Football world mourns passing of German football legend Franz Beckenbauer

Photo Credit: Bayern Munich

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Franz Beckenbauer, one of the most influential figures in football history, died on Sunday in Salzburg. Germany, at the age of 78. He was a legend as both a player and a manager, winning the World Cup in 1974 and 1990. Beckenbauer also won three European Cups with Bayern Munich. He also won the Ballon d’Or two times.

Beckenbauer, nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’, was a master of the game who revolutionized the role of the sweeper. He was known for his elegance, vision, passing, leadership and tactical intelligence. He earned 103 caps and scored 14 goals for West Germany.

Beckenbauer was part of the team that lost to England in the 1966 World Cup final, but he got his revenge in 1974 when he captained West Germany to victory on home soil. He then repeated the feat as a manager in 1990, leading West Germany to their third World Cup title in Italy.

He is one of only three men to have won the World Cup as both a player and a manager, along with Brazil’s Mario Lobo Zagallo and France’s Didier Deschamps. Zagallo also died last week at the age of 92.

Beckenbauer is also remembered for playing in the 1970 World Cup semifinal against Italy, referred to as the ‘game of the century’ with a dislocated shoulder. Germany lost that match 4-3 in overtime to Italy who were then demolished in the final by Brazil led by Pelé and managed by Zagallo.

Franz Beckenbauer playing in the 1970 World Cup semifinal against Italy with a dislocated shoulder – (Photo Credit: Bayern Munich)

Beckenbauer spent most of his playing career at Bayern Munich, where he won four Bundesliga titles and three consecutive European Cups in the 1970s. He also played for Hamburg and New York Cosmos, and later managed Marseille and Bayern.

His family said in a statement that he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loved ones. They asked for privacy and respect in this difficult time.

“Suddenly, our world isn’t the same as it once was — darker, quieter and worse off,” Bayern Munich said in a tribute to their former captain and manager.

“The record champions are mourning the loss of Franz Beckenbauer, the incomparable ‘Kaiser’ without whom FC Bayern would never have become the club it is today.”

Beckenbauer was a true icon of football and a gentleman of the sport. He was widely respected and admired by his peers and fans around the world. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

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