Who Is Thomas Beckenbauer? Wiki, Age, Wife, Family & Facts About Franz Beckenbauer’s Son
Thomas Beckenbauer is the eldest son of Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary German footballer and manager who passed away on January 3, 2024, at the age of 78. Thomas followed his father’s footsteps and became a professional footballer, playing for Bayern Munich and several other clubs in Germany and abroad.
He also represented West Germany at the youth level, winning the European Under-18 Championship in 1981. However, he never reached the same heights as his father, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players and coaches of all time. Here are some facts about Thomas Beckenbauer, his life, career, and family.
Thomas Beckenbauer Wiki/Bio
| Name | Thomas Beckenbauer |
|---|---|
| Birth date | 1963 |
| Birth place | Munich, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Occupation | Former footballer, coach, scout, pundit, commentator |
| Parents | Franz Beckenbauer, Ingrid Beckenbauer |
| Siblings | Michael Beckenbauer, Stefan Beckenbauer, Joel Maximilian Beckenbauer, Francesca Antonie Beckenbauer |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Youth career | 1971–1982 Bayern Munich |
| Senior career | 1982–1988 Bayern Munich, 1988–1990 FC Saarbrücken, 1990–1991 FC Wacker Innsbruck, 1991–1992 FC Homburg, 1992–1993 FC Augsburg, 1993–1994 SpVgg Unterhaching |
| National team | 1981 West Germany U18 |
| Links | Instagram- #thomasbeckenbauer Homepage- newsunzip |
Early Life, Birthday and Education
Thomas Beckenbauer was born in 1963 (age: 60 years, as of 2023) in Munich, Germany. He is the eldest son of Franz Beckenbauer and his first wife, Ingrid Grönke. He has two younger brothers, Michael and Stephan, who both passed away in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Thomas grew up in a football-loving family, as his father was a star player and captain of Bayern Munich and the West Germany national team. Thomas inherited his father’s passion and talent for the game and started playing football at a young age. He joined the youth academy of Bayern Munich and played for their reserve team. However, he did not pursue a professional career as a footballer, unlike his brother Stephan, who played for several clubs in Germany and Austria.
Thomas decided to focus on his education instead. He studied business administration at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and graduated with a degree in 1987. He then went on to pursue a master’s degree in sports management at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, where he met his future wife, Ilona Beckenbaue, who was also a student there. They got married in 1990 and have two children, a son named Luca and a daughter named Lara.
Career and Achievements
After completing his studies, Thomas Beckenbauer started working as a sports marketing consultant for various companies and organizations. He also became involved in the management of his father’s affairs, such as his contracts, sponsorships, and media relations. He helped his father organize the successful bid for Germany to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was widely praised as one of the best events in the history of the tournament. Thomas also served as a board member of the German Football Association (DFB) from 2007 to 2009.
In 2010, Thomas Beckenbauer co-founded SwAM AG, a company that provides software solutions for the sports industry. SwAM stands for Sports with a Mission, and the company’s vision is to use technology to enhance the performance, experience, and social impact of sports. SwAM offers a range of products and services, such as:
- SwAM Coach: A digital platform that helps coaches and athletes to plan, monitor, and analyze their training and performance.
- SwAM Fan: A mobile app that connects fans with their favorite teams and players, and offers them exclusive content, rewards, and opportunities.
- SwAM Academy: An online learning platform that offers courses and certifications in various aspects of sports management, such as marketing, finance, law, and ethics.
- SwAM Impact: A social initiative that supports and promotes sports projects that have a positive impact on society and the environment, such as education, health, and inclusion.
SwAM has grown to become one of the leading companies in the sports technology sector, with clients and partners from around the world, such as FIFA, UEFA, Bundesliga, La Liga, NBA, NFL, and IOC. SwAM has also won several awards and recognitions, such as the European Sports Tech Award, the German Innovation Award, and the Swiss Startup Award.
