The renowned German football legend, Franz Beckenbauer, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest players in the sport, has passed away at the age of 78.
As captain of West Germany in 1974, Franz Beckenbauer secured a World Cup victory and later, as manager in 1990, he lifted the trophy again.
Recognized primarily as a defender, Beckenbauer accumulated 582 appearances for Bayern Munich, achieving success in the German top flight both as a player and a manager.
Nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser,’ his player achievements also include winning the European Championship in 1972 and receiving the Ballon d’Or twice.
A statement from his family to German news agency DPA read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.
“We ask that you allow us to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
Bayern, Germany’s most successful club, said: “The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be – suddenly darker, quieter, poorer.”
They added that without Beckenbauer “Bayern would never have become the club it is today”.
Initially playing as a midfielder, Franz Beckenbauer marked Sir Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup final, where England emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline. He later transitioned to his iconic role as a defensive sweeper.
At the young age of 20, Beckenbauer, who scored four goals in the 1966 World Cup, was honored with the tournament’s best young player award. His international career saw him make 103 appearances for West Germany.
Beckenbauer holds the distinction of being one of three individuals to have secured the World Cup both as a player and a manager, alongside Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and France’s Didier Deschamps. Unfortunately, Zagallo passed away last week at the age of 92.
During his tenure as a player with Bayern, Beckenbauer clinched four league titles and served as captain during the club’s European Cup triumphs in 1974, 1975, and 1976. Additionally, he secured the Bundesliga title with Hamburg in 1982.
Uli Hoeness, Bayern’s honorary president and a former team-mate, described Beckenbauer as the “greatest personality the club has ever had”.
“As a player, coach, president, person: unforgettable. Nobody will ever reach him,” Hoeness said.
“People can say they saw football in Franz Beckenbauer’s time. He was a friend to me, a unique companion – and a gift to all of us.”
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann said: “For me, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history.
“His interpretation of the role of the libero [sweeper] changed the game. This role and his friendship with the ball made him a free man.
“Franz Beckenbauer was able to float on the lawn. As a footballer, and later also as a coach, he was sublime – he stood above things. When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up.”
‘A unique footballer and a loveable person’
Following his departure from Bayern, Beckenbauer joined the New York Cosmos, becoming a prominent figure alongside the Brazilian legend Pele in the growing North American Soccer League.
He concluded his playing career in 1983 and, within a year, transitioned to a managerial role with no prior experience.
Named as the manager of West Germany, Beckenbauer guided his team to the 1986 World Cup final in Mexico. Four years later, he achieved World Cup glory, leading his team to victory over England in the semi-final and avenging the previous champions Argentina in the final.
Former England striker Gary Lineker, who played in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, said: “Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died.
“One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.”
Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Muller said: “One of the greatest footballers in the club’s history has unfortunately left us.
“Rest in peace, Emperor Franz. We will never forget what you have done for football in Germany.”
After a brief managerial spell with Marseille in 1990, Beckenbauer had two managerial tenures with Bayern before transitioning to football administration in 1996.
Serving as Bayern’s president, he assumed the role of vice-president of the German Football Association (DFB) in 1998. Beckenbauer also spearheaded the German committee that successfully secured the hosting rights for the 2006 World Cup.
However, he, along with three others, faced investigation for alleged corruption related to the tournament. In 2020, the trial concluded without reaching a verdict.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, another of Beckenbauer’s team-mates and later Bayern’s chief executive, said: “He was my captain at FC Bayern, my coach at the national team, our president at Bayern and in all of these roles he was not only successful but unique.
“As a personality, he impressed with his great respect for all people – because everyone was equal before Franz.
“German football is losing the greatest personality in its history. We will miss him more than painfully.”
Bernd Neuendorf, president of the DFB, said Beckenbauer was “one of the best players our sport has ever seen”.
“With him, we are losing a unique footballer and a loveable person,” he said.
“With his lightness, his elegance and his overview, he set standards on the field.
“Franz Beckenbauer leaves a great legacy for the DFB and football as a whole.”
Football world pays tribute
Gianni Infantino, president of world football’s governing body Fifa, called Beckenbauer “a legend of German and world football”.
“Der Kaiser was a really great person, a friend of football a champion and a real legend. We will never forget you, dear Franz,” he said.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said the German’s legacy as “one of football’s all-time greats is beyond dispute”.
“His unparalleled versatility, graceful transitions between defence and midfield, impeccable ball control and visionary style reshaped the way football was played in his era,” he said.
In a statement, the Premier League said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, one of football’s greatest ever players.
“A World Cup winner as both player and manager, Der Kaiser was as elegant as he was dominant. He will forever be remembered.”
Peter Shilton, England’s goalkeeper in the 1990 semi-final penalty shootout defeat by West Germany, said: “Very sad to hear that the great Franz Beckenbauer has sadly passed away.
“He was a fantastic player reaching world class status. RIP #Legend.”
Bayern’s Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund said they mourned “the loss of a great German footballer”.
“Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. ‘The Kaiser’ will be remembered forever. Our thoughts are with his family and all his loved ones.”
Liverpool and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish said: “It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game.
“It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time.”