Franz Beckenbauer, a revered figure in football, has passed away at the age of 78.
He achieved World Cup glory as captain in 1974 and then as manager in 1990 for West Germany.
Known as ‘Der Kaiser,’ Beckenbauer, primarily a defender, played 582 matches for Bayern Munich, securing German top-flight victories as both player and manager.
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He earned the nickname ‘Der Kaiser’ and clinched the European Championship in 1972, along with two Ballon d’Or awards.
A statement from his family, conveyed through German news agency DPA, conveyed their deep sadness at his peaceful passing on Sunday, surrounded by family. They requested privacy during this mourning period.
Bayern Munich, Germany’s premier football club, lamented, ‘The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be – suddenly darker, quieter, poorer.’ They acknowledged that without Beckenbauer, ‘Bayern would never have become the club it is today.’
Beckenbauer’s impactful career included marking Sir Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup final, transitioning from a midfielder to an iconic defensive sweeper. At the age of 20, he scored four goals in the 1966 World Cup and received the award for the tournament’s best young player.
With 103 appearances for West Germany, Beckenbauer is one of three men to have won the World Cup both as a player and a manager, alongside Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and France’s Didier Deschamps. Zagallo passed away last week at 92.
As a player for Bayern, Beckenbauer secured four league titles and captained the team to three European Cup victories in 1974, 1975, and 1976. He also won the Bundesliga with Hamburg in 1982.
As a player, mentor, president, individual: remarkable. No one will at any point contact him,” Hoeness said.
Individuals can say they saw football in Franz Beckenbauer’s time. He was a companion to me, a novel friend – and a gift to us all.”
Germany chief Julian Nagelsmann said: “As far as I might be concerned, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history.
“His understanding of the job of the libero [sweeper] changed the game. This job and his companionship with the ball made him a liberated individual.
“Franz Beckenbauer had the option to drift on the yard. As a footballer, and later likewise as a mentor, he was radiant – he remained above things. At the point when Franz Beckenbauer went into a room, the room illuminated.
