German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at the age of 78.
Known as ‘Der Kaiser’, Beckenbauer was a formidable defender who played 582 times for Bayern Munich, leading them to numerous victories both as a player and a manager. His achievements include winning the World Cup as the captain of West Germany in 1974 and again as the team’s manager in 1990, making him one of only three men to lift the World Cup both as a player and a manager.
Other major credits include winning the 1972 European Championship (Euro) and receiving the prestigious Ballon d’Or prize twice.
Beckenbauer’s impact on football was significant, as he is credited with redefining the ‘sweeper’ role.
His club career was marked by significant successes, including four league titles and three European Cup wins with Bayern Munich, and a Bundesliga title with Hamburg in 1982.
After retiring as a player he quickly transitioned to management, leading West Germany to the World Cup final in 1986 and to victory in 1990.
Beyond the pitch, Beckenbauer was heavily involved in football administration, serving as Bayern’s president and vice-president of the German Football Association (DFB). He played a key role in bringing the 2006 World Cup to Germany, although his later years were marred by investigations into suspected corruption related to the tournament.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world, with figures like Uli Hoeness, Julian Nagelsmann, Gary Lineker, Thomas Muller, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bernd Neuendorf, Gianni Infantino, and Aleksander Ceferin acknowledging his extraordinary contributions to the sport.
