People associate the name Franz Beckenbauer with many qualities, qualities which grew from his years of hard work as a football player and an honorary sports representative. Franz Beckenbauer has always been aware that his privileged position is due not least to a gift. He has always had a way not only with all things football, but with people, too - in complete control on the pitch, yet a charming and attentive listener at all other times. He considers himself lucky to have been able to walk on the bright side for most of his life. After finishing his career as an active athlete he wanted to pass on some of his good fortune to those who have been less lucky, to the physically and mentally disabled and to those in need through no fault of their own. With this in mind, he endowed the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation with DM 1 million capital in 1982 and has since won over many industrial, media and sports celebrities to his cause.