In a sombre announcement on Monday, January 8, the family of German football icon Franz Beckenbauer disclosed the passing of the legendary player at the age of 78. Fondly known as “Der Kaiser” (the emperor), Beckenbauer’s demise has left the football community and fans worldwide in mourning.
The family statement read, “It is with deep sadness that we inform you that my husband and our father Franz Beckenbauer passed away peacefully yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family. We ask that you mourn in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
Franz Beckenbauer, one of European football’s greatest sons, has passed away aged 78.
“Der Kaiser” was an extraordinary player, successful coach and popular pundit who shaped German football like no other. pic.twitter.com/rW12ArNnNh
— UEFA (@UEFA) January 8, 2024
Beckenbauer celebrated as one of the greatest footballers of all time, redefined the role of a defender during his illustrious career. As a player, he captained West Germany to a historic World Cup title in 1974, avenging their loss to England in the 1966 final. His leadership continued as a coach, guiding West Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup, a poignant moment during the country’s reunification following the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be – suddenly darker, quieter, poorer: The German record champions mourn Franz Beckenbauer, the unique “Emperor”, without whom FC Bayern would never have become the club it was Today is.
Rest in peace.
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayern) January 8, 2024
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The football maestro was not only influential on the field but also played a pivotal role in bringing the 2006 World Cup to Germany, although his legacy faced allegations of bribery in securing the hosting rights—an assertion he vehemently denied.
One of the greatest footballers in the club’s history @FC Bayern unfortunately left us. 😞
Rest in peace, Emperor Franz.
We will never forget what you have done for football in Germany. #RIP #kaiser— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) January 8, 2024
Very sad to hear that the great @ Beckenbauer has sadly passed away he was a fantastic player reaching world class status @FIFAWorldCup 🇩🇪 RIP #Legend pic.twitter.com/hFQjo0SeY3
— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) January 8, 2024
One of the greats of our game.
Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer ❤️
— England (@England) January 8, 2024
Known for popularizing the “libero” position, Beckenbauer’s elegance, vision, and tactical prowess defined his captaincy of Bayern Munich, leading the team to three successive European Cup titles from 1974 to 1976.
Very sad to hear that the great @ Beckenbauer has sadly passed away he was a fantastic player reaching world class status @FIFAWorldCup 🇩🇪 RIP #Legend pic.twitter.com/hFQjo0SeY3
— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) January 8, 2024
A true footballing icon.
Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. pic.twitter.com/RqARHeg0jl
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 8, 2024
Beckenbauer’s journey in football saw triumphs and challenges, including a heartbreaking loss in the 1966 World Cup final and a memorable 1974 victory on home soil. His contributions extended beyond Germany, as he ventured to the United States in 1977, leaving an indelible mark on and off the field.
Rivals on the pitch.
Eternal respect off it.
Now, together at rest.Sending heartfelt condolences to our counterparts at Bayern Munich as we mourn the loss of a true great, Franz Beckenbauer ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7ePhAwl8AF
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 8, 2024
Franz Beckenbauer, the player who shaped German football like no other. pic.twitter.com/XAccuYYyI9
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) January 8, 2024
We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Franz Beckenbauer.
He was the first person to win the FIFA World Cup as captain (1974) and manager (1990). pic.twitter.com/ixPAClBiBm
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) January 8, 2024
Despite never having coached before, Beckenbauer took on the challenge of reviving West Germany in 1984 and led the team to the 1986 World Cup final. His managerial prowess continued with a triumph in the 1990 World Cup final in Rome, further solidifying his status as a football icon.
FC Barcelona offers its condolences for the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, legend of world football who has left us today at the age of 78. Rest in peace.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 8, 2024
Franz Beckenbauer: a football poet, gracefully weaving his artistry into the romantic fabric of the beautiful game.
𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲, 𝗥𝘂𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗗𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿. pic.twitter.com/LE02O4hVpy
— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) January 8, 2024
The Bundesliga family is devastated to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. A true icon, then, now, and always. RIP, Der Kaiser. 👑🕊 pic.twitter.com/zE2CcggVNd
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) January 8, 2024
Tributes from the football fraternity poured in, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailing Beckenbauer as a “true legend.” The German Football Federation (DFB) expressed deep gratitude for Beckenbauer’s contributions, emphasizing his impact as both a footballer and a person.
As the football world collectively mourns the loss of Franz Beckenbauer, his legacy remains etched in the annals of the sport, and tributes continue to flow in from players, officials, and fans alike.
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2024-01-09 08:26:42
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