He is the shining light, he is Der Kaiser, and on Wednesday Franz Beckenbauer celebrates his 74th birthday. The long-time captain, coach and president of FC Bayern is still one of the best players there has ever been in Munich and Germany. His style of play enthralled fans and opponents alike, and almost everything he achieved was remarkable, starting with his move to Bayern.
Playing with youth club SC 1906 München against TSV 1860 München in 1958, he got a slap in the face. As a result, the young Beckenbauer opted for a move to FC Bayern over Die Löwen and was jointly responsible for one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Start of Bayern’s success story
In 1965 he was promoted to the Bundesliga and won his first continental honour just two years later with the 1967 European Cup Winners’ Cup. All told with Bayern, Beckenbauer won four Bundesliga titles (1969, 1972-74), the DFB Cup (1966, 1967, 1969, 1971), three European Cups (1974-76) and the Intercontinental Cup (1976).
The year 1974 undoubtedly occupies a special place in Beckenbauer’s life. Not only did he claim his first European Cup, he also lifted the World Cup. His elegance and apparent weightlessness in the tournament in West Germany earned him the nickname Der Kaiser – The Emperor. Perhaps his 74th birthday will bring back special memories.
A very happy birthday from everyone at FC Bayern.
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