February 2025 BAYERN LIFE
A Cosmos of his own : Beckenbauer was also feted in the USA .
The Cosmos concept worked back then ; a few good US players , plus top stars from all over the world , captained by a player who had his roots in the city and yet was aware of the importance of football . “ We were a team that drove itself ,“ says Roth . He ‘ s convinced that New York energised Beckenbauer : “ He realised at that time that it ‘ s not important where you live – but how you live .“ New York Cosmos ‘ trips around the world also did a lot to broaden the players ‘ horizons . At the end of 1977 , for example , they flew to China and Japan – a completely different world both for the Americans in the team and the overseas stars . They bought cameras and recorded every experience , including Roth photographing Beckenbauer as he just grabbed a bike and cycled through the streets of Beijing .
From the Cosmos out into the wide world
Even back then , Roth realised that Beckenbauer would conquer a few more worlds after New York . They often talked in the team about the future , but few had more than a hazy idea about their future aspirations . Beckenbauer , on the other hand , already had plans at the Cosmos , says Roth . “ He had precise ideas and we all knew that he had the potential .“ Over the years , they kept loosely in touch , inviting each other to weddings and meeting up for a few PR engagements . When Beckenbauer won the Bundesliga as Bayern coach , Roth followed the whole spectacle on the news . Of course , he also watched the Kaiser ‘ s 1990 World Cup coup as national team boss , and he was delighted to see his old friend organise the 2006 World Cup in Germany . “ It was really nice for me to watch Franz forge his own path ,“ says Roth . Always on time , without blue lights , sirens or police escorts – but always with good friends at his side .
Part of New York society : Beckenbauer attends a tennis tournament with his partner at the time , Diane Sandmann , in 1978 .
FC Bayern Magazine 71