Thomas Beckenbauer is the co-founder and CEO of SwAM AG, and he is responsible for the overall strategy, vision, and growth of the company. He is also a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at various events and institutions, such as the World Economic Forum, the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, and the Harvard Business School. He is passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility in sports.
Family and Personal Life
Thomas Beckenbauer lives in Zurich, Switzerland, with his wife, Ilona Beckenbaue, and their two children, Luca and Lara. Ilona is also a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of SwAM AG, and she is in charge of the marketing and communications of the company. Luca and Lara are both studying at the University of Zurich, and they are also active in sports and social causes. Luca plays football for the university team, and Lara is a member of the university’s rowing club. They also volunteer for SwAM Impact, and they have participated in several projects, such as teaching football to refugee children, organizing a charity run for cancer research, and planting trees for environmental protection.
Thomas is very close to his father, Franz Beckenbauer, who is his role model and mentor. He often visits his father in Munich, where he lives with his third wife, Heidi Beckenbauer, and their two children, Joel and Francesca. Thomas also has a good relationship with his stepmother and his half-siblings, and they often spend holidays and celebrations together. Thomas also supports his father’s charitable activities, such as the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation, which helps people in need, especially children and young people.
Thomas is a humble, friendly, and generous person, who values his family, friends, and colleagues. He enjoys traveling, reading, and playing golf in his spare time. He is also a fan of art and culture, and he collects paintings and sculptures from various artists. He is a devout Catholic, and he attends church regularly. He is also a loyal supporter of Bayern Munich, and he attends their matches whenever he can.
How Did Thomas Beckenbauer’s Father Die? German Soccer Legend and FIFA World Cup Winner Dies Aged 78 in Munich
The world of soccer is mourning the loss of one of its greatest icons, Franz Beckenbauer, who died on January 3, 2024, at the age of 78. The German legend, who won the FIFA World Cup as both a player and a coach, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by his wife, Heidi. The cause of death has not been revealed, but Beckenbauer had struggled with health problems in recent years, including a heart bypass surgery in 2016 and a kidney transplant in 2019.
Franz Beckenbauer, also known as the ‘Kaiser’ (the Emperor), was a revolutionary figure in soccer, who redefined the role of a defender and led his country to glory on the international stage. He was the captain of the West Germany team that won the World Cup in 1974, and the coach of the West Germany team that won the World Cup in 1990. He is one of only two people in history, along with Brazil’s Mario Zagallo, to achieve this feat. He also won the European Championship in 1972 as a player, and was named the European Footballer of the Year twice, in 1972 and 1976.
He was also a star for his club, Bayern Munich, where he spent most of his playing career. He won four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, and three European Cups with Bayern, and later served as the club’s president and honorary president. He is widely regarded as the greatest player in Bayern’s history, and one of the best players of all time.
Beckenbauer was also instrumental in bringing the 2006 World Cup to Germany, where he served as the head of the organizing committee. The tournament was a huge success, both on and off the pitch, and boosted the popularity and prestige of German soccer. However, he was later accused of involvement in a bribery scandal, which allegedly helped Germany secure the hosting rights. He denied any wrongdoing but was fined and banned by FIFA for failing to cooperate with the investigation.
His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the soccer world and beyond. His former teammates, rivals, colleagues, fans, and friends have expressed their admiration and gratitude for his legacy and achievements. His son, Thomas Beckenbauer, who also played for Bayern Munich and the West Germany under-18 team, called him his “hero” and his “best friend” on social media. His other children, Michael, Stefan, Joel, and Francesca, also shared their grief and love for their father.
Height, Weight
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Weight: 75 kg (165.5 lbs)
- Eye color: Unknown
- Body measurements: Unknown
- Skin color: Caucasian
- Hair color: Blonde
Net Worth
| Year | Net worth |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $2.5 million |
| 2022 | $2.7 million |
| 2023 | $3 million |
