Franz Beckenbauer: German football legend dies aged 78

Sad news for the world of football. On Sunday, January 7, 2024, German football legend Franz Beckenbauer passed away at the age of 78. An announcement made bythe German Football Association confirmed his death.

'Franz Beckenbauer was definitely the greatest German footballer of all time, and above all a wonderful man, whom I got to know,' DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke said in a statement. The former player had been suffering with ill health for some time. He had had a hip replacement as well as two heart surgeries in recent years, and lost vision in one of his eyes back in 2019. His family released a statement:

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.

Franz Beckenbauer dies aged 78

Franz Anton Beckenbauer, born on September 11, 1945 in Munich, Germany, was a soccer legend. Nicknamed 'Der Kaiser' (The Emperor) for his unwavering leadership on the pitch, Beckenbauer left an indelible mark on the soccer world as an exceptional player and accomplished coach.

Beckenbauer began his playing career with his hometown club, Bayern Munich, at the age of 14. He soon attracted attention for his innate talent, his vision and his ability to play in several positions. His precocious tactical intelligence was a prelude to an exceptional career.

Beckenbauer enjoyed considerable success with Bayern Munich, helping them win three consecutive Bundesliga titles from 1972 to 1974. He was also a key figure in Bayern's 1974 UEFA Champions League triumph, establishing his international reputation.

Gary Lineker, who played in the England team defeated by Beckenbauer’s Germany in the 1990 semi-final, reacted to the news:

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.”

Beckenbauer also enjoyed international success as captain of the German national team. His outstanding performance as a central defender was crucial at the 1974 World Cup, where West Germany triumphed by beating the Netherlands in the final. This triumph made Beckenbauer one of the few footballers to win the World Cup as a player and later as a coach.

Player and manager

After ending his playing career, Beckenbauer embarked on a new career as a coach and manager. He successfully led the German national team to victory in the 1990 World Cup.

Beckenbauer continued to leave his mark on the world of soccer in a variety of roles. He was president of Bayern Munich and played a key role in the successful organization of the 2006 World Cup in Germany as chairman of the organizing committee.

Though his career was somewhat tarnished by accusations and investigations of fraud and corruption, Franz Beckenbauer received numerous awards for his contributions to football. In 2010, he was elected Honorary President of BayernMunich and received the UEFA President's Award in 2012. His contribution to soccer was immortalized in 2014 with his induction into the International Football Hall of Fame.

This article has been adapted from Gentside FR.

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Sources used :

Franz Beckenbauer's Instagram account

The Guardian: Franz Beckenbauer, World Cup-winning captain and manager, dies aged 78

Independent: German football legend Franz Beckenbauer dies aged 78