Introduction
Stephan Beckenbauer (1 December 1968 – 31 July 2015) was a German footballer who played as a defender.
Football career
Born in Munich, Beckenbauer began playing with local FC Bayern, but never moved past the reserve team during his two-year tenure. He spent the vast majority of his 11-year senior career in the lower leagues, also representing TSV 1860 München, Kickers Offenbach and FC Grenchen.
Beckenbauer's input at the professional level consisted of 12 games in both the Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga with 1. FC Saarbrücken, for which he signed in the 1992 summer. He made his debut in the former competition on 14 August 1992 by coming on as a 79th-minute substitute in a 1–1 away draw against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, as the season ended in relegation after an 18th-place finish.
In 1990, Beckenbauer had a trial with Red Star Belgrade, but did not sign. He retired in 1997 at only 28, returning immediately to Bayern and going on to work with the club as a scout and youth coach.
Death
Beckenbauer died on 31 July 2015, after a long illness. He was 46.
Personal life
Beckenbauer's father, Franz, was also a footballer and a defender. He represented, with individual and team success, Bayern Munich and the German national team, and later managed both.