Franz Anton Beckenbauer was a legendary German professional football player and manager. Nicknamed 'Der Kaiser' ('The Emperor'), he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. As a player, he won the FIFA World Cup with West Germany in 1974 and later won it again as a manager in 1990. Beckenbauer's elegant style, dominance, and leadership on the field defined the modern role of the sweeper, or libero.