2026 World Cup Auction
Wed, May 20, 2026 01:00PM EDT - Sun, May 31, 2026 10:30PM EDT
Timed Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Lot 74
1966-68 Franz Beckenbauer West Germany National Team Match Worn Home #4 Jersey (Rare Early Career Exemplar) – Scout Collection, MEARS LOA
Current Bid
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $50 | $5 |
| $100 | $10 |
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 |
| $2,500,000 | $150,000 |
For 70 years the Ballon d’Or has been awarded to the world’s top performing footballer in a calendar year. And in that time, only three defensive players have won this coveted honor. The first was Franz Anton Beckenbauer. The German legend known as “der Kaiser” ("the Emperor") is the only defender to win it twice (1972 and ‘76) while serving as captain for both Bayern Munich and West Germany. Highly technical and incredibly versatile, Beckenbauer started out as a defensive midfielder before evolving into a stalwart center-back. He is widely credited with inventing the modern attacking “libero” or “sweeper” position.
Beckenbauer made 103 caps for West Germany, playing in three World Cups and two European Championships. He was the first captain to win a World Cup (1974) and European Championship (1972) at the international level as well as a European Cup [UEFA Champions League] at the club level, achieving the latter three straight years (1972-74). He is also one of three men to lift the World Cup trophy as both player and manager, guiding West Germany to the 1990 title from the sidelines at the age of 45. His managerial run, which included a short stint at Bayern, elevated his legacy as the most decorated German in football history beyond the great Gerd Müller.
Presented here is a rare, early-career Franz Beckenbauer West Germany match worn home jersey dating to the 1966-68 era. In his first World Cup in 1966 at just 20 years of age, Beckenbauer was instrumental in West Germany's run to the final where they came up just short against England at Wembley Stadium.
The all-white shirt comes with the classic German Football Association (“Deutscher Fußball Bund”) crest sewn on the chest. Made by Umbro, the long-sleeved cotton shirt is properly tagged within the collar by the British sportswear company. The Umbro logo is also stamped in navy blue on the front right tail. Beckenbauer primary wore #4 with the national squad (he wore #5 with Bayern) as this one boasts on the reverse. The number, sleeve ends, and collar trim are all done in black. The all-original shirt exhibits ample wear throughout and has been extremely well-preserved for the next owner. Includes letter of authentication from MEARS.
The Football Scout Collection
Our consignor holds one of the most impressive vintage football jersey collections known to exist. Once a star amateur player, he later worked for multiple clubs and national teams, prospecting young football talent across the globe. Through his experience and unique connections, he procured almost every item directly from players or kitmen. The 1968-70 Beckenbauer away shirt that sold for $15,600 in our 2026 Spring Auction came from the same collection.
Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.
