BECKENBAUER: The story of Franz

Franz Beckenbauer *1945 - †2024Footballers used to kick differently, at least they looked different without the colorful tattoos that frolic on modern football pitches today. Things were pretty colorless back then. Today's footballers are modern-day cowboys, influencers on and off the pitch. Just imagine David Beckham throwing his hair in the wind, Messi with his magic foot, or Toni Kroos, who some even consider to be "bigger" than Franz Beckenbauer - at least according to Didi (Hamann). And all these players have big tattoos. Even the world's best, Diego (we've already reported on him here).

Toni, the "modern" Franz, at least in appearance, not only adorns himself with exclusive tattoos, but also wears his family members on his skin for eternity. In all the overblown world of glitter and fame, this is something of a down-to-earth approach. In soccer, tattoos stand for special achievements, but also for values such as family. Franz's buddy Paul Breitner even claims that he would also wear tattoos today.

Let's see, then we'll see

In the era of Franz Beckenbauer, and that's who we're talking about today, there was no tattoo boom - Emperor Franz derived his "unique selling point" from the combination of "world star" and the boy from Munich, the "Giesinger", whom he never denied. Franz always emphasized his origins and the good fortune that life brought him. A guy you believe is one of us, the fans. His career reads like an epic poem of soccer. From the young talent who won the 1974 World Cup as a player to the radiant national coach who led Germany to another triumph in 1990 - Beckenbauer has written the history of German soccer in golden letters. But he never took off.

Today, soccer stars are tattoo maniacs. Their experiences, their successes, but also their defeats, are tattooed on their bodies. This reminds them to be and remain "human" - despite all the public adoration.

Franz had to express his uniqueness in a different way, with genius on the pitch and as a unique character in public. Always a guy with an edge. Some people emerge from the fog of normality and shine in a unique light. Franz Beckenbauer was and is such a phenomenon - a soccer light figure who impressed even skeptics.

"I've only ever said what I've just thought of." (Der Franz)

Even if Franz had no tattoos, his radiance was a plea for belief in one's own achievements and down-to-earthness. The connection between Beckenbauer and tattoos may seem strange at first, but both represent values such as uniqueness, artistry and freedom.

The Kaiser could also be serious: he once talked about the challenges that life had thrown at him, about setbacks and (sometimes serious) successes away from the green turf. And suddenly I realize that behind this casual exterior is a man who is more than just a sports idol. The Kaiser, a philosopher in soccer garb, a tactician of life.

Franz not only broke through the boundaries of soccer, but also social expectations. He took the game from the stadiums to the streets, and back to even bigger stadiums. He embodies individual life choices, as they are often immortalized in tattoos today. The Kaiser stands for freedom!

Franz Beckenbauer and many a (tattooed) athlete represent self-determination and the courage to swim against the tide. The Kaiser shaped the soccer world according to his rules, just as people with tattoos use their bodies as a canvas to write their own story. So it's no wonder that Franz is often immortalized on the bodies of fans as an image, but also as one of his sayings.

And his best-known saying could also read differently today. He once said:

"Go out and play soccer" (tactical instruction before the 1990 World Cup final)

Today the saying would like to go like this:

"Don't be afraid of the outside world, don't conform, give your all and stand by your achievements - and tattoo it behind your ears (or on your arm)."

Franz passed away last week and has now been buried in his hometown of Munich. He leaves behind many memories. But one thing about Franz is particularly important: the ease with which he walked the world's parquet floors, without being impressed by pretentious airs and graces. He was a shining light and said with a twinkle in his eye:

"I once had a family tree drawn up: The Beckenbauers' roots are in Franconia. They were funny families, all illegitimate children. We stuck with it."

Friday, January 19, 2014 was the emotional farewell party for Franz Beckenbauer at the Allianz Arena. We say:

THANK YOU and SERVUS, FRANZ!

"I grew up with Franz Beckenbauer and there are few people like him. Who can combine so much in one person. And with such ease, calmness and without any vanity. The Beatles were like that, and so was Franz. He was confident and also modest. He was traditional, but also headstrong. He was meticulous and artistic. It's rare to find someone like Franz." Julian Bachmann

Text: Julian Bachmann

Graphic: Jonas Bachmann