On the pitch he was a natural leader and an innovator, constantly fine-tuning a new concept in the international game that became known as the "attacking sweeper", a position that allowed a player to begin moves deep in his own half before moving forward to help create and score goals.

The son of a General Manager of a postal depot, he began his career at the age of 9, in the youth team of SC Munchen 06, before joining FC Bayern Munich in 1958.

After starting his playing career as a midfielder at Bayern Munich (where he later became president) the gifted apprentice set about building himself a unique position within the team.

Franz celebrated his first international cap on 26 September 1965 at the tender age of 20, and went on to play in three FIFA World Cups. The young Beckenbauer made his first finals appearance in 1966, scoring 2 goals in a 5-0 victory over Switzerland in his first game. He was included in the national side for the World Cup final in England in 1966, but suffered when Germany were defeated 4-2 in the final by the home side.

After further success at his club Bayern Munich the next big test of the West German's pedigree came at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

All Beckenbauer's great qualities came to the surface in an unforgettable semi-final match against Italy.

With his arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder, he heroically led the charge against an inspired Italian team, but his efforts were in vain as Italy finally won the match 4-3 after extra time.

His most memorable club years followed and the nickname "Kaiser Franz" was born. Bayern won four domestic titles in 1969, 1972, 1973 and 1974 and successive European Cup triumphs in 1974, 1975 and 1976.

He was also twice European player the year in 1971 and 1976.

In 1974 came his finest hour. By now, Beckenbauer was playing in the position he revolutionised - as libero behind the defence. He organised the team from the back but also came forward when his side attacked. It was in his nature to go forward, he simply couldn't stop himself.

The 1974 World Cup in Germany was something extra-special for Beckenbauer and his team. From the first whistle, the home fans expected nothing less than victory. The high expectations were something the captain was all too aware of, "when you are hosts, there is obviously twice the pressure, because everybody expects you to win".

Gerd Mueller, Paul Breitner, Wolfgang Overath and the rest of the team withstood the pressure to make Germany winners for the second time. After the 2-1 victory over The Netherlands, Beckenbauer became the first captain to lift the brand new FIFA World Cup trophy after Brazil had retained the Jules Rimet cup in 1970.

In 1977 Beckenbauer retired from international competition (103 caps and 14 goals) and decided to take his skills across the Atlantic to the North American Soccer League. By the time he left Munich he had won every major honour with "his" Bayern (hat-trick of European Cups, four Championships, four German Cup medals). He hoped to find a new challenge in America's professional league, as well as earn a good living. From a sporting point of view, however, the switch to America did not further his development: "Football-wise it was a non starter," he said.

He played for New York Cosmos for four years before going back to Germany to win a fifth league title, this time with Hamburg in 1982.

Two years later Beckenbauer succeeded Jupp Derwall as national team coach and after leading West Germany to the World Cup final in Mexico (1986) against Diego Maradona's Argentina - a final the Germans lost 3-2 - he went the whole way in 1990 when Germany achieved a third World Cup win in Italy.

That win meant that Beckenbauer secured his place in German football history for all eternity. He became the first man to win the FIFA World Cup both as captain and as manager.

He has been president at Bayern since 1994 and is head of the 2006 World Cup organising committee.

Beckenbauer recently confirmed he will be a candidate to become UEFA president when elections take place in 2006 or 2007.