Franz Beckenbauer Family Tree: The Story Behind Der Kaiser

Franz Anton Beckenbauer, born 11 September 1945 in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, was one of the greatest footballers and managers of all time — Ballon d'Or winner 1972 and 1976, West Germany captain at the 1974 World Cup (won), and West Germany head coach at the 1990 World Cup (won). He is one of only three men to win the World Cup as both player and head coach. He died 7 January 2024 in Salzburg.

The Family's Roots: Giesing, Munich

The Beckenbauer family is from Giesing, a working-class Munich district.

His Parents

Father: Franz Beckenbauer Sr. — Munich postal worker.

Mother: Antonie Beckenbauer — homemaker.

His Older Brother

Walter Beckenbauer — Franz's elder brother.

His Wives

Franz was married three times:

  • Brigitte Beckenbauer — first wife (1966–1990); mother of Thomas, Michael, Stephan.
  • Sybille Weimer — second wife (1990–2002).
  • Heidi Burmester — third wife from 2006; mother of Joel and Francesca.

His Children

Thomas Beckenbauer, born 1963 — son (predeceased Franz).

Michael Beckenbauer, born 1968 — son (died July 2015 from brain tumour, predeceasing Franz).

Stephan Beckenbauer, born 1968 (twin of Michael) — son; footballer (Bayern reserve, second-division clubs) and youth coach; died 31 July 2015 from a brain tumour, aged 46 — predeceased Franz.

Joel Beckenbauer, born 1999 — son with Heidi.

Francesca Beckenbauer, born 2003 — daughter with Heidi.

The Beckenbauer Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: Giesing, Munich.

Father: Franz Beckenbauer Sr. — postal worker.

Mother: Antonie Beckenbauer.

Brother: Walter Beckenbauer.

Wives: Brigitte (1966–1990); Sybille Weimer (1990–2002); Heidi Burmester (from 2006).

Children: Thomas (b. 1963; predeceased); Michael (b. 1968; d. 2015); Stephan (b. 1968; d. 31 July 2015); Joel (b. 1999); Francesca (b. 2003).

Franz Beckenbauer:

  • Born 11 September 1945, Munich
  • Bayern Munich: 1964–1977 — Bundesliga: 1968–69, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74; European Cup: 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76 (3 straight)
  • New York Cosmos: 1977–1980
  • Hamburger SV: 1980–82 (Bundesliga 1981–82)
  • West Germany: 1974 World Cup winner (captain); UEFA Euro 1972 winner
  • Ballon d'Or: 1972, 1976
  • West Germany head coach (1984–1990): 1990 World Cup winner (the second of only three men to win as player and coach)
  • Bayern Munich head coach: 1993–1994, 1996; club president 1994–2009
  • 2006 World Cup Organizing Committee head (Germany 2006)
  • Died 7 January 2024, Salzburg

What the Beckenbauer Family Story Teaches Us

A Munich postal-worker father. A homemaker mother. Three marriages. Five children. Two sons (Michael and Stephan) lost to brain tumours within a few years, both predeceasing their father. A career as the only player to captain a team to one World Cup and then coach a team to another.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Beckenbauer story carries the same lesson. Even decorated families lose children too soon. The 2015 deaths of Michael and Stephan are on the Beckenbauer family record alongside every European Cup. Write down every loss. The tree is only honest if it carries them all.

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