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