The German Football Federation (DFB) reports that Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history, has passed away at the age of 78.
Franz Beckenbauer, whom the DFB described as “one of the greatest players in the history of this sport and a natural leader,” died in Munich on Sunday, according to the organization. The cause of mortality remains unknown.
Under Beckenbauer’s leadership, West Germany won two World Cups: in 1974, as a player, and in 1990, as head coach.
During his 582 appearances for the German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich from 1965 to 1977, he achieved legendary status and was rewarded with five league championships and three European Cups.
“The Bundesliga family is profoundly saddened to learn of Franz Beckenbauer’s passing. A genuine icon throughout time and space. “May his soul rest in peace, Der Kaiser,” the Bundesliga wrote on Monday via X, formerly Twitter.
Beckenbauer, also referred to by his moniker “Der Kaiser” (“The Emperor”), revolutionized the sweeper position with his commanding, offensive defender style. His impact on the sport was immeasurable.
According to the federation, he participated in 103 international matches for Germany, serving as team captain fifty times.
Additionally, Franz Beckenbauer led his nation to victory in its quest to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
European soccer regulating body UEFA wrote on X,
“‘Der Kaiser’ was an extraordinary player, successful coach, and popular pundit who shaped German football like no one else.” The Premier League described him as “as elegant as he was dominant.”
The only defender in history to have earned the Ballon d’Or twice, Beckenbauer was named the recipient of the prestigious men’s football accolades in 1972 and 1976.
Additionally, he is one of only three individuals to have triumphed in the World Cup in both a playing and managerial capacity.
Bayern stated that Beckenbauer’s passing has “suddenly darkened, quietened, and impoverished” the world, adding that “FC Bayern would never have become the club that it is today” without him.
Herbert Hainer, president of the club, stated, “There are no adequate words to convey the magnitude of our sorrow and the void that Franz Beckenbauer has left in our hearts. He imbued the pitch with an aura of grace, charisma, and effortlessness in his performance. Franz Beckenbauer contributed to the glitz.
Following his tenure at Bayern Munich, Franz Beckenbauer played for the New York Cosmos for two seasons in the United States, where he briefly collaborated with the legendary Pelé and won the “Soccer Bowl” three times.
In addition, in 1982, he captured his final Bundesliga championship with Hamburger SV.
“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Franz Beckenbauer,” wrote former England international Gary Lineker on X. “One of our sport’s all-time greats.” “De Kaiser was the epitome of beauty; he triumphed over the competition with elegance and allure.”
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