2024-01-08 19:38:42
German legend Franz Beckenbauer, considered one of the greatest players in football, passed away at the age of 78.
He won the World Cup in 1974 as captain of West Germany and lifted the cup again as coach in 1990.
The former defender also played 582 times for Bayern Munich, winning Germany’s top-flight football league as both a player and manager.
The player, nicknamed Der Kaiser, won the Ballon d’Or award twice, as well as the European Championship in 1972.
In the statement made by his family to the German news agency DPA, the following was said: “We announce with deep sadness that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family, yesterday, Sunday.”
“We ask that you allow us to mourn in silence and refrain from asking questions.”
Playing as a midfielder, Beckenbauer moved to his iconic position of defensive libero after marking Sir Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup final, which England won 4-2.
He also scored four goals in the 1966 World Cup when he was only 20 years old and won the best young player award of the tournament.
He played 103 times for West Germany.
He won four league titles during his time with Bayern and captained the German giants to three European Cups in 1974, 1975 and 1976. He also won the Bundesliga championship with Hamburg.
Bundesliga “We are saddened to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. He is a true icon yesterday, today and always. RIP, Der Kaiser,” he posted in a statement.
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