The Three Lives of the Kaiser

Franz Beckenbauer, known as "the Kaiser," was Germany's greatest-ever footballer and a World Cup winner as player and manager. He rose to fame at the 1966 World Cup in England, but his life was a rollercoaster ride with stunning highs and bitter lows. He moved to the New York Cosmos in 1977 and was praised as "the greatest by Muhammad Ali." Back home, he was a controversial figure due to allegations of corruption surrounding Germany's successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup. Uli Hesse's The Three Lives of the Kaiser provides the definitive biography of this remarkable legend.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Franz Beckenbauer, affectionately known as "the Kaiser," holds an unparalleled status as Germany's greatest-ever footballer and one of the most iconic figures in the history of the sport. His remarkable journey includes not only a World Cup victory as a player but also as a manager. However, the narrative often portrays a life of blessings, when in reality, it was a turbulent rollercoaster ride characterized by breathtaking highs and soul-crushing lows.

Beckenbauer's ascent to fame reached its pinnacle at the 1966 World Cup in England. Despite West Germany's eventual defeat in the final, the British press was captivated by the grace and dignity displayed by a "beaten but proud Prussian officer." Yet, the truth behind the Bavarian boy who defied authority, disregarded rules, and scorned the traditional German work ethic was far more complex.

After a glittering early career at Bayern Munich, where he captained the team to three European Cup victories and pioneered the playmaking libero role in central defense, Beckenbauer made a controversial move to the newly formed New York Cosmos in 1977. Praised as "the greatest by none other than Muhammad Ali," he effortlessly shrugged off overtures from Rudolf Nureyev and partied the night away with icons such as Mick Jagger and Grace Jones at Studio 54.

Back home, however, people were perplexed by this most famous German athlete who seemed to defy all expectations of Germanness. Despite his triumphs on the international stage, allegations of corruption surrounding Germany's successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup once again tarnished his reputation.

In his captivating book, "The Three Lives of the Kaiser," renowned football writer Uli Hesse delves deep into the life and career of this extraordinary legend. Through meticulous research and insightful anecdotes, Hesse provides us with the definitive biography of Franz Beckenbauer, shedding light on his triumphs, controversies, and enduring legacy.

Born in 1945 in Munich, Germany, Beckenbauer's journey in football began at a young age. His talent and determination were evident from an early age, and he quickly rose through the ranks at Bayern Munich. His exceptional skills on the field, coupled with his leadership qualities, made him a staple in the German national team.

Beckenbauer's international career was marked by numerous accolades. He captained Germany to victory at the 1974 World Cup, where he was named the tournament's best player. His performances in that tournament solidified his status as a football legend.

After his retirement from football, Beckenbauer ventured into management. He had a successful stint as the manager of the West German national team, leading them to World Cup glory in 1990. His tactical brilliance and ability to inspire his players made him a revered figure in the world of football.

However, his career was not without controversy. In the late 1990s, allegations of corruption surrounding Germany's successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup resurfaced. While Beckenbauer was not directly involved in any wrongdoing, his association with the bid made him a controversial figure once again.

Despite these challenges, Beckenbauer's impact on football remains profound. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and his contributions to the sport have inspired generations of players and fans. His legacy as a manager is equally impressive, with his ability to lead teams to success on the international stage.

In conclusion, Franz Beckenbauer's life was a remarkable tale of triumph, controversy, and enduring legacy. His journey as a footballer and manager has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his impact on German football and beyond is immeasurable. Uli Hesse's "The Three Lives of the Kaiser" provides us with a comprehensive and insightful account of this extraordinary legend's life, offering a deeper understanding of his achievements, challenges, and the enduring impact he has had on the world of football.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781471189104