Franz Beckenbauer

No. 3: Franz Beckenbauer (West Germany)

18 games, 5 goals

Beckenbauer redefined the role of the sweeper, and brought a new concept to the position -- the "libero".

His honors were quiet sparkling: Two European Player of the Year awards, three European Cups with Bayern; first, second and third places in the World Cup as a player, first and second places in the World Cup as a coach.

"He was the puppet master, standing back and pulling the strings," an admiring fan observed.