On the Kaiser's Trail

Beckenbauer paid 350,000 DM of his own transfer fee to escape to New York in 1977 — the tax authorities were closing in.

Cosmos would not pay 1.5 million DM. But the Kaiser had to go: the tax authorities were on his trail over undeclared bonuses. He paid the difference himself. Later, he settled with the tax office in traditional Bavarian amigo fashion.

Franz Beckenbauer and his then wife Brigitte at Munich-Riem airport — Franz Beckenbauer and his then wife Brigitte departing from Munich-Riem airport. Photo: Imago Images