Backs to the front

Franz Beckenbauer of Germany

'The Kaiser' is the only man to have won the World Cup both as a player and manager. His roll of honour is unique. He was captain of West Germany when they won the World Cup and European Championship; he also led his club, Bayern Munich, to three successive European Cups and also to the European Cup Winners' Cup.

But Beckenbauer is remembered even more for for his style and genius.

A great thinker about the game, he brought about a revolution by inventing the role of the attacking sweeper. His powerful runs from the deep often foxed the opposition. Beckenbauer both created and bequeathed this tactic to the modern game.

Next

Images: Getty