FRANZ BECKENBAUER, GERMANY
Bayern Munich
New York Cosmos (USA)
Hamburg
1965-1981

Without a doubt one of the most important players ever to play the game, he re-defined the sport as he re-defined the sport's positions. He introduced the role of attacking sweeper, and every team he played for was the better for it. The role call of trophies and awards are endless: captain of the 1974 West German World Cup Champion squad, runner-up in 1966; European Champs in 1972, runner-up in 1976; World Club Cup in 1976; European Champions Cup from 1974-1976; NASL Superbowl Champs in 1977, 1978, and 1980 with the Cosmos; twice the European Footballer of the Year in 1972 and 1976. His resume as a coach is equally astounding when in his first attempt, he coached the West German team to the 1990 World Cup. His nerve, grace and intelligence make him the consummate winner.