Franz Beckenbauer is a German football legend that was twice named European Footballer of the Year and appeared 103 times for West Germany, including three FIFA World Cups.
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The former Bayern Munich player was nicknamed 'Der Kaiser' (The Emperor) because of his elegant style, dominance and leadership on the field.
As a manager he took the West German team all the way to the final of the 1986 World Cup, where they lost to an Argentina side inspired by Diego Maradona.
However revenge was sweet in 1990 when Germany defeated the same opponents in the final, making Beckenbauer one of two men (with Mario Zagallo) to have won the Cup as player and as manager.
Celebrating his 69th birthday today, Beckenbauer remains an influential figure in both German and international football. He led Germany's successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup and chaired the organizing committee.
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