Franz Beckenbauer vs Lothar Matthäus
Both Germany. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Franz Beckenbauer
Germany · 1965–1977 · CB
- Rank in Germany
- #1 of 33
- Caps · Germany
- 103 · 14 goals
- Clubs
- FC Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 1974 · 2× Ballon d'Or
The iconic "Der Kaiser," Beckenbauer redefined the libero role, winning the 1974 World Cup as captain and two Ballon d'Or awards for his elegant play. Career record: 103 caps and 14 goals for Germany; club career at FC Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV; honours include 2× Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Cup 1974.
Lothar Matthäus
Germany · 1980–2000 · CM
- Rank in Germany
- #4 of 33
- Caps · Germany
- 150 · 23 goals
- Clubs
- Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Bayern Munich, Inter Milan
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 1990 · 1× Ballon d'Or
Taking the ball from Augenthaler inside his own half at the San Siro on 10 June 1990, he carried it through the Yugoslav midfield, stepped past Davor Jozic and struck it from 25 metres. Career record: 150 caps and 23 goals for Germany; club career at Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Bayern Munich, Inter Milan; honours include 1× Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Cup 1990.
The careers, side by side
Franz Beckenbauer is editorial rank 1 and Lothar Matthäus rank 4 in Germany's collection. Read the careers and make your own choice.
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