10 greatest big match footballers of all time

#4 Franz Beckenbauer

Beckenbauer revolutionised the art of defending

Arguably the greatest ball playing defender to ever play the game, Franz Beckenbauer has been credited with inventing the role of the sweeper – a defensive player who intervenes proactively in the offensive side of the game.

The “kaiser” as he was popularly known was a great captain and leader for both Germany and Bayern Munich leading both the sides to some historic triumphs. Beckenbauer’s association with the World Cup started as early as 1966 where he finished as the third highest scorer even though he played as a defender, playing a major role in Germany’s progress to the final.

The 1970 World Cup showed the world what Beckenbauer was truly capable of as he put in some stunning displays for Germany. However, Beckenbauer’s finest moments came in the 1972 Euros and 1974 World Cup where he led West Germany to the title on both the occasions. Beckenbauer’s West Germany became the first team in history to win the Euros and World Cup back-to-back, cementing his legacy in world football.

Three consecutive European cups with Bayern Munich in 1974,1975 and 1976 made him one of the most decorated footballers of all time. Beckenbauer was one of the players who revolutionised the game and he is undoubtedly one of the greatest captains of all time.