Fews days after one legend’s death had shocked the world, another German legendary player, Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, has died aged 78.
By Olisa Obi
His death comes as another shock to the football world as Brazil legend Zagallo had died just three days ago.
Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup when he was captain of West Germany in 1974, lifted the trophy again as manager in 1990.
The legend was primarily a defender, Nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’. He had played 582 times for Bayern Munich and won the German top flight as both a player and a manager.
He also won the European Championship in 1972, as well as the Ballon d’Or twice.
His passing was confirmed in a statement from his family that said, “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, surrounded by his family.
“We ask that you allow us to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
His former club Bayern Munich in a statement also added, “The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be – suddenly darker, quieter, poorer.”
They confessed that without Beckenbauer, “Bayern would never have become the club it is today“.
Beckenbauer is one of only three men to have lifted the World Cup as both a player and a manager, along with Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and France’s Didier Deschamps.
Zagallo died last week at the age of 92.
Other Achievements from Beckenbauer
As a player at Bayern, Beckenbauer won four league titles and was captain for the German giants’ three European Cup wins in 1974, 1975 and 1976. He also won the Bundesliga with Hamburg in 1982.
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Below is what both former players and some current managers have said about Beckenbauer:
- Uli Hoeness
Bayern’s honorary president and a former team-mate, described Beckenbauer as the “greatest personality the club has ever had“.
“As a player, coach, president, person: unforgettable. Nobody will ever reach him.”
- Julian Nagelsmann
Germany manager, Julian Nagelsmann, said: “For me, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history.
“His interpretation of the role of the libero [sweeper] changed the game. This role and his friendship with the ball made him a free man.”
- Gary Lineker
Former England striker Gary Lineker, who played in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, said: “Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died.
“One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.”
- Thomas Muller
Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Muller said: “One of the greatest footballers in the club’s history has unfortunately left us.
“Rest in peace, Emperor Franz. We will never forget what you have done for football in Germany.”
Beckenbauer was one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of boot. There is no doubt that he will surely be missed.
