Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Anton Beckenbaueris a German former professional footballer and manager. Early in his playing career he was nicknamed Der Kaiserbecause of his elegant style, dominance and leadership on the field, and also as his first name "Franz" is reminiscent of the Austrian emperors. He is widely regarded to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. A versatile player who started out as a midfielder, Beckenbauer made his name as a central defender. He is often...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionSoccer Player
Date of Birth11 September 1945
CityMunich, Germany
CountryGermany
I was told to mark what was then the best player - Bobby Charlton. Bobby told me later that (England manager) Alf Ramsey had told him to keep an eye on this young, good-looking German guy.
We have already come a long way since Euro 2000. But our biggest problem is we don't have enough players of international class.
I can't see a better farewell stage for one of the best European players of all time as the World Cup.
The players are doing everything to make the life of referees difficult.
I kept my speeches short as captain. I focused on the key points of the opposition of the day. As coach, I was never afraid to give long speeches to the players throughout our preparations. It was important they had all the information possible.
They are full of world-class players and also impressed in the Confederations Cup. But in 2002 I said France and Argentina were my favorites, and both went home after the group stages.
Unquestionably, it was also thanks to the World Cup win in 1974 that I was lucky enough to spend four years as a player in New York from 1977.
Real Madrid is a legendary team that stands above all others and is the target of all players.
The one who’s really, really impressed me is Benedikt Höwedes because he’s playing out of position. He’s never played at left back before in his life but he’s having a first-rate World Cup. So, the most astonishing player for me is Höwedes.
George Best was one of the most talented players of all time and probably the best footballer who never made it to a major world final.
He has been named as the heir apparent of the great Argentine hero, Diego Maradona, by journalists, players, and Maradona himself, alike. I'd personally put him in a drawer of my bedside table.
Messi is a genius. He has everything. When I watch him, I see a player who is very, very, skilful, very clever and his left foot is like Diego Maradona's.
The trouble for today's footballers is they have too many distractions. We used to get our old players coming to watch training with football magazines in their hands. Now, more often than not, they are checking the share prices.
We should not compare humans to God, but Messi is a godly player.