiment of German football: simple, ruthless, effective and immensely successful. But more importantly, Franz Beckenbauer is one of the most influential players to have graced the game. Credited with inventing the role of a sweeper, the German star showed that defenders could do so much more than stop opposition attacks and clear the ball into the stands.

Before Beckenbauer's innovation, defenders were content to sit back deep, hold their position and hoof the ball out of play after breaking up attacks. Der Kaiser redefined the role by winning the ball back and carrying it up the pitch or playing quick forward passes to launch counter-attacks.

The German national team is acknowledged as one of the most consistent in history, and Franz Beckenbauer deserves enormous credit for that. The inspirational captain led West Germany to glory at the 1972 FIFA World Cup and the 1974 Euros. Der Kaiser was also named German Footballer of the Year four times.

Beckenbauer is also undisputedly the greatest player in Bayern Munich history. He made 546 appearances for the Bavarian giants, scoring 58 times and assisting 74 goals. Bayern were the greatest team in Europe during Beckenbauer's time at the club. He won three consecutive European Cups between 1974 and 1976, along with five Bundesliga titles and four DFB Pokal trophies.

Beckenbauer won Ballon d'Or awards in 1972 and 1976. But he is best remembered as the most complete player in the game's history, one who could play as a centre-back, winger or up front.

French legend Eric Cantona applauded Franz Beckenbauer by saying:

“He was a leader of men, a dominant presence who could bring the ball out with grace and skill. But I tell you this: he broke my heart. As an eight-year-old, I watched the 1974 World Cup final between West Germany and Holland, and I was supporting the Dutch. I cried my eyes out when they lost. I was very sad, but now I understand all about the brilliance of the Kaiser.”