Franz Beckenbauer: The stylish sweeper who won World Cup as player and manager

Franz Beckenbauer was a World Cup winner as a player and a manager with West Germany (Nick Potts/PA).

Franz Beckenbauer, who has died aged 78, was one of the greatest players and most influential figures in the history of German football.

Nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’ because of his commanding style of play as a midfielder or attacking sweeper, Beckenbauer led West Germany to World Cup success as both a captain and manager.

He also enjoyed a hugely successful club career, mostly with Bayern Munich.

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He went on to become a football administrator and remained a national hero even though later years were overshadowed by allegations of bribery and corruption relating to Germany’s hosting of the 2006 World Cup.

Franz Anton Beckenbauer was born in war-torn Munich on September 11, 1945, the second son of postal worker Franz Beckenbauer senior and his wife Antonie. His brother Walter was born four years earlier.

Beckenbauer was a keen and talented footballer as a child and joined SC 1906 Munich at the age of nine.

He was picked up by Bayern three years later and excelled in their youth sides, quickly progressing to the first team.

Beckenbauer, left, and goalkeeper Sepp Maier shut out the threat of Johan Cruyff in the 1974 World Cup final (PA)

His debut for the then unfashionable Bavarian club came in 1964. Within two years they had become Germany’s premier side.

As part of an exciting generation of talents that included striker Gerd Muller and goalkeeper Sepp Maier, Beckenbauer helped Bayern win four Bundesliga titles and four German