Nicknamed the Kaiser, Franz Beckenbauer was an outstanding talent and remains Germany's most celebrated footballer.
Alongside Mario Zagallo, he remains the only man to play in and manage a FIFA world cup winning team, lifting the trophy as captain in 1974 and manager in 1990.
Born in Munich on the 11th of September in 1945, Beckenbauer invented the role of an attacking sweeper and was revered for his supreme confidence and great leadership.
Beckenbauer made his FIFA world cup debut at the 1966 finals in England.
He adopted an attacking midfield role and made a memorable start.
The Kaiser illustrated perfect technique, scoring twice in West Germany's five-nil demolition of Switzerland and once in their four-nil quarter-final victory against Uruguay.
In the semi-finals, Beckenbauer faced one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Lev Yashin.
The USSR proved to be tough opposition but lacked the class that West Germany offered all over the pitch.
Beckenbauer secured a deserved 2-1 victory in the 68th minute with a spectacular long-range goal that left a bemused Yashin standing.
Wembley Stadium was the venue for the final between West Germany and hosts England.
