No. 3: Franz Beckenbauer Franz Beckenbauer revolutionized the role of attacking sweeper during his days at Bayern Munich and led them to the 1967 Cup Winners ' Cup, as well as three consecutive European Cups from 1974 to 1976. In his time at Bayern, the club dominated the Bundesliga, winning the league title four times. His incredible form for club and country earned him the European Footballer of the Year award in 1972 and 1976.
The first player in West German history to reach 100 international caps, Beckenbauer burst onto the scene in the 1966 World Cup, scoring four goals for his side before losing the final in extra-time to England. Part of the squad that reached the 1970 World Cup final match, he continued to dominate in the early ' 70s, as he captained West Germany to the 1972 European Championship and 1974 World Cup titles. Beckenbauer, who is currently president of Bayern Munich, would go on to succeed at the managerial level, taking West Germany to the 1986 World Cup final match and lifting the trophy with the squad four years later in Italy. In terms of