Suggested Rating 91 Franz Beckenbauer is widely regarded as the greatest German footballer ever and was one of the great pioneers of the sport. Though he is primarily remembered as being one of the greatest defenders of all time, many believe him to have been the pioneer of the sweeper position so prevalent in the modern game. The rather intimidatingly nicknamed Der Kaiser is also one of just two players to have won the World Cup as both a player and coach (the other being Mário Zagallo). Despite his duties primarily being at the defensive end, Der Kaiser was adored by the fans for his tendency to burst forward with the ball from his own box and dribble it all the way over to his opponents, linking up with his teammates as he went. His obvious greatness was recognised with two Ballon dOrs in 1972 and 1976. Adidas has honoured the legendary German defender with the stylish Mens Beckenbauer trainers yet FIFA continues to snub him. Der Kaiser doesnt strike us as the kind of fella you want to get on the wrong side of EA.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
