SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 18, 2024 – MagentaTV will soon premiere a three-part documentary titled "Beckenbauer - The Last Emperor," a tribute to the legendary footballer Franz Beckenbauer, who would have turned 80 in 2025. The documentary, directed by Grimme award-winner Torsten Körner, offers a captivating retrospective on Beckenbauer's life, from his humble beginnings in Munich to his rise as a global football icon.
A Journey Through Time
The documentary "Beckenbauer - The Last Emperor" takes viewers on a journey through Beckenbauer's extraordinary life, exploring his personal and professional milestones. From his early days in the "Glasscherbenviertel" (glass shard district) of Giesing, Munich, to his triumphs on the world stage, the documentary captures the essence of Beckenbauer's remarkable career.
The Rise of a Football Icon
The documentary highlights Beckenbauer's impact on football, both as a player and as a manager. His innovative style of play as a "libero" revolutionized the game, and his leadership skills guided Germany to victory in the 1974 World Cup. Beckenbauer's influence extended beyond the pitch, as he became a beloved figure in German society and a global ambassador for the sport.
A Historical Perspective
"Beckenbauer - The Last Emperor" also provides a historical perspective on Germany, tracing the country's journey from the post-war era to its reunification and beyond. The documentary examines how Beckenbauer's career intertwined with Germany's own development, reflecting the nation's hopes and aspirations.
Insights from Weggefährten
The documentary features interviews with various individuals who played significant roles in Beckenbauer's life, including his brother Walter and other prominent figures such as Matthias Brandt, Alfred Draxler, Uli Hoeneß, Thomas Hüetlin, Günther Jauch, Jürgen Klinsmann, Günter Netzer, Christian Petzold, Marius Müller-Westernhagen, Wolfgang Thierse, Oliver Welke, and Arnd Zeigler. These "Weggefährten" (companions) offer personal anecdotes and insights into Beckenbauer's character and legacy.
A Collaborative Production
"Beckenbauer - The Last Emperor" is a BROADVIEW Pictures production in collaboration with ARTE, MagentaTV, and ZDF. The documentary is produced by Emmy award-winner Leopold Hoesch.
Premiere Dates
The three-part documentary will premiere exclusively on MagentaTV, with the first episode airing on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The subsequent episodes will be released on November 7th and 14th. In January 2025, a director's cut of the documentary will be broadcast on ARTE and ZDF.