Bayern Munich: Top five center-backs to don Bavarian colours

Franz Beckenbauer

The first name in the list is a no brainer for any Bayern fan. Franz Beckenbauer is hands down the best central defender to play for Bayern. The former German international has achieved an astounding amount of success for club and country during his career.

Beckenbauer started his Bavarian career in 1964. He started when the club was playing in the second division, but after his arrival in the first team, they won promotion and enjoyed consistent success until he left for New York Cosmos in 1977. With Germany, he won the FIFA World Cup and Euros in 1974 and 1972, respectively.

The German defender was a ball-playing center-back with a marauding personality that instilled fear in attacking players. His aggressive style of play was accompanied by the elegant passing and dribbling when the team was dominating possession. He was fondly nicknamed as Der Kaiser- The Emperor due to his dominating style of play in central defense.

Beckenbauer was also a leader on the pitch. With his leadership qualities and technical brilliance, he guided Die Roten to four league titles and four European trophies during his time in Bavaria. By the time he left the club in 1977, Beckenbauer had racked up 544 appearances. His output in the final third was staggering as he contributed to 131 goals in his Bayern career. His impact on and off the pitch for club and country makes him one of the best players in Germany’s history. (Stats Courtesy: Transfermarkt)