Renowned German football icon Franz Beckenbauer, a luminary in the soccer world, passed away at the age of 78, as confirmed by his family in a statement on Monday. Beckenbauer, celebrated as one of the sport’s greatest players, led his country to World Cup triumph as captain in 1974 and later secured victory as a manager in 1990.
The multifaceted Beckenbauer, known for his roles as a player, coach, pundit, and administrator spanning over five decades, received global admiration. Tributes and condolences from around the world poured in on Monday as news of his demise spread.
In a statement released by his family, they expressed deep sorrow, stating, “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.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid tribute, acknowledging Beckenbauer’s dual triumphs as a World Cup winner both as a player and coach. Scholz described him as one of the greatest footballers in Germany, affectionately known as ‘der Kaiser,’ and extended condolences to Beckenbauer’s family and friends.
Beckenbauer’s impact on the pitch, whether for West Germany or Bayern Munich, was marked by his calm and dominant presence. He pioneered the central defensive sweeper role, or ‘libero,’ with his impeccable ball control and effortless distribution.
FC Bayern lamented the loss, stating, “The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it was – suddenly it is darker, more quiet, poorer.”
With 103 caps for West Germany, Beckenbauer achieved notable successes, including the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup. His Bayern team, dominating during the mid-1970s, clinched three successive European Cups and Bundesliga titles.
Beckenbauer’s coaching career saw him lead West Germany to the 1986 World Cup final and triumph with a united Germany team in 1990. He joined the New York Cosmos in a controversial move before returning to Germany to contribute to Hamburg’s Bundesliga victory.
Beyond his contributions to football, Beckenbauer served as manager and club president at Bayern, later becoming vice president of the German FA. His involvement played a pivotal role in Germany hosting the 2006 World Cup.
While his legacy on the field remains indelible, Beckenbauer faced controversies off the pitch. In 2016, he was fined by FIFA’s ethics committee for non-cooperation in an inquiry into corruption related to World Cup awards.
Despite the controversies, Beckenbauer’s impact on German football and his global recognition as a football personality is acknowledged by peers and fans alike. As former teammate Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressed, “Franz Beckenbauer rewrote the history of German football and left a lasting impact on it.”
