Der Kaiser (2022)

The film reflects Franz Beckenbauer’s life between 1963 and 1990. Although his father wants him to work as an insurance clerk, Franz chooses a career in football, against his father’s wishes. Starting with training at FC Bayern Munich in 1964, his footballing talent is quickly recognized, and by the age of 18 he has become a key player for the club. By changing his style of play from that of a conventional defender to a sweeper, he helps the club gain promotion to the Bundesliga. Thanks to his outstanding abilities on the pitch, he is selected to travel to the 1966 World Cup in England at the age of 20, as the youngest player. Unfortunately, the team fails to win the title, losing to England in the final. This only spurs Franz on to pursue the World Cup title even more determinedly at a later tournament. In 1974, the World Cup is held in his home country, and Beckenbauer leads the team to victory in the final against the Netherlands as captain. He reaches another career high point in 1990, winning the World Cup in Italy as team manager of the German national team. The biopic also sheds light on his life away from the pitch. Alongside his romantic relationships and various advertising contracts arranged by his manager, Robert Schwan, the tax affair is also briefly touched upon.