Beginning of Bayern great Beckenbauer's career unfolded in Lörrach
In the heart of Europe, on September 26, 1964, a small town near the Swiss and French borders named Lörrach became the stage for a historical football moment. Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary German footballer, made his debut for the West German national team in a friendly match against Switzerland.
A Boost for Lörrach and Football Enthusiasts
For the local community in Lörrach, hosting such a high-profile player’s debut was a source of pride and excitement. The town, not typically a focal point for major international football matches, saw an influx of spectators, inspiring local interest and enthusiasm for the sport. The match attracted a sizeable crowd of approximately 4,000 to 5,000 spectators, boosting local businesses and community spirit.
A Leap Forward in Football History
Beckenbauer’s debut marked the beginning of an extraordinary international career. Known as "Der Kaiser," Beckenbauer redefined the role of the sweeper (libero), influencing tactical approaches within football. His debut was the first step toward shaping Germany’s dominance in international football during the late 1960s and 1970s, including winning the 1974 World Cup as captain.
The match in Lörrach is often remembered as the starting point for Beckenbauer's progression into an iconic figure who would later impact the sport as a player, coach, and football administrator.
Notable Witnesses
Among the spectators at Beckenbauer's debut was Gabi Schupp, then a 19-year-old from Lörrach, who still retains the programme from the game. Schupp attended the match with her husband, witnessing the promising young talent that would later become a football legend.
Beckenbauer's talent was immediately noticeable, as he scored two goals in the game, leading Germany to a 2:1 victory.
Tributes from Legends
Ottmar Hitzfeld, a legendary coach from Lörrach, praised Beckenbauer in "Kicker" as one of the best footballers who ever played. Hitzfeld, who coached Bayern Munich twice with Beckenbauer serving as the president during his first stint from 1998 to 2004, also referred to him as the "Kaiser."
Helmut Benthaus, former VfB Stuttgart coach, paid tribute to Beckenbauer, stating he made football in Germany socially acceptable. Benthaus, who was in contention for the national team manager position, saw his aspirations thwarted when VfB Stuttgart refused to let him go.
Today, Benthaus resides in the Swiss town of Riehen, next to Lörrach, maintaining his admiration for the impact Beckenbauer had on football.
In summary, while the game itself was a friendly and relatively low-profile event, Beckenbauer's debut in Lörrach was historically significant as it signaled the arrival of a transformative football talent and brought temporary prominence and excitement to the local community. Beckenbauer's talent was evident in his debut, leading to a successful international career, and cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers in history.
- As the sport of football grew in popularity, Lörrach's residents became even more interested, particularly in European leagues and competitions such as the Champions League, given Beckenbauer's influential role in football's evolution.
- Beckenbauer's impact on the game extended beyond his native Germany, reaching the highest levels of the European football scene, earning him captaining roles in international tournaments like the Champions League.
